Bass Fishing on the Snake River

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 / Jen / 3 Comments

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to get out on the Snake River and try bass fishing for the first time. It was so much fun and I caught my first bass!

The Snake River in Washington is incredibly beautiful. I was lucky enough to go to school near there, so it was the spot to go in the summer. Little did I know I was missing out on some great bass fishing all those years!

I went to visit my friend and her family who had a place along the river. Talk about a relaxing way to spend your weekend! No cell service, just the great outdoors and good company.

Click below to see a ton of pictures (including bighorn sheep!) and read my story of bass fishing on the Snake River!

Continue reading →

Whale Watching in the Strait of Juan de Fuca

August 17, 2016August 17, 2016 / Jen / 6 Comments

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to have my first whale watching experience! I was even more lucky to enjoy it with family on my uncle’s boat. It was an incredible couple of hours seeing several orca pods and humpback whales.

We headed out into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a channel that runs between southern Vancouver Island, Canada and the northern Olympic Peninsula in Washington. We had been out the day before and didn’t see anything, but heard guys at the dock later saying they saw orca pods two separate times. We were really hoping we’d have better luck this time out. After a few minutes of looking around, we saw the first dorsal fin come out of the water.

It was by far one of the most amazing things I’ve ever witnessed. The sheer size of these whales is enough to leave you speechless!

Click below to see a ton of pictures of orcas (even a baby!) and humpback whales!

Continue reading →

Crab Cakes and Steak Oscar!

August 4, 2016August 4, 2016 / Jen / 6 Comments

I’m gearing up to head out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca next weekend and I can’t wait! It got me thinking about the last time I was out fishing in the San Juan islands and I realized I never posted my crab recipes from the delicious fresh crab I brought back that trip.

Crabbing is something I had never done before so it was really cool to be able to see it first hand. I learned all about pulling pots, distinguishing males from females, seeing if their shells are soft, and measuring to be sure it’s legal to keep. This guy was one of big ones they could keep (yes he’s still alive in the picture!).

Once I was home with the crab legs, I knew I needed to find some great recipes to really show off this delicious crab meat. But before I could get to cooking, I learned the not so fun task of getting all the crab meat out of the shells. It took me over an hour to do all the legs, but it was so worth it when I was left with all this gorgeous fresh crab!

Crab Cakes

Crab cakes were the first thing I wanted to make. They’re one of my favorite appetizers to order at any seafood restaurant. That being said, I’ve definitely had some crab cakes that left me wondering where all the crab meat was in between all the breading. So it was important to me that I found a recipe that really showcased the meat and didn’t use a bunch of fillers.

I found this recipe on All Recipes and followed the directions to a T. In the end, I was left with these beautiful crab cakes that everyone loved!

It’s full of crab meat and delicious seasonings. You broil them in the oven to get the nice crispy outer crust. There aren’t many fillers added, so the crab is really the star of this recipe. If you love crab and love crab cakes, definitely give this recipe a try!

Steak Oscar

Now, for the rest of the crab meat, I knew I really wanted to go all out for what I made. What better than surf and turf? And Steak Oscar was the answer! For this recipe, I looked to Ree Drummond for inspiration and loosely based my recipe off of hers, found here.

Now her recipe called for shrimp to be used on top, but I swapped that out for fresh crab meat soaked in the butter sauce. Unlike a typical bearnaise sauce used for Steak Oscar, she makes a tarragon hollandaise sauce that is so dang good you’ll want to put it on everything you cook!

For the asparagus, I coated them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and roasted them in the oven. This is actually my favorite vegetable to eat with any meat dish. They turn out soft and crispy on the ends. The steak was grilled in a piping hot cast iron skillet to medium rare. It’s a little bit tricky to get the timing right for everything to be done at the same time (my sauce thickened up a bit) but the end result is so worth it.

This may be the nicest meal I’ve cooked so far. It’s definitely a pricey meal to put together, but the final dish rivals anything you’ll get at a nice seafood restaurant!

I served mine with roasted tri-color baby potatoes and salad. It was definitely a crowd pleaser! I can’t wait to make it again, maybe next time with a nice venison steak!

What’s your favorite way to eat fresh crab? Share below and let me know if you try either of these recipes!

Country Huntress Turns One!

February 28, 2016 / Jen / 2 Comments

Today this little blog turns one year old!

I wasn’t sure what would happen when I started this, but I’ve loved the journey so far. I’ve met some great people and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to learn more when it comes to hunting. Without this blog, I probably wouldn’t have done all the things I made happen in the past year!

A big thank you to all of you who read this blog! I wouldn’t be here without you! I appreciate every follow, comment, and like you leave on my posts. It’s been great learning more from all of you as well!

So, with one year under my belt, I’ve decided to finally branch Country Huntress out to other social media platforms. Feel free to follow me on any of them!

