Hunting

Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, El Monte Gringo Ranch stands as a premier destination for trophy whitetail deer hunts in Texas. Known for offering some of the most thrilling Texas whitetail deer hunts, our ranch boasts an abundance of big Texas whitetail bucks, making it a haven for hunters seeking the ultimate South Texas whitetail deer hunting experience. Beyond the thrill of the hunt, we take pride in celebrating the harvest with savory recipes that honor the majestic whitetail deer. Here are four mouthwatering dishes that will elevate your game cooking to the next level.

1. Whitetail Venison Chili

There’s nothing like a piping hot bowl of chili to soothe the soul after a day of hunting, and whitetail venison chili is a ranch favorite. This simple, hearty recipe uses freshly ground venison from our big Texas whitetail bucks, simmered to perfection with tomatoes, onions, beans, and a special blend of spices. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a successful hunt and enjoy the fruits of your labor on those Texas whitetail deer hunts. Best cooked in a cast iron pot over an open fire, under the stars. Don’t forget to top it off with some shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños and a dollop of sour cream even more flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs ground whitetail venison
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ground venison and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer on low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  5. Serve hot with jalapeño, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

2. Whitetail Deer Steak with Mushroom Sauce

Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite whitetail deer steak, a testament to the quality game often taken in South Texas whitetail deer hunts. The key to perfecting this dish lies in cooking a tender venison steak to perfection, then topping it with a silky mushroom sauce that complements and amplifies the rich flavors of the meat. This dish can be cooked in the kitchen or better yet, over open flame with charcoal and hickory. The smoke of an open grill adds the woodsy smoke and seared edges making this a favorite of venison lovers.

Ingredients:

  • 4 whitetail deer steaks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Instructions:

  1. Season steaks with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook steaks to desired doneness.
  3. Remove steaks and set aside. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and sauté until golden.
  4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
  5. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in thyme.
  6. Serve steaks smothered in mushroom sauce.

3. Smoked Whitetail Deer Jerky

For those who enjoy the rustic flavors of smoked meats, smoked whitetail deer jerky is a delightful way to preserve and savor the unique taste of Texas whitetail deer. This jerky recipe combines the robust flavors of the outdoors with a hint of spice and sweetness, making it an irresistible snack during or after your trophy whitetail deer hunts in Texas.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs whitetail deer meat, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients except meat in a bowl to make the marinade.
  2. Add deer slices to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  3. Marinate for at least 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  4. Remove meat from marinade and pat dry.
  5. Smoke at low temperature for 4-6 hours or until the jerky is dry but still pliable.
  6. Cool before serving or storing.

4. Whitetail Venison Stew

This comforting venison stew showcases the tender, flavorful meat harvested from trophy whitetail deer hunts at El Monte Gringo Ranch. Slow cooked with a medley of vegetables and herbs, this stew is a satisfying meal that reflects the bounty of the Texan wilderness.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs whitetail deer meat, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Toss venison cubes in flour to coat.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot and brown the meat on all sides.
  3. Add beef broth, red wine, carrots, potatoes, onion, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours or until the meat is tender and the stew has thickened.
  5. Season to taste and serve hot with crusty bread.

Deliciously Satisfying!

At El Monte Gringo Ranch, we’re passionate about providing an unparalleled hunting experience, from the excitement of tracking big Texas whitetail bucks to savoring the harvest with delicious recipes. Each dish represents a piece of the adventure found in Texas whitetail deer hunts, bringing the taste of the wild right to your table. Join us for your next hunting adventure and indulge in the culinary delights that await at El Monte Gringo Ranch.