Refuge staff served up a variety of wild game dishes at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Fall Fun Day

Deputy Refuge Manager Jim Hall demonstrates primitive tool making skills

Several hundred visitors enjoyed beautiful fall weather and a wide variety of outdoor activities at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge's Fall Fun Day held at the Refuge headquarters in Soldotna on September 29.  The event was designed to celebrate the upcoming National Wildlife Refuge Week and this year focused on learning wild animal tracks, hunting opportunities, primitive weapons, wildlife management and law enforcement, and preparation of wild game foods.  Hikes, games, and a variety of activities and demonstations filled the day, and the event was covered live by a local radio station.  The antler ring toss competition, primitive tool making, and K-9 dog demonstration seemed to be the favorite activities for the youngsters, while nature hikes and wild game tasting were clearly a hit with the adults.  Refuge staff prepared a variety of dishes for visitors to try including such things as moose sausage dip, stew, and curry, bear or bison chile, goose gumbo, Dall sheep tamales, black-tail deerwhichs, and duck soup.