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#51

Hunting, Fishing & Trapping / I Shot the Public Land Bull El...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 04:05 PM

I Shot the Public Land Bull Elk of a Lifetime...On a Day I Wasn't Planning to Hunt

I just kept trying to breathe. The big bull elk was trotting forward with his head down as he chased another bull down the side of the mountain. "He'll stop," I said to myself as I did my best to hold down the rising panic I felt fluttering in my chest. He was 350 yards away, and I tried not to look at his antlers as I followed him in the rifle scope. I just took a deep breath and tried to stay steady...I could get excited later.

Finally, almost miraculously, the bull came to a stop on the edge of a sharp downslope. I half expected him to bugle as he stared down at the other bull, despite it being well past the peak of the rut. I centered the crosshairs in the crease behind his shoulder, concentrating everything on just holding fixed on that point as I clicked off the safety. Then just as I started to squeeze the trigger, I had a brief thought — "I'm so glad I went elk hunting today."

The Build Up

I've wanted a big bull elk for almost my entire life. Ever since I saw my first elk mount hanging in a local restaurant when I was a little kid, the idea of getting one of my own had bordered on obsession. When I moved to Montana in my late 20s, I saw the possibility of that dream becoming a reality and set my sights on getting a big bull, which immediately proved to be much harder than I thought.

Elk were a lot tougher to hunt than the whitetails I was used to. The animals have different habits and live at higher elevations and in more rugged terrain, and it took me some time to adjust and to learn how to find them. In addition, while Montana's public lands are wild and beautiful, they're also popular. The first year I went elk hunting, I found six or eight trucks parked at every trailhead I'd scouted during the preseason, and most of the elk herds I'd seen in the area had quickly been driven to parts unknown by other hunters.

Still, I stayed determined and kept working at it, going further and higher and doing my best to find those out-of-the-way areas where the animals were less pressured. Soon enough, I started getting into elk.

Over the years, I managed to get a few raghorn bulls and a couple cows in my sights, but still never managed to bring home the big bull I'd been dreaming about. Though I admittedly had gotten a couple of opportunities at a big one, as soon as I saw the animal's antlers, my almost paralyzing bull fever would make my bullets go low or my arrows fly high.

It just seemed like I was just destined to go the rest of my elk hunting career filling my tag with something less than I wanted or even not filling it at all.

Through it all, I never lost hope. Despite my frustrations, I kept on hunting with big bull ambitions. I practiced shooting at longer distances, scouted more and walked further, and even started letting opportunities on smaller bulls and cows go by so I could hang onto my tag until the twilight of the season. I just knew that if I kept going up into the mountains and putting the miles on, one of these days it was bound to work out.

Bull Elk 3

My Wake Up Call

At the start of the 2025 season, I planned to go after a big bull elk harder than I ever had before. I made sure I was ahead at work and didn't take any new guide trips so I could completely clear the first week of rifle season for elk hunting. I sighted in my rifle at long range, hit the gym to make sure I was in elk shape, and felt completely prepared and ready to take on opening day.

During the first three days of the season, I hunted my ass off. I woke up well before daylight and climbed into terrain where it seemed like a mountain goat might have trouble. I stayed up there, glassing from ridgetops and hiking and hunting my way through timberlines and canyons until the last few seconds of shooting light had faded to black. Then I'd come home and scrape together some semblance of a meal before crawling into bed so I could wake up early to do it again.

By the fourth day of the season, I was already exhausted and had seen very few elk. Still, I was determined and managed to climb my way into another mountain range. That evening, I spotted a herd of elk across the drainage that had a couple of good bulls in it. Throwing on my pack, I ran down the side of the mountain and across the brush-choked basin below and then scrambled up the next ridge. I got to the top and quickly found the herd feeding along the edge of the timber, but by the time I got within shooting range of the bulls, I had run out of light.

Disheartened and frustrated, I worked my way back down to the truck in the dark and drove home. As I pulled my boots off my blistered feet, I pulled out my phone and glanced at the next morning's weather and saw that the wind was going to be outlandish. By daylight, the forecast called for steady 35 to 45 mph winds blowing down from the north, with gusts of up to 65 mph. "No elk is going to be out in that," I thought.

