Reflections on wild game harvest and consumption

Reflecting on the third anniversary of The Colletonian yields many fond memories for this outdoor communicator. This locally owned newspaper with a positive feel has demonstrated a connection with the outdoors from the onset. Fishing tournaments for billfish and red drum are not overlooked, and non-consumptive outdoor enjoyment like bird watching and forestry also have made memorable subjects. But Colletonians with a way of life revolving around white-tailed deer season and other wild game harvest make the headlines come true on a weekly basis.

            

Scott Leysath in the Lowcountry with a rabbit and raccoon 

With one of the longest deer seasons in America, the South Carolina coastal plain has a right to claim deer hunting season as a way of life. New Year’s Day is the final day of hunting season, but that is also the time when deer herd managers get active regarding habitat management to increase the carrying capacity of their acreage. Winter wheat and oats in food plots will provide sustenance for the deer, and trapping for coyotes and hogs is most productive prior to spring.

One memorable story from December of 2012 involving game preparation includes a visit from Scott Leysath, otherwise known as The Sporting Chef. He came to Colleton County to film a rabbit hunt for his TV show, but found we had a lot more to offer. Leysath lives in California, so he was delighted to take part in a coon hunt too, before enjoying local oysters prepared by Jamey Copeland. We cooked a little bit of everything that day as a fire burned in the kettle, burning memories of both the game harvest and consumption that sticks with us today.

            

Another fond recollection involves the story I wrote about duck season winding down with only a few last chance hunts remaining. With an invitation from a friend, I hunted his swamp and was able to harvest some wood ducks the day that article published. Stopping by the newspaper’s office on Washington Street, we made a quick photograph that shows that this outdoor writer can deliver both the headline and the harvest.

To view the feature article in the newspaper click Colletonian.

To view past game recipes click for wood duck,venison, quail, and dove.