Instagram: HuntressJen
Facebook: Country Huntress
Twitter: @HuntressJen

Lets see what can happen in the next year!

2016 Hunting and Fishing Goals

February 17, 2016February 17, 2016 / Jen / 2 Comments

Another year means another set of goals! It’s a little late, but here are my hunting and fishing goals for 2016.

01. Get in shape
Like last year, this is my main goal. I’m already off to a good start! I signed up for a 5k in March that has kept me training consistently. I also plan to get into weight lifting to help me build arm strength for bow hunting.

02. Buy a bow and practice weekly
I’m hoping to be able to buy my first bow in the next month! I have a friend who is willing to join the same shooting range with me so we can go practice together.

03. Shoot my first buck
Last year, I shot my first deer which was a doe. This year, I hope to shoot my first buck!

04. Hike and scout more
Living in a new area, I have a lot to do to learn the land around me. I plan on looking into public land around here to then go out and hike/scout. Hopefully I can find some decent public land spots around me.

05. Learn how to use my elk call and get out for elk season
One of my presents for Christmas was an elk call which I’m so excited about! Now I need to learn how to use it because I’m sure the sound I’m making is NOT right. I hope I can get out for an elk hunt too!

06. Cook more wild game recipes
I’m going to steal from the Deerslayer’s Wife here and add that I want to be more adventurous in my cooking! I’ve got a good chunk of deer meat left that I need to think of great recipes to cook it with, I’m excited!

07. Find a good, local spot to fish
I really want to get out fishing more this year. My goal is to find a spot near me that’s good for fishing that I can go to often.

08. Go duck hunting and get my first duck
I’m hoping to attend a Waterfowl class this year, put together by Washington Outdoor’s Women. Since the timing never worked out last year, my brother has promised to get me out a couple times this year.

09. Go upland bird hunting
This may require me to head back toward the area I used to live, but I’d love to get out for grouse or pheasant hunting this year.

10. Get involved and volunteer with a conservation group
I’m really hoping to get more involved with conservation groups this year. I’m attending some events, but I’d love to be able to volunteer and help out with their conservation efforts.

Hopefully I’ll be able to mark the majority of these off at the end of the year! My main goals are to get into bow hunting, go elk hunting, and volunteer with a conservation group.

Most importantly, I just want to enjoy the year and get out to enjoy the outdoors more. I can’t wait for it to be spring so I can get back outside! I miss the sunshine!

Do you have any big goals you’re hoping to achieve? Share them below!

2015 Goals Revisited

January 27, 2016 / Jen / 2 Comments

2015 went by in a flash! I made goals at the beginning of 2015 for hunting and fishing. Some were accomplished and some weren’t. So here’s a look back at the goals I set and if I achieved them.

1. Get in shape
This didn’t end up happening with a move across the state and a new job shaking things up more than I expected. But I’m back to working on this goal now with a 5k coming up in March.

2. Shoot first deer
Yes! This one was accomplished with a doe shot on Decatur Island during late season.

3. Hike and scout more
Again, with the new job and move this didn’t really happen. I’m in a new area so this year I’m hoping to get out more and scout.

4. Go duck hunting
Nope, unfortunately. I tried several times to set up a weekend to get out with my brother but our schedules didn’t line up. He’s promised to take me out next season!

5. Go upland bird hunting
Nope — same reason as above. I feel like a broken record!

6. Fish More
Yes! I caught my first salmon and tried out surf fishing.

7. Cook Game Recipes
Yes, and I cooked some delicious ones! Meatloaf and steak oscar!

So the year didn’t quite go exactly as I wanted. But a new job got me back around friends and family so I’m happy with that!

Next week I’ll be posting my 2016 goals. Some 2015 ones I’ll try to make happen again and some new ones.

What were your 2015 goals? Did you accomplish what you wanted?

A Look Back At 2015

January 6, 2016January 7, 2016 / Jen / 3 Comments

Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s already 2016! I don’t know about you but last year went by in a flash. I hope everyone had a great holiday with family and friends!

It’s crazy to have my first year of this blog in the books.

I thought it’d be fun to do a look back at the 10 most popular posts from the last year… so here we go! (Click any of the titles to read the posts!)

