Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe\
Ryan’s Deer Shack\
Operation Hometown Gratitude
Venison Jerky
This September, for the 2nd year in a row, Operation Hometown Gratitude held a venison jerky drive for deployed troops. We are located in Southeastern Minnesota, which has some of the best deer hunting on the planet. All our deer are young, plump, and tender, having been raised for the most part on a diet of “borrowed” alfalfa, corn, and soybeans. (For this, we thank our hard working farming community) Despite the undeniable deliciousness of their prey, every hunter we know of jumps at the chance to support our brave deployed troops in some way. This year, when we asked for venison, the phone rang…..and rang…..and rang! When Ryan’s Deer Shack and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe were done with the processing, we were looking at almost 90 Lbs. of prime venison jerky. That’s not all!! This isn’t your average jerky, not by a long shot. Ryan’s Deer Shack and Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe are fussy, especially when they are processing jerky to be sent to brave troops that stand rough and ready for us. We’re not talking your average, ground up “lips and eyeballs” jerky, no, uh uhh! You will notice that each strip of venison was condensed from a single strip of meat, carefully selected and processed to be of the lowest connective tissue content possible. In other words, steaks and chops only. As a final touch, before being packed and sent to you, each, shrink-wrapped package is kissed by a beautiful young maiden……….OK, I made that last part up, but work with me! If you are unfortunate enough to reside in another state when not serving your country, don’t be surprised if you have the urge to move to Minnesota after tasting this stuff. As you enjoy this, remember that there are many people here in Minnesota that supports what you do for us. Please come home safe.
Operation Hometown Gratitude- This is a student led, student run organization formed at Mayo high school in Rochester, Minnesota. (1420 11th Ave. Se, Rochester, MN. 55904) www.rochester.k12.mn.us then click on “Community” and then “Operation Hometown Gratitude”, or e-mail us at . We are non-political; we just want to support our troops.
Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe: Located at 902 7th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Serving the community with only the best meat products.
Ryan’s Deer Shack: Ryan is an employee at Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe and works with them to process venison. He can be reached at Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe.