HUNTING AT THE RANCH

VENISON CHILI

 

A few years ago my Grandpa mailed me this chili recipe from Field and Stream. It looked pretty interesting so I thought I would give it a try. So far I have made it twice and I love the complexity of the flavors. As all good cooks do, I have my own modifications. If you are looking for something new to warm you up this winter try this one out.

 

Ingredients:

2	lbs venison
1/4	lb bacon, diced
2	medium yellow onions, diced
1	medium red onion, diced
2	jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
1	red pepper, seeded and diced
1	yellow pepper, seeded and diced
1	green pepper, seeded and diced
2	oz canned chipotle chilies in adobo sauce , seeded and chopped fine
3	cloves garlic, minced
1/4	cup balsamic vinegar
4	tbsp chili powder
1	tbsp paprika
1	tbsp cumin
1	tbsp salt
1	tbsp black pepper
1	tbsp cinnamon
1/4	cup honey
1	tbsp molasses
1	pint Guinness or other stout beer
1/2	cup red wine
1 1/2	c whole plum tomatoes , or 1 whole can
1	can crushed tomatoes
2	cans black beans

Recipe Directions for Field and Stream Editor's Venison Chili

1. In large pan, saute venison until just cooked. Drain and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary to keep from crowding in the pan.
2. In a large pot with a heavy bottom, saute bacon over medium heat until it's brown and has given up its fat. Remove and set aside.
3. Saute onions and peppers in the bacon fat, stirring frequently until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and vinegar and cook for two minutes. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon and cook, stirring often, for about three minutes. Add venison and bacon. Stir well and cook for one minute.
4. Add honey, molasses, beer, wine and tomatoes. Mix well, bring to a boil, adjust heat to low.
5. Cook at a slow simmer, uncovered, for about an hour and stir frequently. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more chili powder or chipotle chillies if you want more heat.
6. Add beans and cook for another hour, continuing to stir. The chili is done when it's thick enough to your liking.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Makes 12 servings - and don't forget the cornbread!

EAGLE CLAW SWITCH ROD BUILD

MATERIALS:
Eagle Claw Fly Rod
Spey Rod Butt
Arrow Shaft
Two 5 Minute Epoxys
Masking Tape
Gloves and Drop Cloth (optional but helpful)

TOOLS:
Vise
Pliars
Drill
Dremmel with Cut-Off Disc or Hacksaw

One thing I should have mentioned in the video. Be careful if you use a Dremmel tool to cut the hardware it will heat up fast! Be careful and have fun.If you have any questions contact us on Facebook or leave a comment below.
Special thanks to This River is Wild for the idea.

SIMMS RIVERTEK BOA REVIEW

You may have noticed in the last post there was a hint of some of the new gear I've been testing out this winter. I am excited to share how impressed I was with the Simms RiverTek BOA wading boots.

 If you recall I utterly destroyed my old wet wading boots and was in dire need of a replacement before the cold season.  I was originally looking at getting the Simms Guide boot because of how durable and rugged it looked. After I researched a few options I stopped in at Tailwaters (and I'm sure glad I did). The guys there were a lot of help. Once I felt how heavy the Guide boot was compared to the RiverTek, I knew it was a boot I could wear for days. It was so light! I was a little concerned about the BOA lace system because honestly... it looks like a gimmick; which is why I didn't give them much of a second look the first time. After he explained the lifetime warranty, I decided to give them a try. After a week on the water here is my initial assessment:

• The light-weight boots were comfortable all week during 9 hour days on my feet

• The synthetic materials help them dry fast. 

• The neoprene liners inside make them ideal to also wear as a summer boot summer with a light wading sock. 

• The BOA laces make them easy to take off and adjust quickly.

• Lastly, the Rubber Vibram soles are awesome. I was climbing over slick rocks and walking on logs all day. They hold tight. They are easy to clean so you don't transport invasive species like Didymo. They are compatible with the carbide StreamTread studs and cleats. As long as the majority of your fishing isn't done out of a boat. I would recommend using them, they worked great! Its a small investment that can save you a dangerous slip that could end up spilling your gear into the drink or worse yet spending the rest of your R&R in a hospital bed.

The only negative so far is the one reservation I had from the beginning. I like how low profile the lace system is, but if you have a breakdown on the river that warranty isn't going to save your fishing day. You can order a spare replacement kit and its fairly inexpensive, or pack some paracord in case you get in a pinch. So far I haven't had to do this, but in my opinion this seems to be the weakest link. Only time will tell. You can be sure I'll update this as I spend more time using them.

So far I love these boots. If you're looking for a new pair check out your local shop and try these on before you make up your mind. You might be just as surprised as I was.

THANKSGIVING

GEAR REVIEW - ONTARIO RAT 1

The Ontario RAT 1 is easily one of the best value blades I have found. When it comes to features this knife compromises in the right places and still offers a blade with great quality.

Length:

• Overall: 8.62"
• Blade: 3.6"
• Closed: 5"

Weight:

• 5.037 oz

After two years of testing it's still one of my favorite knives to carry every day. Coming in at under $30 you wont feel guilty putting it through the gauntlet. Although this blade may not offer premium materials you will find in knives ten times the price, it does offer features you usually can't find at this price point. The quality of materials and craftsmanship at this price are pretty unbelievable. This is one blade I can highly recommend if you are looking for a great value that will stand up to hard use.

Pro

• Price
• Looks awesome
• AUS 8 Stainless steel strong and holds a decent edge
• Great blade shape
• Stainless steel liners
• 4 way adjustable clip
• Dual thumb studs
• Comfortable ergo grip
• Lanyard hole

Con

• AUS 8 Steel can rust
• Zytel nylon scales are a little slick
• Liner lock
• Blade finish chips easily
• Made in Taiwan

MADNESS

I finally got the time this weekend to put up a video that I have been wanting to upload for over a month. In September my brother and dad made some time to getaway for the weekend to go fishing together. It's something I wish we could do more often and I'm always grateful when we can. Thank you to Ron and Catherine for your hospitality and to our wives for letting us have some unsupervised play time!