Elk Pot Pie – Field to Table

If you’re looking for a hearty recipe to feed the family elk and other harvests, you have to try this pot pie recipe. It’s delicious, hearty, and my family loves it. You can prepare this as a make ahead dish. Bake, cool, wrap and freeze it for later. It’s perfect on a cold winter evening.

As always, adapt the recipe to what you and your family’s taste buds like. Make it your own.

Elk Meat Pot Pie

Start to finish: 1 hour
Serves: 12

Ingredients

2 – Premade pie crusts in a 9-inch pan (substitute 2 flat pie crusts or make your own for use with your pans)
2 – Premade puff pastry, or flat pie crusts, (room temperature) rolled flat
1/2 cup butter
3 – carrots, washed and chopped
4 – cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1/2 – small yellow onion, peeled and diced
1 – small elk roast, trimmed and cubed (substitute venison, beef, or other red meat)
2 – zucchini, washed and chopped
1/3 cup all-purpose white flour
2 cups beef broth
1 beef bouillon cube, crushed
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon Rosemary spice
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons salt

Directions

Crust

Preheat your oven to 400 F. Pierce the bottom of the pie crusts with a knife or fork, and place them into the oven. Bake the crusts until they’re golden brown, approximately 10 – 15 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

While your crusts are baking, prepare the filling. 

Filling

In a large pot melt the butter over medium heat. Add the carrots, garlic, and onion. Sautee the vegetables until the onion becomes translucent. Add the elk meat to the pot, stirring to combine them with the vegetables and cooking until the meat is browned. Add the zucchini to the pot. Gradually sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir until combined until the remainder dd the remainder of the flour, stirring until combined. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, approximately five minutes to brown the flour.

Add the beef broth and crushed bouillon to the pot of cooked vegetables and elk meat. Cook, stirring continually until the liquid begins to thicken. Add the heavy cream and continue stirring the mixture as it thickens into a gravy. Add the Rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt to taste.

Bake the Pie

Scoop your filling into the prebaked crusts, spreading it evenly. Lay your puff pastries on top of the filled pie pans. Press the edges of the top layer onto the bottom layer of pie crust, trim the edges if necessary. Pierce the top crust with a sharp knife several times to allow for venting while it bakes.

Place the pies on a lined baking sheet to catch spills. Place them it into the oven and bake 30 to 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes prior to serving.

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Savory Elk Stew – Instant Pot Recipe

Wintertime in Colorado calls for a savory elk stew dinner. One of the best things about a successful hunt is enjoying delicious meals for several months. Each time I thaw a package of elk meat I’m reminded of the hunt itself, the work it took to get to place my tag on an animal, the work of dressing it and packing it out, then packaging it for the freezer.

All of the work that goes into the hunt makes it that much more delicious when I cook it up and put it on the table. Any good hunter knows that the best tasting elk meat begins with a well-placed shot, which starts with training months before the hunt. Once the shot’s landed and the animal is down the care of the meat in the field makes all the difference.

I’m proud to say that the rutting-bugling bull that I arrowed last September is tasty in many recipes. Here’s a yummy one I whipped up today.

Savory Elk Stew

Start to finish 1 hour, 15 minutes
Serves 12

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
1 pound elk meat, cubed (Substitute venison, beef, or other red meat.)
5 potatoes, peeled and cubed (If you like peels, leave them on.)
2 carrots, chopped
1 small butternut squash, peeled, cleaned, and chopped
1 small white onion, sliced
4 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 tablespoon tomatoe paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon Rosemary spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Turn your Instant Pot, or other multipurpose electric pressure cooker, to the Sauté or brown function. Add the butter and let it melt, then add the cubbed elk meat. Stir the elk meat until all sides are browned. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Place the lid on and turn it to the locking position. Make sure the vent/valve is closed. Turn the pot’s setting to the stew function and cook for 45 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for releasing the pressure on the pot before opening the lid.

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Success, Relationships, Country Life, Goals

As we head into February it’s time to reflect, renew, and keep pushing toward our goals. Keep striving to become a better you.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

~Winston Churchill

2019 seems to have begun with a jolt. I’m excited about the momentum I have and I aim to keep it going. However, I have so many friends and family that have been struck with adversity. I hope they can keep going despite the challenges they face.

