5 tips for peak performance at the 40th Annual Ennis Hunter’s Feed

It was the afternoon before opening day and all over mainstreet businesses, hunters and locals were in the mood to celebrate in their own special way. 

Big pots of chili, bubbled while their creators toiled. All sorts of wild game creations baked, fried, grilled and boiled. 

Ballots, judges, hunters and guests, all walked the street seeking out which flavors were best.

The Hunter’s Feed is one of the most creative and well attended events on the Ennis calendar. Here are five tips from a seasoned judge to help you navigate the busy streets and secure the best bites while having the peak experience.  

1.  Start at the Sphinx Mountain Saddlery

Figuring out where it all begins is the first step to having a peak Hunters’ Feed. A trip to Sphinx Mountain Saddlery is going to accomplish two things for you. First it will start you off with a taste of chili from a multi-year champion. Second, it will put you in the right spot to execute tip number two.  

1.  Get a beer/beverage holster

You are definitely going to want a frosty cold beverage to accompany your samples as you work your way through town. The problem with this is, where do you put it when you are filling your hands with delicious offerings? Gretchen at Horsefly just might have a solution for  you. It’s the leather beer holster and it is irreplaceable in the serious Hunters’ Feed participants gear list.  

1.  Let the bourbon guide you

Too much beer can take away from your ability to comfortably hold all the samples in your belly. Lucky for you, there is an alternative. Make your way towards Willie’s Distillery where you will find their offering, which oftentimes runs out fairly early, and Bighorn Bourbon. You will want to make sure that you get some of both. Pro tip: the cider at Trout Stalkers has been known to pack a punch as well. 

1. Beeline for the library

The team at the Madison Valley Library has been making waves in recent years with a series of creative and unique offerings at the Hunter’s Feed. Leave Willie’s and work your way there as early as possible. Once you get there you will have three quarters of the loop completed and be able to enjoy the rest of the offerings at your leisure. 

1.  Make sure to vote

While the Hunters’ Feed is an incredible party, it is also a competition and big time bragging rights are on the line. What the judges say is important to some, but the big prize is the Peoples’ Choice Award. Make your voice heard and see if you had the taste buds required to pick the winner.  

The 40th Annual Hunter’s Feed will take place on Main Street in Ennis on Oct. 23. Festivities kick off at about 3 p.m. and run late into the evening.