More than once I’ve found myself at the Ennis Hunters Feed on the Friday before opening day of big game rifle hunting season sampling things like elk fajitas and wild pheasant with dill sauce.
Photography by Lynn Donaldson
Started thirty years ago as a way to clear the freezer of last year’s game, downtown Ennis merchants and chefs line Main Street offering food enthusiasts, visiting hunters, neighbors and friends samples of offbeat dishes like moose chili and mountain lion cordon bleu (you heard me right) scooped from roasting pans and crockpots.
While most entries come in the form of stew or chili (prizes are awarded for Best Chili, Best Non-Chili and Most Unusual), the most coveted trophy is Best Overall. You better believe you’ll see things like (gag!) deer fudge and bear pizza in the Most Unusual category.
This year the event takes place rain or shine on Friday, October 23. Tasting is free and takes place from 3:00 pm until it’s gone…typically around 5:00 pm. The VFW has its annual Poppy Sale. There’s a Rifle Raffle, live music in the gazebo, and action moves from the street to downtown watering holes once the crockpots are empty.
For more information or to enter your creative wild game dish (you must register before 3:00 pm on October 22), call the Ennis Chamber of Commerce at 406-682-4388.