“Success is not final…” Even though things are rolling in a good direction for me, right now, I won’t call it success. I’m on the road to success and it’s possibly never ending. When I think about the meaning of success, I define it in various ways. It could be achieving a goal. It could be filling a tag. Maybe to some it’s about being rich or out doing someone else.

In my mind the last one on the list is a definition of failure. We should make it a goal to help others, not outdo them. Of course, there are competitions, but in relationships it’s only an achievement if it’s a Win-Win.

If someone doesn’t want to have a 4,000 square-foot mansion, then that shouldn’t be required. If they want to have a pasture of horses, let them. If they don’t want livestock but instead want to grow crops, so be it. We live in a day and age where so many people try to define you by their expectations — Totally discounting what yours may be.

Do you ever wonder how far this tangled endeavor of rules and boundaries and definitions may go? I sure do. We’ll see what covenants happen this year in our beautiful little ranch/farming community. We just might be told how many and what color animals we’re allowed to let roam in our front pasture. Think I’m joking? I’m not.

Why don’t these people care about your or my opinion? Because they don’t know us. They’re not connected to us. They only care about themselves. They’ll approach a conversation with their story, their perspective, their feelings.

How do “Me” and “I” help in your relationships? They don’t, yet that’s how many people approach others nowadays. For the month of
February I challenge you to pay attention to how many times you add your story into a conversation, discounting that of whomever you’re speaking with. — Test it out. Give it a try. Let me know how it goes.

Try the challenge in the virtual and the real world. Remember, last month I challenged you to engage in conversations with the people you come across in person. I hope that’s been going well. While technology may build some sort of report, we need to nurture the relationships that are right before us — in real life.

“Treasure your relationships, not your possessions.”

Anthony J. D’Angelo

8 Ways to Improve Your Relationships

  1. Listen – How many times have you attempted to engage in a conversation only to see that your counterpart’s eyes are glazed over? Have you ever spoken about an experience, challenge, or idea only to have the other person(s) cut you off to tell you their thoughts or stories? Conversations aren’t always about you. Learn to listen.
  2. Be Curious – Do you know it all? My bet is that you don’t. If you’re a good listener your curiosity should become aroused. Start asking questions and be interested in others. You’d be surprised what you could learn about them. Your interest in other people makes them feel better. Your listening and questioning will save you money since you’ll know the gifts that they actually want.
  3. Communicate – Listening and asking questions is a start to good communication. As you practice these skills, you need to learn when it’s appropriate to interject your ideas and opinions. Check your emotions and learn what works best; Communications strategies will vary with each individual. The challenge is being diverse in each conversation.
  4. Be Respectful – The number one relationship mistake I witness people making is neglecting qualities one, two and three (listed above), followed by digging in their heals and fighting to be right. Children are to respect adults and adults need to reciprocate. We are all entitled to our opinions and shouldn’t decide to cut others off if they don’t see things the way we do. Respect the views of others.
  5. Remember Your Manners – One of the best places to visit with family, friends, and colleagues is around the table. There are books you can buy if you didn’t have a mentor to teach you good etiquette (try THIS FOR LADIES or THIS FOR GENTLEMEN). Manners are imperative is at the table, and it’s a great place to enjoy good fellowship; Don’t ruin it. If you’re shoveling food into your mouth, talking with a mouth full of food, or other forgetting to clasp your hands and bow your head in prayer (whether you believe in God or not), others may likely wish you weren’t there and fear to engage in conversation because they don’t know what other atrocious actions you’ll display. NEVER stuff your napkin in someone’s face whether in jest or not. — NEVER!
  6. Be Present – This point refers back to number one, above. If you are present, you’ll know what is happening, what protocol the host is calling for, or what you’re guests may need. Put down your device, come back from day-dream land and work on the steps listed above.
  7. Value – Count your blessings and value the people you have in your life. If you forget to follow tips one thru six, you just may not have them around.
  8. Be a Gift – Be someone who is remembered with a smile, not just after life but here and now. This year, I challenge you to learn how you can be a blessing to others — Not in the ways you think are great, but in ways that they will love too.

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Help me create better videos for YOU by showing your support at Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/MiaAnstine.

Advertisements on this site do not express or represent the opinion of MAC Outdoors or Mia Anstine. This article may include affiliate links. 

