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First Deer of The Season
One of the ways we save money in our house is through hunting. My husband is an excellent shot and has already started bow hunting this year. Now mind you I am not talking about mindless trophy hunting because that is not what it is about. We use the meat that my husband and daughter catch, and it can add up to some really great savings. Living at the shore the deer are smaller so a small doe can give you forty to fifty pounds of good usable meat.
That is a decent number of meals from one deer, they also hunts duck, and other small game. What is good about this from my perspective is the wild game hasn't been shot full of antibiotics or hormones. That translates into being organic in my book which in the long run is better for my family. Venison is also a leaner meat. I will often make jerky out of some of it which is a good high protein snack and great for hiking or your grab and go bag. Just store it in a sealed mylar bag if you're going that route.
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The scraps or parts we do not really eat I will make into treats and dehydrate for my dogs. They absolutely love these tasty treats.
The one thing I will say is if you're going to hunt be responsible, follow the rules and guidelines that are set by your state. It isn't hard and if you're into prepping this is a must needed skill to learn. If you figure it at the low end of cost per a pound that is around one hundred dollars in savings per a deer. Is it work yes! Does venison taste different from beef or pork? Of course it does, it has its own flavor not unlike many other meats. What is great though is that today there are so many wonderful recipes for venison out there that it isn't hard to find good ones that your family will love. One of our favorites is a crock-pot pot roast that simmers and cooks all day, which we have over egg noodles. Yum!
It is important to clean the deer meat and allow it a few days to bleed out in your fridge, I've found this helps with the gamey taste venison can sometimes have. The other thing to remember is the meat has a whitish film or membrane that you need to remove. Is it work yes, but is it worth it absolutely.
I prefer when my husband uses his bow its much cleaner and you're not looking for pellets from the shotgun shells. If this is a new idea for you there are gun safety classes out there another way to learn is through a gun club, or a friend who already hunts. I know there are people out there who are anti-hunting, but there are several benefits to the sport.
First it is a responsible way to provide population control, there is nothing sadder than seeing an animal that has starved to death from lack of food. Deer are very prolific and can overpopulate there area’s very easily. Secondly if you're a responsible hunter it is less traumatic than the way beef or chicken are slaughtered. It is natural pursuit. Man has been hunting for food since the beginning of his time on earth.
Lastly the savings you will find from catching your own verses buying meat makes this a great way to save money. Aside from the tips for the arrows that can sometimes break, or your shells if you prefer a gun to hunt this can be a lifesaver when cutting costs. This is just another way you can save money and do for yourself, its also a great activity that doesn't involve cell phones, ipods or video games that seem to consume our kids lives. So if you're a prepper looking to become more self sufficient, or an individual looking to save money this is a must needed skill to develop and use. Facts About Venison Per the USDA
- Venison
Calories 159 - % Daily Value*
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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