When I was married, my son and his dad would shoot 3-5 deer a year. I got smart after they tried to butcher and put old buck meat into the freezer. After that, nothing larger than a 4 point buck went into the freezer, and preferably 1-2 year olds, thank you! I made the best deer roasts, people who said they hated deer were fooled and never once thought they were eating deer. I didn't do it on purpose, if they didn't ask, I didn't tell them! Once, a friend's kids were over for supper. They were going on and on about hating deer meat, that it was gross and made them gag. I didn't say a thing. In fact, their dad had no idea he was eating deer either, or he would have spoiled it. Later on, when we were cleaning up, one of the girls noticed the freezer wrap that said "roast" and a hand written month and year. She looked at it, then at me, and then said, "no way!!!" I just smiled. She went running in to tell her dad that she just ate the best deer EVER! I told her and everyone else that if the only deer you have ever eaten was from a big buck, then no wonder you hated it! I didn't have to cover up any flavor. I never overcooked it, being so lean it would get all dried out. It's just really good stuff. Wish I could put one in my freezer this fall again! Will have to let my son know his mama would love another young buck or doe! That's enough meat for me a for a year.
And, thanks for the kind words, Montana. Yes, I have had really idea weather this year, and we have a much longer growing season. I'm happy about that! I would not like a desert setting, I like the water to come from the sky for the most part, not from my wallet! And, having a well, I'm free to water all I want, the only thing I pay for is the electric to run the pump. That sure helps, too! I enjoy watering, and the plants show it! They are spoiled. The hanging baskets would wilt and droop in a day if they were not watered (of we didn't get a good amount of rain). But, it's so relaxing to me, walking around watering, feeding the pond fish, just enjoying the mornings and evenings. I guess it pays off for me!