So, feeling the ache in my muscles and with every part of my body and brain exhausted, I decided to take the day off. Resigned and comforted by the fact that I would still have three days to hunt if I didn't go tomorrow, I lay down in bed and closed my eyes, happy with the thought of sleeping in.

My eyes opened at 4:15 am the next morning. Now, I'm not entirely sure if this was because my body was just used to waking up early at that point, or if my black lab puppy, Sackett, had too much water before bed and had whined just a little louder from his crate. Whatever the reason was, I was awake, and after letting the dog out, I decided that perhaps I wasn't all that sore and maybe the wind didn't seem all that bad.

"You can't get a bull from the couch," I told myself. So I grabbed my gear and threw it in the truck. Still determined, I went out to face the elk woods once again.

Bull Elk Antlers

Embracing The Moment

The wind was as bad as predicted, and after going a few miles down a logging road in 4WD, I decided to hunt a spot I hadn't been to in a couple of years. It meant a short but nearly vertical walk up a steep avalanche chute in the dark to get to a flat bowl of trees, grass, and rimrock below the ridgeline, which was both sheltered from the wind and only a short distance from where I'd seen elk the previous night. I figured that it was the closest sanctuary the herd would have from the gale and that if I got up there early enough, I just might get lucky.

A few minutes before shooting light, I knew I had made the right decision as I watched a group of cows squirt over the top of the ridge and drop down into the bowl. I was sitting on a point of rocks that overlooked the entire area and was just getting my breath back from the hard climb, when I spotted a bull. It was a big, tall 6-point that was following the path of the cows, and I immediately started crawling across the rocks towards it in hopes that my moment had come.

The bull stopped on a small knoll at 350 yards, and I slid my rifle forward, feeling the familiar shakes of excitement and trepidation that came whenever I had a big bull elk in my sights. I got lined up on him and was getting ready for the shot when the bull suddenly glanced behind him and then took off down the hill at a sprint.

I cursed, and for a moment, it felt like my bad luck was never going to end, until I saw an absolute dinosaur of a bull come tearing out of the trees as it chased the other elk. Quickly, I switched targets, and as the crosshairs settled on the bigger bull's chest and I started to squeeze the trigger, I just remembered to breathe.

Bull Elk 1 cover

For the Love of the Grind

It just didn't seem real when I walked up to the big old 7x8 bull and saw the three drop tines jutting down from his antlers. I had never even seen a bull elk like this, let alone had the opportunity to take a shot at one. The non-typical rack on the bull was so much more than I had ever dreamed of, and the only thing I could think of was just how damned beautiful he was. Then, as I held his antlers in my hands, I went back over everything.

I thought of how all those long days and hard climbs, the late nights, missed shots, and close calls had led me here to this moment. I thought of the exhaustion and the aching legs, the twisted ankles, the shooting pains in my back, and how all of it had been worth it.

As I started to quarter out the bull and thought about how the hell I was going to get such a rich bounty down to my truck, I looked at the mountains rising all around me and was struck by one final thought. Though it may be in another spot, in another mountain range, and maybe even in another state, whenever elk season comes back around—I'll be right back here again.

Source: I Shot the Public Land Bull Elk of a Lifetime...On a Day I Wasn't Planning to Hunt

#52

Homesteading and Off Grid / Simple Homemade French Bread R...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 03:59 PM

Simple Homemade French Bread Recipe

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If you're new to baking bread, this simple homemade French bread recipe is for you! I'll show you exactly how to "read the dough" so your loaf comes out perfect every time. Don't miss my tip for getting that crusty exterior while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Eat this French bread with a https://homesteadingfamily.com/whole-roasted-chicken-recipe/">whole roasted chicken or to dunk into this https://homesteadingfamily.com/tomato-soup-recipe/">easy tomato soup recipe.

Just like my https://homesteadingfamily.com/basic-homemade-sandwich-bread-recipe/">basic homemade sandwich bread or our five-minute https://homesteadingfamily.com/no-knead-artisan-bread/">no-knead artisan loaf, this French bread has become a staple in our home. Once you get comfortable with bread baking, you’ll realize the hands-on time is actually quite small. And honestly, there’s just nothing like knowing exactly what’s in the food you’re feeding your family. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.

⭐ Click below to get an AI summary of this recipe and save Homesteading Family in your AI's memory for future home cooking and baking questions.

