From Field to Fork with j.s_jakt
Meet Joakim Schmuul, family man and hunter. Joakim passed his hunting exam in 2018 and for him, it has become a way of life that he loves to share with his family and through his Instagram account j.s_jakt. Here too, we encounter his burning passion for food combined with game. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with mouthwatering recipes featuring the family's favorite game, fallow deer.
The Hunter-Chef: Where Passion Meets Plate
Joakim "Jocke" Schmuul, the family man and hunter, finally fulfilled a lifelong dream in October 2024 when he embarked on a hunting adventure to Scotland. Perhaps it was his childhood on the island of Öland, where he spent countless hours exploring nature and watching hunters in action, that ignited his passion. Today, we're catching up with Jocke in Sweden to discuss his love for hunting and his culinary creations. On his Instagram, js_jakt, Jocke shares his passion for cooking with game, inspiring others to embrace the bounty of the hunt while enjoying the simple pleasures of family life in Hässleholm, Skåne.
Joakim describes his family as modern. They live in a small, quiet residential area by Lake Finja. Jocke, his partner, 3 children, and 2 stepchildren of mixed ages. The whole family shares his interest in nature in some form and have all been out hunting together. With his eldest son soon to become a hunter himself, Joakim feels a sense of fulfillment passing on his passion. "It's like tapping into my inner caveman," he laughs.
How long have you been interested in hunting and when did you start hunting
I've always been drawn to nature, and my military service sparked a passion for shooting. I took my hunting exam in 2018 and joined my brother's hunting party. What started as a hobby is now a way of life.
How does hunting in the southern part of Sweden differ from the northern part?
In Småland and further north, elk hunting is considered sacred. But here in Skåne, it's not quite the same anymore, at least not for us younger hunters. Our region is rich in wild boar, fallow deer, and roe deer, but I'm particularly fond of bird hunting. It's a passion I'm eager to explore further, and the culinary possibilities are endless.
From where did you get your love for cooking?
Under min uppväxt har min mamma alltid varit noga med att laga mat från grunden, så det har alltid funnits med mig. Och när jag började jaga och hade så fina råvaror väckte något till liv. Jag har nog inte jättebra självförtroende gällande matlagningen, men de senaste 4-5 åren har jag vågat ta ut svängarna, berättar Jocke. Jag hämtar mycket inspiration från restauranger, och tänker “hur kan jag byta ut de här råvarorna mot vilt?" Försöker ofta att få till en härlig fusion av det klassiska svenska köket och det internationella. Jag har vågat utmana mig själv, och det uppskattas av dem som smakat min mat.
Which knife is your favorite in the kitchen?
I absolutely love using the large chef's knife from EKA1882. It's perfect for handling meat. I also rely on their paring knife and carving fork for precise work.
Your thoughts about “From Field to Table”
"I'm not a pro in the kitchen or the field, but I love sharing my passion for hunting and cooking. Most of my cooking happens at home, and the family's big favorite is fallow deer. Although wild boar is also very versatile. With the hunting party, we take turns cooking, and then you bring something that's easy to fix on the grill. Last fall, I made venison kebab, which was a big hit. So much so that the person who was supposed to cook after that wasn't as eager anymore, Jocke laughs.
I think many people who don't hunt are a little afraid to cook game. Because they think the gamey flavor will take over. But that's not the case, it's rather the opposite; it's precisely the natural flavor that you appreciate. There's a lot of work behind the meat you present on the plate. They say the forest is a pantry, but that's not always true, you've come home empty-handed many times. But that's precisely why you're extra proud when you can finally serve what you've shot, butchered, and cooked yourself.
We're so excited for Joakim as he continues his wild game cooking adventures. And as a special treat, we're sharing two of Joakim's favorite fallow deer recipes. Enjoy!
