Last But Not Least, When We Hunt Let’s Have Good Eats!

One of the most important aspects of a hunt whether it be in Alaska or Africa is good food!

You may not realize it now,  but when you remember a hunt years down the road an exquisite meal at a fine restaurant may be just as vivid a memory as the tale of the hunt!  On a recent hunt for black bear in Alaska , I was honored to sit and dine, with the finest company (my brother Miles and best friend Fred), on the finest meal, possibly, of my life.

In the bottom of the Gilmore Hotel in Ketchikan Alaska, resides a small, rustic restaurant by the name of Annabelle’s and in this dimly lit establishment, comprised of of aging cedar planks is the most drool inspiring seafood meal on the planet.  It is called the Captain’s Platter and it’s legendary succulence, for most, is but a tale of Alaska lore.  Most believe the story of sauteed shrimp, scallops, crab, halibut, and salmon all on one plate is a myth but I’m here to tell you my friends, the legend is true.  Just ask Miles and Fred, we are of the few who have made it to El Dorado and returned to speak of the gold!

Good food doesn’t just exist in one tiny Alaska town, it’s all across the hunting world.   Here in Grangeville Idaho, the hunter in quest of whitetail or mule deer would miss out on a local delicasy if he didn’t stop at Palenques Mexican Restaurant and dine on their famous Chicken Fajitas!  I’ve had literally thousands of mexican meals in my life and that one is the best!

Good food doesn’t always have to be the best tasting though, sometimes speed of access and cheapness are important to the traveling sportsman.  I can’t count the amount of times I’ve used the dollar menu at McDonald’s with luggage in hand and only a few minutes to spare before my connecting flight.  It obviously doesn’t come up to the Captain’s Platter or a Chicken Fajita, but four sandwiches for five bucks in two minutes works for me!

Anyway, now I’m off to get a cold, lifeless frozen pizza out of the freezer and every moment I’m forcing it down I’ll be dreaming I was in a small coastal town in Alaska with my best friends.  That’s what hunting is all about!