This deer was struck and died in a front yard. After seeking permission, I removed and ate it.

The first comment about Backyard Deer Hunting  was submitted by Jilie and  posted on the blog “Fresh Basil” on May 7. She ran into my recipe for Road Kill Deer Stew which I submitted to  National Public Radio (NPR)  in response to their request for meals that would feed a family of four for under $10.  This is what Julie had to say:

“NPR is asking for readers to submit meals that will feed four that come in under $10. There are over 300 recipes submitted so far! (This radio event is now over, and no more recipes are wanted.)

“Many of the recipes contain rice and beans — the cheap pantry staples — but some are so creative and fun. Sweet potato kale quesadillas, brined pork with strawbetty chutney, Moroccan chicken tagine, and on and on.

“An entry from William Hovey Smith takes us way beyond rice and beans with a recipe for Road Kill Deer Stew. Luckily for us, William (I go by Hovey) has a book coming out soon: Backyard Deer Hunting: Converting deer to dinner for pennies per pound! I think I speak for everyone, William: Thank you for this amazing gift to literature.”

Thank you Julie,

I am not so sure about the book’s value as a piece of literature, but it certainly will be valuable to those who are out of work and need good, inexpensive food. It is also a fun read, or so my editors and book designers tell me. They are working with it now and are the only ones who have had a chance to see the entire manuscript.  I am told by mid-July you should be able to judge for yourself.

I am eating Road Kill Deer Stew for my Sunday dinner today. The meat came from the same animal I show being butchered in the book.  

Good eating,

Hovey