Q
What type of grunt do you think is best for calling bucks in the middle of the rut?
–Jeff, via e-mail

A
Contrary to a lot of what you read and hear, there are actually only three types of deer grunts: The Maternal Grunt helps adult does find their fawns when nursing. The Low Grunt is a very short, aggressive call, most often used between two bucks. Lastly, the Tending Grunt is a mating grunt that is about .72 seconds long, with no uniform sequence. The bottom line is there really is no such thing as a mid-rut grunt, or call for that matter.

If you want to learn more about deer sounds, “Deer Vocalizations” is an excellent video on the subject. It can be purchased through the Quality Deer Management Association at 1-800-209-DEER, www.qdma.com.
–C.J. Winand, Contributor

Q
I recently moved to California and I’m planning on flying back to my home state of Wisconsin for deer season. If I am fortunate enough to get a deer, what is the best way to bring the meat back to California?
–Allen Ostermann, via e-mail

A
I have taken meat home in coolers on the airplane, and I have also had it shipped overnight to my house. Obviously, the advantage of taking it with you on the plane is that it will cost you less than to have it shipped overnight. The disadvantage to this method is the possibility that it could get lost and, depending on how long it takes them to find your coolers, you may lose some of the meat to spoilage. Shipping it overnight is the safer of the two methods, but the cost to do it this way is considerably more.
–Brian Fortenbaugh, Assistant Editor

Q
My husband is a devoted bow-hunter and Bowhunter Magazine reader, and we always seem to have ample venison. For that reason, we’re often looking for new recipes we can share with our family. Has anyone on the magazine staff ever published a cookbook? Maybe you could share a couple of your favorite recipes? Thanks!
–Shelley Inglis, via e-mail

A
As a matter of fact, none of our staff members has published a cookbook, but I assure you that this crew has devoured countless recipes. Having said that, I must point out that Miriam Jones, the wife of long-time Bowhunter Contributor and Videographer Larry D. Jones, did write a terrific little cookbook called Cooking for Your Hunter. While the book was first published back in ’85, it might be just what you’re looking for and it is still available on the Jones Calls website (www.jonescalls.com) for $12.95. The book has got to be a classic, because I don’t think anybody has prepared more wild game dinners than Miriam Jones. Following are a couple easy-to-make Jones Family favorites:
–Jeff Waring, Publisher

Oven Swiss Steak

• 1 1/2 lbs. Round Steak
• 1/4 C All-Purpose Flour
• 1 t Salt
• 1 C 16 oz. Canned Tomatoes
• 1 or 2 Large Onions, Sliced
• 1 t Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt & Pepper to Taste

Cut meat into serving portions. Mix flour and salt; pound into meat. Brown the meat in a small amount of hot olive oil. Then place it in a shallow baking dish. Add onions and pour tomatoes over the top. Cover the dish and bake in a 350-degree oven for 2 hours, or until tender. This dish also works well in a Crockpot.

Fiesta Casserole

• 1 Large Onion, Chopped (1 C)
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
• 2 T Olive Oil
• 1 lb. Ground Meat
• 1 Can (16 oz.) Tomatoes
• 1 Can (16 oz.) Red Kidney Beans or your choice
• 1 Can (15 oz.) Chili Con Carne, without beans
• 1 1/2 t Salt
• 1 Pkg. Tortillas (11 oz.)
• 2 C Cheddar Cheese, Grated

Sauté ground meat with onions and garlic. Stir in tomatoes, beans, liquid, chili, and salt; heat to boiling. Place 3 of the tortillas, overlapping if necessary, in a 12-cup baking dish; top with about 1 cup of the sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Repeat each layer until all ingredients are used. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly hot. Enjoy!

Q
I’ve been hunting Eastern whitetails my entire life, but I’m finally at a place where I can devote some serious time and energy to hunting trophy class bucks elsewhere. I know that many top big-buck destinations are common knowledge, but can you point me to some lesser-known hotspots? Thanks!
–Mike, via e-mail

A
While Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas are the primo states right now, there are plenty of other places where you can find a quality whitetail buck; however, it requires some serious research to ferret out those “sleeper” areas.

Now, I may be biased because I was the editor, but the Pope & Young Club’s Bowhunting Records of North American Whitetail Deer, 3rd Edition is a great place to start your research. Besides a number of very informative chapters on subjects such as how a broadhead kills, judging the age of deer on-the-hoof, and a discussion of the myths of scrapes and rubs, there’s a treasure trove of research data. The 850-page hardcover book has over 45,000 whitetail buck entries listed, with plenty of relevant information on each buck that can lead you to the place you’re looking for. You’ll also find a map of each state and province with the counties color-coded according to the number of entries — a huge help in narrowing your search. There’s even a digital version on a CD included in the book so you can do your research on your computer.

Becoming a trophy whitetail hunter takes dedication, perseverance, and good research materials. The Pope & Young Club’s record book is such a resource. Get your copy by sending a check or money order for $43.95 to Pope and Young Club, Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923. You can also purchase the book online at www.pope-young.org or by simply calling (507) 867-4144. Good luck on your quest!
–Curt Wells, Equipment Editor