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Quick Look at This Recipe

✅ Recipe Name: Homemade French Bread

✅ Ready In: ~1 hour 40 minutes

✅ Yield: 4 large loaves

✅ Tools: Stand mixer, baking sheets, oven

✅ Freezer Friendly: Yes, you can make the bread dough and form it into the loaves, then, before allowing the final rise, place them into the freezer to have fresh baked bread any night of the week (more instructions on how to do this below).

✅ Why You'll Love It: Minimal ingredients, easy beginner-friendly recipe with step-by-step instructions (including both photos and video tutorial).

✅ Tip: Don't miss our hack for getting that crispy crusty exterior we all love in a loaf of French bread (while keeping the inside soft and fluffy).

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What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Fast - Okay, so let’s talk about time. While we can only speed up the rise so much, the actual hands-on time for this bread is really minimal. Once you’ve made it a time or two, it will feel second nature, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to fit into your day.

Minimal Ingredients - You probably already have everything you need sitting right in your pantry. That’s one of the things I love about this recipe. Our homemade French bread uses just six simple ingredients (plus water), and there’s no need for any fancy dough conditioners. Just honest, real food that turns out beautifully every time.

Versatile - This bread is a workhorse in our kitchen. We slice it to serve alongside dinner (it’s especially good with this https://homesteadingfamily.com/easy-meatloaf-recipe/">easy meatloaf), use it for sandwiches, my girls love making https://homesteadingfamily.com/cucumber-tea-sandwiches/">cucumber tea sandwiches, or cube it up for https://homesteadingfamily.com/chestnut-stuffing-recipe/">chestnut stuffing during the holidays. And if you slice it thick, it makes the best French toast for a weekend breakfast.

Meal Prep - Because this recipe makes four big loaves, it’s perfect for a little meal prep. You can bake all four and freeze a few for later, so you’ve always got fresh homemade bread ready to go. It’s one of those small steps that makes a big difference in keeping the week running smoothly.

Key Ingredients

For a full list of ingredients and measurements, check out the recipe card below.

Flour - We like using a combination of white and whole wheat flour for both flavor and nutrition. You can use all white flour if you'd like, but I do recommend a combination if you want to incorporate whole wheat.

Oil - Any oil will work here: olive, avocado, or even melted butter.

Sweetener - To balance the flavors of the French bread and to give the yeast something to help activate, you'll want to add a little sweetener. We prefer honey, but regular granulated sugar will work, too.

Yeast - It's important to know your yeast is active and alive. If your wet ingredients don't look bubbly or frothy after five minutes, that's a good sign to buy more yeast.

How to Make French Bread

Step 1: To your stand mixer (with the dough attachment), add water (approximately 110°F), salt, olive oil, honey and yeast. Mix for about five seconds until everything is combined.

Step 2: Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until the yeast is activated. The mixture should look bubbly or foamy.

Step 3: Start by mixing in five cups of white flour and mix for 30 seconds to a minute until fully combined.

Step 4: With the stand mixer running, slowly add the whole wheat flour, ½ cup at a time, until the sides of the mixing bowl come clean.

Step 5: Allow the dough to continue kneading for about 2-3 minutes to allow the gluten to form.

Step 6: Grab a small pinch of dough and roll it into a ball. Do a "windowpane test" by slowly stretching the dough between your hands until you can see light coming through it. If the dough breaks or tears before you can see light coming through, continue kneading for another minute or two and try the windowpane test again.

Step 7: Once your dough passes the windowpane test, place it in an oiled bowl and cover with a towel to allow it to rise (about 30-60 minutes), or until doubled in size. The rise time varies based on temperature and humidity; be sure to check on your dough every 15 minutes or so!

Homesteading Hack: To speed up the rise time, place your dough in a warm location. The top of the refrigerator or oven with the light on is a great place.

Step 8: Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down and dump it out onto a well-floured counter.

At the same time, sprinkle some cornmeal onto two baking sheets to keep the dough from sticking to the pans.

Step 9: Divide the dough into four equal portions.

Step 10: Working with one piece of dough at a time, shape the loaves of your French bread. Place the dough onto the cornmeal-lined pan until all loaves have been formed.

Homesteading Hack: If you don't want to bake four loaves at a time, now is when you can transfer three of the loaves to the freezer! See freezing instructions below.

Step 11: Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise in a warm location until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).

