By LAURA COLVIN
Clarkston News Staff Writer
The aroma of wild game roasting to perfection will fill the air Saturday as the First Missionary Church of Clarkston kicks off its third annual Wild Game Dinner.
In addition to a wide variety of game and side dishes, the church will host popular father/son duo Dan and Guy Fitzgerald, of Team Fitzgerald Outdoors Family Video Productions. The Michigan based pair star in an instructional and entertaining bow-hunting show on cable television.
Organizers are hoping the event turns out bigger and better than ever.
‘Last year we had eight or nine different types of meat, and I’m hoping to have a dozen or so this year,? said Fred Becknell Jr., who serves as the event’s head chef.
‘Every year I try to feature one very exotic animal,? he said. ‘Last year it was African Lion, and it was very, very good. This year, we’re having kangaroo.?
Less exotic features include venison, elk, caribou, wild boar, goose, turkey and several kinds of fish.
Becknell, who prepares wild game dinners for churches and other organizations across the area, said he has developed several new ‘secret? recipes, but will also bring back old favorites, including his sought-after venison Swiss steak.
‘I’ve had many ladies say ‘that’s Bambi, I can’t eat that,?? he said. ‘But I tell people, just give it one honest try, if you don’t like it you don’t have to have more, I won’t be offended.?
Once that happens, he said, most people are hooked.
Butchering and preparation techniques, he said, make all the difference in how the game tastes. Leaving a lot of the fat, for example, causes the meat to have a strong wild taste.
‘I clean all the meat very well,? Becknell said. ‘I learned from my father, and he’s one of the best chefs I’ve ever met.?
Becknell, who is general manager of Michigan Greens Keeper in Independence Township, is originally from the Marquette area and grew up on a diet of wild game.
Saturday’s side dishes will include mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, salad, rolls and beverages.
Members of the church and community have responded positively to the event, said church Pastor Bud Freed. He’s hoping word gets around about Saturday’s dinner.
‘We’re hoping for a good crowd,? he said. ‘We’ve been building a little each year, so it eventually breaks even financially.?
The church’s sportsman’s club organizes and facilitates the event, and much of the meat, fish and poultry is donated by local hunters.
‘I encourage people to give it a try,? said Freed. ‘This is a chance to sample food you may not get the opportunity to try otherwise.?
At last year’s dinner, Freed tried elk for the first time.
‘I loved it,? he said.

Wild Game Dinner
Saturday, Feb. 24 5 p.m-9 p.m.
First Missionary Church
4832 Clintonville Road
(between Maybee and Mann)
$20 for adults
$10 for children 12 and under
248-674-3186