Making the Connection
Making the Connection - Respecting the Food source
By Keith Denoncourt
Just recently I was asked “Why do I offer so many recipe ideas from our adventures?”. The answer may sound simple, but in reality we are all connected to the watershed. We all need clean air, and will only thrive in a healthy environment. Without a healthy environment we all will not thrive to our potential. Species will be lost, environments will be permanently damaged, and the respect for our standard, and practice of living, will be lost. It is only the Hunters, Fisherman, Trappers, Metis, First Nations, Ranchers or Outdoorsman who truly knows what it takes to preserve, and protect the natural resources. Living in a city, or mostly urban environment, can mask the true dimensions of a Nature. This is why I love enriching myself in the natural food that is available at a location. It is a true testament to the health of a region. If you have ever eaten freshly smoked Lake Trout from the far NWT, or eaten Freshly harvested Sable on the fire in South Africa, then you have an idea of what I am referring to. It gives purpose and appreciation to our adventures when I share these with you. Failure to recognize or appreciate where your food comes from is the heart of disassociation. People do not value or care for what they do not recognize. If these recipes spark an interest, or generate a value to protect a resource, than I feel that I have done my job. Absolutely no meat is ever wasted on our locations. Although I have delivered food from the NWT to the local Dene Elders, it hit me the hardest when I hand delivered to food to the orphanage in South Africa. It was overwhelming to see, and feel, the gratitude in the children’s faces and we dropped off our weeks harvests. Just our very presence fed 64 people for one month.
If you ever have recipe that you would like to share, or if you have any questions about our adventures, please do not hesitate to contact me at kadenoncourt@gmail.com
Thank you for respecting wildlife, and for sponsoring a non-profit conservation organization !
-Keith
Experiencing the virtually untouched wilderness at Aylmer Lake, with Canadian Wildlife Adventures, in the far Northern NWT is a life changing experience. The vast tundra gives a whole new meaning to clean and healthy living. It sets a standard that gives purpose to our activities that focuses our drive for environmental protection. I am definitely looking forward to when I return.
The up close and personal connection found, with Basso Safaris, to endangered and protected species highlight the role that we as sportsman play. It is our tourism dollars that pay for the protection and conservation of the species. When a species is healthy enough in population for the surplus to be harvested for food, we have enough money to protect the resource.
The food we eat on location is a true testament to the land, the environment and the culture that we are embracing. Making this connection gives purpose to our conservation efforts.
Absolutely no food is ever wasted at any location. This is a food drop off at the orphanage in Thabazimbi South Africa. I have never been so warmly greeted in all of my life. It was overwhelming to feel their deepest appreciation for what we had to offfer. Humbling is a word that I used when I left…
This is fresh fish ready to be put on the smoker. Connecting to our food source is the highest priority we can hope for. The protection to the quality and quantity of our food source is parament in promoting thriving opportunities in our environment.
This is Ruffed Grouse BBQ burger. Getting people involved in outdoor activities is the heart of protecting and preserving the environment!
This is smoked bear sausage. Complete utilization of the animal for food, clothing and medicine is the highest form of respect.
Meal is a bun is one of my favorite adventure meals. Everything that you need is readily available within the bun. There is no need for cutlery or cooking supplies.
This is the base ingredient for Ruffed Grouse Chicken Tacos. Exploring new recipes is the best way to gain an appreciation for a food source.