Step 12: Once the loaves have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 450°F. Score each loaf about three times with a sharp knife or dough blade.

Step 13: Place loaves of bread into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they sound hollow when you tap on them.

Homestead Hack: Add a shallow pan of water to the lowest rack of the oven to create steam and achieve a nice, crispy crust.

Step 14: Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing to avoid getting a gummy center.

Storage Instructions

We know not every family will go through four loaves of bread in one sitting.

To store your French bread, let it cool completely, then place it in a bread bag or a bread box. If you don’t have either of those, use an airtight container instead. You can also wrap the loaf in https://homesteadingfamily.com/homemade-beeswax-wraps-for-food-storage/">beeswax wrap or a layer of parchment paper, then add a layer of tinfoil to keep it fresh.

Freezing Instructions

If you’d like to bake just one or two loaves, you can easily freeze the rest for later.

To Freeze: After shaping your loaves and placing them on a cornmeal-lined tray, put them in the freezer until they’re frozen solid. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container and store them for up to three months.

To Bake: When you’re ready to bake, take the frozen dough out and place it on a cornmeal-lined baking tray. Let it thaw and rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size. Then, follow the baking instructions above.

Free Bread Baking Video Training

https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop" style="color:#232d3a">Free Bread Training

Simple Homemade French Bread Recipe

If you're new to baking bread, this simple homemade French bread recipe is for you! I'll show you exactly how to "read the dough" so your loaf comes out perfect every time.

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine French

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Rise Time 1

Total Time 1 40

Servings slices

Calories 116kcal

Author Carolyn Thomas

Cost varies

Equipment

Stand Mixer with dough hook

Ingredients

4 cups water about 110°F
2 Tablespoons salt
2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
⅓ cup olive oil or other oil
3 Tablespoons honey or sugar
5 cups white flour
6 cups whole wheat flour more or less, depending on dough

Instructions

Step 1: To your stand mixer (with the dough attachment), add water (approximately 110°F), salt, olive oil, honey and yeast. Mix for about five seconds until everything is combined.
Step 2: Let this mixture sit for about five minutes until the yeast is activated. The mixture should look bubbly or foamy.
Step 3: Start by mixing in five cups of white flour and mix for 30 seconds to a minute until fully combined.
Step 4: With the stand mixer running, slowly add the whole wheat flour, ½ cup at a time, until the sides of the mixing bowl come clean.
Step 5: Allow the dough to continue kneading for about 2-3 minutes to allow the gluten to form.
Step 6: Grab a small pinch of dough and roll it into a ball. Do a “windowpane test” by slowly stretching the dough between your hands until you can see light coming through it. If the dough breaks or tears before you can see light coming through, continue kneading for another minute or two and try the windowpane test again.
Step 7: Once your dough passes the windowpane test, place it in an oiled bowl and cover with a towel to allow it to rise (about 30-60 minutes), or until doubled in size. The rise time varies based on temperature and humidity; be sure to check on your dough every 15 minutes or so! Homesteading Hack: To speed up the rise time, place your dough in a warm location. The top of the refrigerator or oven with the light on is a great place.
Step 8: Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down and dump it out onto a well-floured counter. At the same time, sprinkle some cornmeal onto two baking sheets to keep the dough from sticking to the pans.
Step 9: Divide the dough into four equal portions.
Step 10: Working with one piece of dough at a time, shape the loaves of your French bread. Place the dough onto the cornmeal-lined pan until all loaves have been formed. Homesteading Hack: If you don’t want to bake four loaves at a time, now is when you can transfer three of the loaves to the freezer! See freezing instructions below.
Step 11: Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise in a warm location until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
Step 12: Once the loaves have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 450°F. Score each loaf about three times with a sharp knife or dough blade.
Step 13: Place loaves of bread into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they sound hollow when you tap on them. Homestead Hack: Add a shallow pan of water to the lowest rack of the oven to create steam and achieve a nice, crispy crust.
Step 14: Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing to avoid getting a gummy center.

Notes

* Nutrition facts are based on using all the flour listed in the ingredients and assumes that each loaf is sliced into 12 pieces.

Homestead Hack: Add a shallow pan of water to the lowest rack of the oven to create steam and achieve a nice, crispy crust.