Crazy Fox Bites can Educate Wildlife Lovers

Here’s a crazy story for you today — A crazy like a fox story. Don’t we all need a little, “Wow!” or “What the … ?” nowadays? With all of the politics and hatred going around I certainly haven’t seen many posts or articles that don’t make me cringe. This one may insight a grimace but differently.

Words of wisdom or caution – “Do not feed wild animals.”

Fox bites homeowner, tests positive for rabies

LAS VEGAS, NM – On Saturday, Conservation Officer Justin Hepler responded to a call from a Las Vegas homeowner who was bitten by a fox she believed was starving when she attempted to feed it.

After meeting with the bite victim at a local hospital, the officer learned the fox had jumped into a parked vehicle and began eating insulation on the door and chewing on a hammer handle. The homeowner admitted to offering the fox a bowl of dog food when it bit her on the wrist and hand, leaving several puncture wounds on both arms.

Once on the scene, the officer was able to locate the fox, discovering it exhibiting abnormal behaviors consistent with rabies. The officer first attempted to capture it, but when it became aggressive and attacked he euthanized it. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish submitted the fox for testing to the state’s Scientific Laboratory Division. Results came back positive for rabies late Monday.

“It’s important to stay away from any animals acting sick, fearless, aggressive or friendly,” said Dr. Kerry Mower, wildlife disease specialist for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “It’s also important people never attempt to feed wildlife.”

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be spread among mammals, most commonly through aggressive behavior, such as biting, that causes exposure to saliva. It is most commonly found in foxes, bats, skunks, coyotes and racoons, but can be transmitted to humans and pets.

The public should contact their local Department of Game and Fish office or call radio dispatch at (505) 827-9376 for assistance with wildlife acting oddly, especially coyotes, skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. The public should immediately contact the New Mexico Department of Health at (505) 827-0006 if they or their pets are bitten or otherwise exposed to the saliva of wild animals.

Here are some guidelines to help protect yourself and your family from rabies:

  • Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may seem friendly or become aggressive.
  • Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license and rabies tags on their collar.
  • Horses and other livestock should be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them.
  • If you or a loved one are bitten by an animal, or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water and seek medical care as soon as possible. Be sure to report the bite to local conservation officers, animal control officers, and/or health officials as soon as possible for recommendations about receiving rabies exposure protective vaccination.
  • Keep pets on a leash at all times.
  • If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound appears to be superficial.
  • If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally, stay away and report it to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. For more info about rabies see the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/rab/

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Adventure Stories Connecting Hunters at SCI Convention

Update: My apologies. I included a link to a collector, no longer in print, edition of the book. Please use this link instead. It’s a bit more affordable. I’ll leave the pricey one linked below for any of you who may be interested. ~Mia

Sitting around the table, telling stories, and relating to one another is a time-old means of connecting with others and it’s no different at this year’s Safari Club International Convention (SCI). Each year at the event we enjoy the pleasure of spending lunch with a group of writers and other media.

Remember, the word of the month is “Relationships.”

When you’re at a lunch with a media group the stories told around the lunch table may be of publications, works passed, politics, and adventures. I particularly enjoy sitting back, listening, and most often learning from the experiences recounted at the table. The knowledge that surrounds me is priceless.

Each year at our lunches we also meet and listen to various speakers. This year, my surprise, we are blessed with the presence of Denny Geurink. As I read the headline of his presentation, ‘Hairraising Adventures in the Land of the Bear,’ I figured this would be interested. I always love a good bear story.

Denny has an amazing story to tell, and there simply wasn’t enough time in a lunch hour to hear the whole thing, so can you guess what’s next? I mentioned that we’re a group of writers and media, so did you guess that we’ll have yet another book to add to our reading lists? — YES. We’ll be reading another book. Keep reading to learn more!

CLICK HERE to refer to last month’s book and my thoughts.

Denny has been in the writing business for some time and for about four decades produced a column in Field & Stream magazine. He shared with us that during his tenure at F&S magazine he became the first American to be invited to, and attend, a hunt in Russia.

Just after the fall of the Soviet Union, the writer embarked on a life-changing hunt to Siberia. After hearing only a couple of details about this adventure, it intensely reminds me of my trek to Russia with Sako Rifles. From learning the rules of the land to attempting to communicate in a land of languages unknown, the bear and moose pursuits echo those of my own.

