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MDC teaches venison preparation skills on Nov.18
Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free program on how to butcher a hunter-harvested white-tailed deer and cook the venison with a chef’s touch 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. Plus, MDC staff will teach the primitive skill of throwing the atlatl dart, an ancient hunting tool. Both programs are open to all ages on a walk-in basis.
The deer program is a chance to learn about both hunting and food preparation. Staff will discuss deer seasons and current issues facing Missouri’s deer herd. Tips on how to get started deer hunting will be offered.
MDC will have a harvested, field-dressed deer in the Nature’s Bounty classroom at the Discovery Center. Staff will demonstrate how to skin a deer and produce useful cuts of venison for cooking. Attendees will then have a chance to try their hand at skinning a deer and trimming meat cuts.
Then it will be time to cook and taste. Chef Martin Heuser of “Affare” and Chef Brandon O’Dell of “Friend That Cooks” will teach ways to cook deer meat that showcases the lean and intricate flavors of venison. There will be small plate samples for attendees to try.
The atlatl is a prehistoric hunting tool and weapon that uses a stick for extra leverage in throwing a dart or spear. Today, outdoor enthusiasts looking for challenges are throwing atlatl darts for distance or accuracy. Some are also using the atlatl for hunting, including deer hunting. MDC staff will also talk about wildlife furs, tracks, skulls, and scat.
For more information on the programs, call 816-759-7300 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter.