Montana could make a passionate outdoorsman out of anyone in minutes. I was born and raised here just like three generations of Matzingers before me. My dad wasted little time introducing me to hunting and I wasted even less time falling in love with it. Not just the elements of hunting that most kids would like; it all fascinated me. I welcomed the burden that hunters carry as stewards of our planet, and I witnessed firsthand through my dad the commitment and effort required to be successful. So much of a hunter’s journey is spent in solitude, with zero fanfare. Countless hours of gear preparation, midnights under shop lamps, solo scouting trips, hours driving dusty roads. And success isn’t guaranteed no matter the effort. That made it all the more exciting to me. I learned that the effort had to be its own reward.
It wasn’t until I got a bit older that I learned and appreciated the role of hunters as providers. Most kids lack gratitude for the food on their table. You won’t find a serious hunter with the same problem. We know how much work and discipline were required to place it there. There’s no reward greater for hunters than the sharing of our journey. Before a mount ever finds a spot on the wall, we proudly sit with our families around a table dressed with our work. We eagerly share prime cuts with the mailman and neighbors, and hard-on-their-luck friends. We tell the story of our successful hunt so many times and with such excitement that we begin to wonder how honest we’re being. We know our friends do the same.
Six years ago, to provide a venue for these stories, I began hosting an annual wild game feed at the base of the Bridger Mountains. Each fall, outdoor enthusiasts and hunters travel from near and far to enjoy a sense of community after so much alone time. The event is rooted in tradition and nature’s bounty, and revolves around the preparation and sharing of wild game, with each dish reflecting the personal hunting journey of the one who harvested it. Guests arrive with game they’ve tracked and harvested throughout the season—whether it’s elk, deer, antelope, or upland birds—transforming their haul into mouth-watering stews, roasts, sausages, or grilled cuts, seasoned with care. Each recipe carries its own story, passed down through generations or created out of necessity in the field.
As the savory aromas fill the air, the sense of pride in the hunt extends beyond the meal. Attendees bring not only their game but also the antlers and horns collected during their hunts, displayed for everyone to admire. These trophies serve as a symbol of respect for the animals and the land, sparking conversations about the challenges and triumphs of the hunt. Around the campfires, under wall tents, and to the sound of live music, the stories flow as freely as the food, fostering a deep connection between the hunters and the land they love.