Those are not the reason I’d like us to read Denny’s book. It’s the adventure that I find intriguing. It is the “excitement, mystery, danger, and adventure of living and traveling in Siberia” and adventures of rubbing elbows with the KGB, meeting Russian dignitaries, and living in tents and trappers’ cabins in Siberia with the local natives that I find fascinating. Let’s read this one.

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7 Ways to Improve Your Relationships in the New Year

Out here on the Funny Farm we’ve been planning for the new year for about a year. We’ve been setting, expanding, and working on goals every month. Our schedules run so far ahead that it’s not as though suddenly 2019 strikes us as a surprise. In our busy lives, we have to remember that relationships are important for all of our goals or resolutions.

In this age of technology, I’m happy to live a country way of life that my parents, aunts, uncles and godparents and friends taught me. I feel blessed that you’re following me and I can share a bit of it with you. Technology has brought people together in a roundabout way, yet in another, it has torn people apart. We spend time locked in on our devices, checking and rechecking, and scrolling and tapping on family’s, friend’s, and stranger’s posts. Let’s remember that country way of living by sharing our lives with others.

While technology may build some sort of report, what are we doing in the relationships that are right before us — in real life? How are things with your family, friends, and colleagues? How can you improve those relationships?

8 Things to Improve Your Relationships

  1. Listen – How many times have you attempted to engage in a conversation only to see that your counterpart’s eyes are glazed over? Have you ever spoken about an experience, challenge, or idea only to have the other person(s) cut you off to tell you their thoughts or stories? Conversations aren’t always about you. Learn to listen.
  2. Be Curious – Do you know it all? My bet is that you don’t. If you’re a good listener your curiosity should become aroused. Start asking questions and be interested in others. You’d be surprised what you could learn about them. Your interest in other people makes them feel better. Your listening and questioning will save you money since you’ll know the gifts that they actually want.
  3. Communicate – Listening and asking questions is a start to good communication. As you practice these skills, you need to learn when it’s appropriate to interject your ideas and opinions. Check your emotions and learn what works best; Communications strategies will vary with each individual. The challenge is being diverse in each conversation.
  4. Be Respectful – The number one relationship mistake I witness people making is neglecting qualities one, two and three (listed above), followed by digging in their heals and fighting to be right. Children are to respect adults and adults need to reciprocate. We are all entitled to our opinions and shouldn’t decide to cut others off if they don’t see things the way we do. Respect the views of others.
  5. Remember Your Manners – One of the best places to visit with family, friends, and colleagues is around the table. There are books you can buy if you didn’t have a mentor to teach you good etiquette (try THIS FOR LADIES or THIS FOR GENTLEMEN). Manners are imperative is at the table, and it’s a great place to enjoy good fellowship; Don’t ruin it. If you’re shoveling food into your mouth, talking with a mouth full of food, or other forgetting to clasp your hands and bow your head in prayer (whether you believe in God or not), others may likely wish you weren’t there and fear to engage in conversation because they don’t know what other atrocious actions you’ll display. NEVER stuff your napkin in someone’s face whether in jest or not. — NEVER!
  6. Be Present – This point refers back to number one, above. If you are present, you’ll know what is happening, what protocol the host is calling for, or what you’re guests may need. Put down your device, come back from day-dream land and work on the steps listed above.
  7. Value – Count your blessings and value the people you have in your life. If you forget to follow tips one thru six, you just may not have them around.
  8. Be a Gift – Be someone who is remembered with a smile, not just after life but here and now. This year, I challenge you to learn how you can be a blessing to others — Not in the ways you think are great, but in ways that they will love too.

Cheers, friends. Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I wish you many blessings in each day and in the coming year. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Advertisements on this site do not express or represent the opinion of MAC Outdoors or Mia Anstine. This article may include affiliate links. 

Things You Must Add to Your 2019 To-Do List | 053 MAC Outdoors Podcast

We’re saying goodbye to 2018 and welcoming in 2019 with three things hunters, outdoorsmen, and shooters need to add to their goals in the coming year. We’ve also added a fun giveaway. You’ll have to listen to this show for details. Happy New Year from the MAC Outdoors Podcast!

