It's that time of year when we start getting out our hunting gear, placing trail cams, practice shooting, and overall just start getting the fever of hunting season. We all have our favorite hunting season, whether it is deer, elk, bear or duck we are all hyped and getting our gear ready. Some preparation is less than others when it comes to the species and the area you will be hunting. When you take on a hunt that puts you at 10,000 feet above sea level the preparation can be extensive. I have been hunting Utah for seven years for elk and my base camp sits at the 10,000 foot mark. Over the past years I have seen and experienced many situations that can be avoided with proper preparation.

It’s that time of year when just about everyone’s wild game reserves are running low. If you’re lucky enough to still have some shanks left over, give this delicious recipe a try!

When you meet people who enjoy and love the same interests as you a lifelong friendship is sure to follow. Upon meeting Sean on a spearfishing trip, he took to the Big Island (Hawaii island) it didn’t take long before we were sharing old stories and we couldn’t stop talking about how we needed to get into the woods with bow in tow during the next axis deer rut on his home island of Maui. The months couldn’t fall off the calendar fast enough, but it was time to get packed and fly over. I invited my dad, who at the time was working so much and wasn’t able get to spend as much time out of the office than he would’ve liked. I threatened him with a good time and said “You have to go, no ifs, ands, or buts!!” and thanks to my mom’s words of encouragement we went.

If you’re an avid deer hunter looking for a new challenge, try your hand at axis deer. They are a highly sought after exotic species, and extremely difficult to hunt: They tend to stay in thick cover and have excellent eyesight and sense of smell. Not only do they have incredible trophy potential, due to their majestic nature and rareness, but they also have the best tasting venison in the world. On top of that they also have different yearly cycles compared to other deer, with peak rut in the middle of the summer, and are usually available to hunt year-round due to their status as an invasive species, making them a good option for the typical off-season. 

Hidden away in the quiet town of Lebanon, Kansas, lies one of the best-kept hunting secrets in North America: The Trouvaille Hunting Lodge. This remarkable little lodge is nestled in the middle of picturesque countryside, perfect for hunters and recreationists from across the country. Reconnect with the outdoors and rejuvenate your soul at this family friendly lodge that’s perfect for small, tight-knit groups.

Barbecue season is in full swing, this is a perfect recipe to turn that big game roast you just found in the bottom of your freezer into some delicious BBQ sandwiches. This recipe is very simple but does require brining the roast for 2-3 days before placing it in the smoker. After smoking, I like to cut the roast into thin slices and pile the meat on a brioche bun with some fresh homemade pickles and a light drizzle of good BBQ sauce.

Growing up with an Italian mom, from New York who worked a lot, you can say pasta was on the menu more than a couple times a week. We ate it so much that I stay away from the pasta as much as possible now. This definitely helps when we are hiking the hills, to skip those extra carbs 4 days a week. Of course there is always an exception to this rule, for me it comes in the delicious form of stuffed manicotti. It’s similar to lasagna, but what manicotti actually translates to is little muffs. They are large pasta tubes that you stuff with meats and/or cheeses and bake until the mozzarella is bubbling. It looks so good coming out of the oven that you can’t help but burn your mouth on that lava hot goodness!

The crostini has made a name for itself in restaurants, at dinner parties, and on home date nights. The canvas of a blank French bread allows the chef to paint the diner’s palette with a full flavor experience all in one bite. Working with the crostini can open creative avenues without requiring much time or cooking experience, therefore making it one of my favorite ways to practice building complex and well-rounded flavor profiles I can then rotate into my cooking compilation.

Dan Beaudry is a lifelong hunting enthusiast: He started when he was 13 years old and hasn’t stopped since. He’s 68 years old now, but he still makes sure to participate in every deer season with his longtime hunting party in Wisconsin.

What started out as a group of friends hunting together eventually turned into a generational venture, as many of the hunters brought their children out to hunt with them. It’s grown over the years and now they all look forward to every trip together.

Code Blue Buck Tarsal Glands are a must-have for any serious deer hunter. Made from real tarsal glands, these are designed to use the scent of a dominant buck, attracting other bucks to your hunting area. The included zip tie makes it easy to hang the bag over scrapes and branches, and the resealable packaging ensures that the scent stays fresh for future use.