#53

The Mess Hall / What We Did This Week: Travel ...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 03:59 PM

What We Did This Week: Travel & Baking

Welcome back to another edition of my weekly blog! If you are new here, this is just a fun little way that I write down the frugal and off-grid living things we did this week to hopefully give you some ideas and tips, and also just to be able to connect and share! Like many...

The post What We Did This Week: Travel & Baking appeared first on Little House Living.

Source: What We Did This Week: Travel & Baking

#54

The Mess Hall / Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mi...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 02:57 PM

Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mix Gift Idea

Read the original post "Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mix Gift Idea" on A Modern Homestead.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and festive present, this gingerbread cookie mix is the perfect gift for anyone on your list who loves to bake! It’s easy to make and can be made in bulk for friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family! I love gifting homemade gingerbread men to the people in my life during...

The post "Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mix Gift Idea" appeared first on A Modern Homestead.

Source: Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mix Gift Idea

#55

Homesteading and Off Grid / Best Home Remedies for Coughs ...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 02:57 PM

Best Home Remedies for Coughs – Natural Options that Work

Coughing can make you miserable, whether it’s from dry indoor air, the tail end of common colds, or cold and flu season. A cough is your body’s way of clearing irritants, but when it hangs around for days (or keeps you awake half the night), enough is enough. Simple home remedies can go a long...

The post Best Home Remedies for Coughs – Natural Options that Work appeared first on Common Sense Home.

Source: Best Home Remedies for Coughs – Natural Options that Work

#56

Politics Podium - CAUTION / Kentucky businesses that sell ...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 02:22 PM

Kentucky businesses that sell tobacco, nicotine, vape products must be licensed by Jan. 1, 2026

Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 100, which requires all businesses who sell tobacco, nicotine and vapor products, earlier this year.
Source: Kentucky businesses that sell tobacco, nicotine, vape products must be licensed by Jan. 1, 2026

#57

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / 'We fought for decades for thi...

Last post by Admin - Dec 01, 2025, 02:22 PM

'We fought for decades for this,' another full-time ambulance is headed to Hardin County, Kentucky

"This is a game-changer for our residents," Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul said.
Source: 'We fought for decades for this,' another full-time ambulance is headed to Hardin County, Kentucky

#58

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / Renters and landlord disagree ...

Last post by Admin - Dec 01, 2025, 02:22 PM

Renters and landlord disagree over Fairdale apartment mold problem

The Crossing at South Park was declared mold free by city officials, but residents say they've found it again.
Source: Renters and landlord disagree over Fairdale apartment mold problem

#59

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicl...

Last post by Admin - Dec 01, 2025, 02:22 PM

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles warns public of new texting scam

The scammers appear to be pretending to be the Indiana BMV, asking for "immediate" payment.
Source: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles warns public of new texting scam

#60

Great Outdoors and Adventure / Your Winter Bucket List: 10 Th...

Last post by Booed Off Stage - Dec 01, 2025, 02:22 PM

Your Winter Bucket List: 10 Things to do in Jackson County, N.C.

The secret is out. From January to March, Jackson County transforms into a winter wonderland, offering cozy retreats, outdoor adventures, and indoor fun. Make the most of your winter and start checking off your Jackson County bucket list when you visit during the secret season. See the Shadow of the Bear From the Rhodes Big […]

The post Your Winter Bucket List: 10 Things to do in Jackson County, N.C. appeared first on Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.

Source: Your Winter Bucket List: 10 Things to do in Jackson County, N.C.

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Ask Mrs. Zombie

Recent posts

Hunting, Fishing & Trapping / I Shot the Public Land Bull El...

The Build Up

My Wake Up Call

Embracing The Moment

For the Love of the Grind

Homesteading and Off Grid / Simple Homemade French Bread R...

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

Key Ingredients

How to Make French Bread

Storage Instructions

Freezing Instructions

Free Bread Baking Video Training

More Posts You May Enjoy

Simple Homemade French Bread Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

The Mess Hall / What We Did This Week: Travel ...

The Mess Hall / Homemade Gingerbread Cookie Mi...

Homesteading and Off Grid / Best Home Remedies for Coughs ...

Politics Podium - CAUTION / Kentucky businesses that sell ...

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / 'We fought for decades for thi...

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / Renters and landlord disagree ...

Prepping/Survival/Local Type News / Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicl...

Great Outdoors and Adventure / Your Winter Bucket List: 10 Th...