Important links for today’s show:

Show’s Social Outlets:

MAC Outdoors Instagram
MAC Outdoors YouTube
MAC Outdoors Facebook
MAC Outdoors Twitter

Legit Outdoors YouTube
Lea’s Facebook PageLea’s Twitter

Mia Anstine YouTubeMia’s Facebook Page
Mia’s Twitter

MAC Outdoors Podcast:

The dynamic mother/daughter duo share their hunting, shooting, and outdoor adventures. You’ll find tips, tricks, lessons, and tales from the trail. Mia is a mom, hunting guide, writer, and vlogger who lives on a ranch in Colorado. Her daughter, Lea, also a guide, is a passionate young hunter who’s in the second year of her college journey. TUNE IN because you never know what obstacles and inspiration they’ll encounter as they head outside for new adventures.

Help us create better podcasts for YOU by showing your support at Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/MiaAnstine.

Advertisements on this site do not express or represent the opinion of MAC Outdoors or Mia Anstine. This article may include affiliate links.

Archery Elk – Gear for the Hunt | 052 MAC Outdoors Podcast

This week Mia and Lea wrap up the series about the archery elk hunting season with a review about the gear they use. Hear about the gear that helped or hindered the archer during her hunt. You will get the inside scoop on calling in elk and many other pieces of gear you don’t want to miss.

Important links for today’s show:

Show’s Social Outlets:

MAC Outdoors Instagram
MAC Outdoors YouTube
MAC Outdoors Facebook
MAC Outdoors Twitter

Legit Outdoors YouTube
Lea’s Facebook PageLea’s Twitter

Mia Anstine YouTubeMia’s Facebook Page
Mia’s Twitter

MAC Outdoors Podcast:

The dynamic mother/daughter duo share their hunting, shooting, and outdoor adventures. You’ll find tips, tricks, lessons, and tales from the trail. Mia is a mom, hunting guide, writer, and vlogger who lives on a ranch in Colorado. Her daughter, Lea, also a guide, is a passionate young hunter who’s in the second year of her college journey. TUNE IN because you never know what obstacles and inspiration they’ll encounter as they head outside for new adventures.

Help us create better podcasts for YOU by showing your support at Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/MiaAnstine.

Advertisements on this site do not express or represent the opinion of MAC Outdoors or Mia Anstine. This article may include affiliate links.

Women Only Firearms Event

This and other women’s only events, presented by the NRA, are helpul to women with all levels of firearms experience. Be sure to check it out, or share it with someone who would be interested.

NRA Women’s Wilderness Escape Partners with Leupold and Kristy Titus

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association’s Women’s Wilderness Escape program has partnered with Leupold and Kristy Titus of Pursue the Wild to introduce a new women-only firearms training event for 2019. 

From June 3-7, 14 ladies will spend three days in central Oregon’s beautiful town of Redmond learning to handle and shoot a scoped rifle and an optical sighted pistol. All women over the age of 18 are welcome to attend. The $1,200 registration fee includes all firearms, ammunition, targets, classes, activities, ground transportation, lodging and most meals.

Novice shooters, hunters, competitors and experienced shooters will all gain a wealth of knowledge and skills in this course. The curriculum includes two days of scoped rifle instruction and one day of basic optical-sighted defensive pistol instruction. Leupold’s knowledgeable instructors will lead the course and teach each student to be comfortable and accurate with both firearm platforms. Kristy Titus will be in attendance to help mentor the participants with her outdoor, hunting and shooting experience. 

NRA’s Women’s Wilderness Escape events are the premier shooting sports and hunting training excursions tailored exclusively for women. The program provides opportunities for women ages 18 and older of all different skills levels to explore and learn about shooting, hunting and the outdoors with some of the most skilled NRA Certified Instructors and outdoor specialists.

Registration is now open for the Leupold Academy Rifle & Pistol Instruction with Kristy Titus as well as three other 2019 NRA Women’s Wilderness Escape events: 

For more information about NRA’s Women’s Wilderness Escape events or to register, visit https://wwe.nra.org, call (800) 672-7435 option 5, or email wwe@nrahq.org. 

About the National Rifle Association

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. 5.5 million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit http://www.nra.org.

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Advertisements on this site do not express or represent the opinion of MAC Outdoors or Mia Anstine. This article may include affiliate links.