Wild Game and Fish Cleaning Club

The Wild Game and Fish Cleaning Club is an Enrichment Program that was started at Eudora Middle School this school year. Mr. Pattison had thought of teaching students about the love of the outdoors for a long time. He asked Officer Lewis if he would like to help with an Enrichment Program involving hunting and fishing, nature, biology, and food to table preparation. Their goal was to teach something students can do for the rest of their lives and lessen screen time.

The first club meeting was an explanation to the students about what the WG&FCC was going to be about. Mr. Pattison and Officer Lewis wanted the students to understand this was going to be a hands-on learning experience and to be ready to get their hands dirty.

They have cleaned and prepared pheasants, rabbits, and geese. The students learned different ways to clean the game and always different ways to prepare it. The students have tried it fried, baked, and even made it into jerky. They have partnered with Chef Jack Low and the culinary arts program at EHS. The students were fortunate to try a special dish prepared by Chef Low and the high school students (Rabbit Confit).

They will start their fishing section in the last few months of the club. Students will learn about the different types of species of fish, their habits, and also how to clean and prepare the fish. In May, the group will take a fishing trip to hopefully catch a variety of new fish.

The opportunities this Enrichment Program has provided have been awesome! They have had guest speakers (taxidermists), integrated a Kansas Hunter’s Safety

Program, and opened up many partnerships with many people.

A special thank you goes out to Ranch Creek Feather Ranch (Wellsville), Joy of Nature (Berryton), Chef Low, Clayton Spring, Ross Stadlman, Chris Brunkow, Kurtis Artzer, and R & K Taxidermy (Topeka).