Hunting Trip - Mule Deer
I haven’t eaten good venison in years so a cousin, Ric Chaudoin, took me hunting. I’m still so excited—got the first mule deer buck we’d seen in 4 days, and with my first shot at 140 yards! I could never have done this without him—for many reasons: he took me to the southern Chiricahua Mountains, where he’s hunted most of his life; he has all the gear, including the 30.06 rifle I used; but mostly because he both field dressed the animal, got it back to camp and butchered it!I shot it just at dawn when the temperature was freezing. So by the time the sun warmed us to shirt sleeves, we could do the butchering in camp. There’s no point in getting wild game if the butchering isn’t done exactly right and Ric did it perfectly. I helped and learned so much. I’ve been home less than a week and have had delicious venison for 7 meals—and not a trace of gaminess!He’s also invented an incredible campfire cooking set up. He would make a fortune selling them. His grill can be adjusted to any height, and swings easily out of the heat and smoke when you want to check the doneness of the food. There is both a solid grill and a grate for steaks and they can even be used simultaneously. An optional attachment at the top holds a lantern.The Chiricahuas are in the southeast corner of Arizona and it was especially fun hunting here, where generations of our families have hunted for over a century. He had a fascinating or funny story about most every canyon and mountain ridge around us.I still can’t believe he agreed to take me. Words can’t adequately express my admiration for this man. I have such unbounded love and affection for him as a man—a devoted proud husband and dedicated loving dad. He is a man of integrity, grit, humor, kindness, wit, and amazing strength, stamina and intelligence. I am so proud to know him and so grateful to his parents for helping to raise such a man. He gave me a hunting experience of a lifetime—a great outfitter, guide, cook, coach and the best campfire company.
