Bacon-Wrapped Ptarmigan

by Wayne Norris

This is a very simple recipe that anyone can make. It is always a crowd pleaser and a great way to showcase Alaska’s state bird—ptarmigan. For the best outcome dress your birds in the field and choose high quality bacon. You can purchase bacon from a high end meat store like Mike’s Quality Meats in Eagle River. For a hearty meal serve with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.

Serves 4-6

8 ptarmigan breasts

16 slices quality bacon

Preheat oven to 350°. Clean each ptarmigan and ensure all breast feathers are entirely removed. Salt and pepper to taste. Wrap two slices of bacon completely around each small game bird and secure the bacon by inserting toothpicks through the bacon and flesh of the ptarmigan perpendicular to the bacon wrap as shown in the photo above. Bake on a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper for approximately 45 minutes.

Lifelong Alaskan Wayne Norris is Operations Manager for Hunt Alaska and Fish Alaska Magazines. Wayne is an avid hunter who spends as much time in the outdoors as his schedule allows.