Jennifer Lawrence was originally turned down for the role of Ree for being "too pretty." She flew overnight into New York City, walked 13 blocks in the sleet to the casting office, and auditioned with a runny nose and hair she hadn't washed in a week. Lawrence won the role, and ultimately, her first Academy Award nomination (for Best Actress) at 20 years old.
Sergeant Russell Schalk, who played the Army recruiter, is a real-life recruiter and combat veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division. Jennifer Lawrence asked him questions in character, and he responded as if he were talking to an actual recruit.
Many of the stars (including Isaiah Stone, Ashlee Thompson, and William White) and most of the extras are from the Forsyth, MO area, and had never acted before.
The title comes from an old Appalachian expression - "like a dog digging after a winter's bone" - indicating someone who, like Ree Dolly, is on a search or quest for something and will not give it up.
For her role as Ree Dolly, Jennifer Lawrence had to learn how to skin squirrels, chop wood, and fight.