Hirshey's Hunts 2018

[hirshey]

Jeff and Derrick then parted ways; Derrick's destination was to me, and Jeff's was back to camp to grab Dan. Dan was new to hunting, and was very interested in the process of boning out a deer, so Jeff wanted to be certain he wouldn't miss out. They arrived mid-effort on my animal, but just in time to see my excitement in finding the lace fat... you see, I had watched an episode of Meat Eater where Steven had used the caul fat to wrap a portion of the backstrap and cook it. I was absolutely set on making this a part of our evening treat, so we found a flat rock, cut out a piece of the backstrap and Dan went about making the perfect fire for the occasion. We were fortunate enough that just as we were finished with processing, the meat was ready to eat. Dan may not have hunted deer before, but he sure knocked it out of the park preparing it! I will absolutely say it was the best meat I've ever eaten!

[hirshey]

Cooking the backstrap (definitely a cool video worth the click)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpGMrV2BxVd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[kellama2001]

 That is so awesome! Ive wanted to try that ever since I saw that episode as well. Thank you for sharing your amazing hunt with us! 

[hirshey]

We finished our mountain fare, extinguished our fire (we ARE Smokey's friends, after all! )  loaded up meat in packs and navigated to Derrick's buck to repeat the process under clear skies dripping with starlight. Packs laden with free range protein, we waddled down the mountain back to spike camp. Our o-dark-thirty arrival didn't dampen our spirits, and we all went to bed that evening with smiles on our faces and blisters on our feet.

[hirshey]

We discussed our successes, knowing we had left one of the top two bucks on his feet. As much as we were tempted to keep hunting for him, we stuck to our original plan and only harvested two bucks from the basin. They were both the size of small elk, anyways, so the task of getting them out of the mountains seemed a hefty one! With four people, we realized packs were still too heavy to take spike camp and the meat out in one effort. Dan's feet were borderline brutal, so we knew that at the end of the trail on this first out, we'd have to leave him. We packed up the majority of the meat with the intent to spend the night at our vehicle before the three of us made a massive effort to do an up-and-back the next day. OUCH! 

[hirshey]

Out we go!

[hirshey]

Somehow, although I couldn’t find the energy to even get out of the tent to go to the bathroom that night (I held it! Poor idea!!!) we still managed to put packs on and keep hammering the terrain the following day. We made it up in record time, broke down camp (we hadn’t done this because we thought we might have to stay the night) and made the trip one final time. The lot of us agreed: this was a test to see how prepared we were to battle the frozen cliffs of Idaho, and we all passed with flying colors.

[hirshey]

We continued our discussion on the way down the hill; I’m unsure if it was hysteria preceding complete exhaustion, but I cried a little as I confessed to both Derrick and Jeff how grateful I am for the both of them; each year I think, "there's no way I could POSSIBLY go to that basin"..."that's as far as these little legs can take me". Every year, we surpass those perceived thresholds. Both those men make me into a better version of myself. Both those men support, challenge, and cheer for me at every turn. Both those men have the curiosity and drive to see what is over the next horizon, and the passion and respect for the game we seek. I could NOT be more grateful for the hunting family I have come to know and love.


To Jeff: That's OUR buck. I know you could've easily made the same shot with that tack-driver 300WIN.

To Derrick: I'm so proud of the hunter you've become, and I cannot wait to see what new contraptions you build us out in the wilds.

Thank you both.

[hirshey]

The Idaho portion of this story is going to have to wait until tomorrow/the next day. Goodnight all!

[Birdguy]

Absolutely fantastic write up as usual! What a cool story or stories you share with us each fall, we are blessed as a community to have you on here and share with us!! I have said it before and will again, I ask my daughter to read your posts every fall to ensure she sees what is possible if it your thing!! I love being able to show her capable women, making amazing memories and so graciously sharing with others. You lady are a class act  . Thank you again!!

[Encore 280]

X 2!

[hirshey]

That is so awesome! Ive wanted to try that ever since I saw that episode as well. Thank you for sharing your amazing hunt with us! 

It is EXCELLENT. We did it in both Washington and Idaho this year (I guess that's a little bit of a spoiler  ) and it came out great both times; it adds a nice crisp crust while keeping the inside nice and juicy. We added some steak seasoning on the backstrap prior to wrapping in the lace fat... it was smashing! Flat rock, heated by fire, wrap in caul fat, cook. Nothing fancy, but an absolute delicacy. I'll do it every chance I have now. We even wrapped a grouse in part we saved.

I now lovingly refer to this as Caveman Cooking. the rock was so well seasoned that there was even discussion of packing it out 

[Blacktail135]

 2nd what Birdguy said. Love the photos! I can close my eyes, hear the fire crackle, smell the smoke and charring of meat, feel the heat.....all under a blanket of stars. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[TommyH]

 
Always enjoy your epic account of your days spent in the places we all love to be!!! Thanks for taking us along on your journey! Inspiring is an understatement! Congratulations, and we look forward to your adventures to come. 

[lokidog]

I would by the book "A Few Hunts" or "Up a Hill, and Back"  by Hirshey....