Wild-game aficionados pursue the hunt with a twofold purpose: the excitement of the catch and the sensory experience of devouring the hunting harvest.
Folks hunt for the impact of the total adventure; but the outdoorsy taste of wild game motivates the hunting trip.
"The pride of a successful hunt and the `savory' memories of the experience afield are enhanced by the care, preparation and enjoyment of a meal provided by the bounties of nature," says Phil Douglass, information specialist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Douglass is among a group of division employees who participated in compiling a recipe collection featuring Utah-harvested wild game.
Included in the collection are tried-and-true recipes for venison and duck, as well as a surprising number featuring cottontail rabbits, chukar and morning doves.
Bruce Bonebrake, habitat manager in Cedar City, goes so far as to share a fajitas recipe using sage grouse.
The book is available at a cost of $5 plus $1 for postage and handling from regional Wildlife Resources offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Vernal, Cedar City and Price. Proceeds from the sale of the cookbooks help sustain the division's exhibits and facilities at the Utah State Fair Park.
- Ann Whiting Orton"This dish of meat is too good for any but anglers, or very honest men."
- Izaak Walton