What is it about eating food in the great outdoors that just makes it taste so good and makes it so memorable, especially in a hunting blind?
Is there something about merely being outside in an outdoor setting and eating that’s wired in our DNA?
Is it purely psychological because of the semi-enclosed atmosphere and close confines of the blind with good friends?
I don’t know what it is exactly. But, generally, things really do taste better when we eat them outside during an outdoor activity, don’t you think?
Such is definitely the case when I have been Canada goose hunting with friends and acquaintances . Well into watching the skies for ‘cans’ as we affectionately call the Canada geese, stoves and griddles are lit and delicious snacks are revealed. Diets are set aside. Carbs and calories are not counted. High protein amount is a must. Fat content? Forget about it!
My wife Polly is always curious about what is consumed in the blind. Why? I am generally not very hungry for dinner following a day of goose hunting in permanent blinds. So, here you go, Polly. Below are some examples of goose blind fare with blame squarely being placed on my various hunting partners (sorry, guys).
Wanna be the hit of your waterfowl hunting blind with a tasty treat? Here’s a great wild game recipe to try with harvested dark or light geese. This is from my buddy Kyle Simpson of Elkhorn, NE.
LOST ISLAND CORNED GOOSE
5 Tbl Spn Mortons tender quick
3 Tbl Spn Brown sugar
1 Tbl Spn Cracked pepper
1 Tbl Spn Montreal steak seasoning
1 Tsp Paprika
1 Tsp Bay leaves – crushed
1 Tsp All spice
1 Tsp Garlic powder
1 Tsp Mustard seed
1/8 Tsp Cloves – crushed
1/4 Tsp Cayenne (or more to taste)
1/2 Tsp Coriander – ground
Mix Ingredients. Apply liberally to 4-6 pounds skinless goose. (3 breast fillets and 3 leg/ thighs are usually about 5 lbs.). Place in Ziploc bag(s). Refrigerate 10 days, turning every couple of days. Cooking: Roast in oven like corned beef. 325 for 3-4 hours until tender. Or place in Dutch oven, cover with water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until tender. Add onions, potatoes, and carrots a couple of hours before serving if you wish.
Excellent served with creamed cabbage, or make goose Reuben sandwiches. Works equally well with other wild game as well. We enjoy whole, bone-in Venison shoulders. Enjoy!
So, what’s your favorite food to nosh on in a hunting blind?