The Value of Female Hunters
Remember when a man working a booth at a hunting expo ignored me and focused his attention on my male friend? This was an unexpected post I never thought I’d be writing, but I loved all your comments and learning about the experiences other females have gone through being in the male dominated hunting world.
Huntress – What’s In A Name?
The word huntress — surprisingly debated in the hunting world. I personally like it, how else would you know a lady ran this blog if I just called it Country Hunter? Again, it was great to see how other women view the word and what they like being called! Regardless if you love it or hate it, we should support all female hunters.
Salmon Fishing in The San Juans
This was a lovely trip to the San Juans and I was lucky enough to catch my first salmon. The backdrop was absolutely gorgeous! I actually have several pictures from this trip framed in my room.
Washington Outdoor’s Women – Duck Hunting
One of my posts from the women’s retreat I attended last year. I learned so much about duck hunting and met some great women. I’m looking forward to going to their duck hunting workshop this spring!
Surf Fishing on the Oregon Coast
This was a great experience learning about surf fishing. Not sure when I’ll get the chance to do it again, but it was definitely cool to see. It was another weekend that had gorgeous sunsets for the backdrop.
Washington Outdoor Retreat – Day 1
What a great weekend, I encourage any women in Washington to attend this next year. If you live in another state, see if there’s a similar retreat for women that takes place! I’m definitely planning on going again this year!
Shooting My 1st Deer
I’m so happy I was able to make this post this year. I shot my first deer and learned so much that I’ll carry with me every hunting season forward.
From Field To Plate
My delicious first meal I cooked with the venison meat that I was taught to butcher myself! I promise I’m posting that recipe next, it was so good!
Failure To Launch: Learning How To Fish
This makes me laugh this is one of the more popular posts I had last year. My somewhat embarrassing first moment of learning to fish at night. I’ve grown a lot since then and now enjoy night fishing!
Taking A Woman Hunting? Avoid These Mistakes!
A great read for men who plan on taking a woman out to hunt for the first time! I’ve definitely had my own experiences that sound like what’s listed in the article. How you act on a woman’s first hunt can definitely shape how she sees hunting and if she’ll keep her interest.

Thanks for reading along as I continue to learn more about the world of hunting. Thanks to everyone who helped make some of these posts possible!

Here’s to a great 2016!

What was your best hunting moment of 2015? Share below!

Washington Outdoor Women’s Retreat – Day 1

September 23, 2015 / Jen / 14 Comments

Driving up to camp, I had no idea what to expect. They gave us a list of what to pack and a rough outline of the weekend, but nothing about what would happen once we were actually there. I was greeted by women on the WOW team and directed to park in a field with all the other cars.

As I began gathering my stuff, I noticed a couple girls walking toward camp with only a backpack that had their sleeping bag attached at the bottom. Now I don’t think that I’m someone who needs a lot of stuff for a weekend, but the list they gave us included a lot of items I wouldn’t normally bring. I had about three bags for clothes, sleeping stuff, and my day pack with hunting boots in there.

As I was closing my trunk, another girl walked by with several bags and said, “Oh thank god someone else actually brought a lot of stuff with them!” We walked over to the main barn to pick up our welcome packets. It was both our first times at the retreat, so it was nice having someone else to be somewhat clueless with.

We picked up our packets and were told to go find a cabin with an open bed. After talking to the girl more, we realized we went to the same college and both loved Bob Seger which meant we became fast friends, or as we affectionately called each other—buddy.

It was interesting, even though I’m in my late-20s at a camp with women of all ages, it felt like being a kid again going back to camp. The same thoughts went through your head… will people like me, where will I sleep, I hope there are cool people in my cabin, who will I eat with in the dining hall?

Continue reading →

Surf Fishing on the Oregon Coast

September 9, 2015September 9, 2015 / Jen / 5 Comments

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend!

I spent my weekend on the Oregon coast and got to experience surf fishing for the first time. Quite the change from fishing on a quiet lake!

I was given the homework to learn how to tie an improved clinch knot before the trip. The night before we headed out, I helped get the poles ready and tied a couple of knots. I was definitely slower at making my knots than my friend, but the lines held up in the ocean current so it worked!

You need to get a ways out there in the waves to get the line far enough, a bit too far in the ocean for my liking. So I stood back on the beach and took pictures/hoped waves wouldn’t knock him over!

Toward the end, he had me try to cast the line out once. It was a ten foot pole and not the easiest to cast out as you’re trying to keep your balance with waves hitting your legs. You definitely had to stand in a power stance to keep your balance.

Reeling the line back in with the current was also a little difficult. A lot of line went out so it took awhile to reel it all back in. It was definitely fun and I’d love to try it again!

He had one bite on the line. He said it felt big, quickly brought the rod down then left with the bait. It could’ve been anything swimming out in that ocean, part of what scares me about surf fishing. I wouldn’t want to reel in a shark!

It was an absolutely beautiful night after raining all day. So enjoy the many pictures I took of the waves and sunset.

Salmon Fishing Pt. 2

August 26, 2015August 26, 2015 / Jen / 2 Comments

During our salmon fishing trip in the San Juans, we caught a couple of fish that I wasn’t expecting to catch—a dogfish! Basically a little shark.

We caught two dogfish that day and it was really interesting to see them up close. Both had completely different markings. We looked at them, took pictures, then threw them back in the water.

Here are more pictures from that weekend. It was a beautiful day from start to end!