What they’re saying about SSAA’s Cooks Companion
When we released the SSAA’s Cooks Companion in late 2008, we had no idea how much positive publicity it would generate. SSAA National has given more than 50 interviews to radio, newspaper and television outlets and received a dozen letters of congratulations from state and federal politicians.
While the intention of the book was always to produce easy-to-use recipes for hunters’ game meats to our own membership, the positive community publicity and the role the book has played in educating non-hunters and the wider public about recreational hunting has been a massive step forward.
From the Sydney Morning Herald to ABC Radio Queensland, the Manly Daily Newspaper and Win News Darwin, SSAA’s Cooks Companion has drawn attention to subjects such as the waste of kangaroo meat and culling under the current permit system, the health benefits of eating low-fat game meats and the whole point behind duck hunting (to eat them of course, they’re delicious!). It has also assisted in discussing the broader subject of utilising Australia’s game animals in a sustainable way.
While there have been a few amusing questions from journalists who obviously have little understanding of hunting, the vast majority of interviews have been very positive. One interviewer queried whether hunters really do eat the meat and we responded that hunting for meat is no different to fishing. Another journalist asked whether duck meat would taste like gun powder, so we explained the facts.
Our recipe book has also been featured on a renowned ABC radio cooking program and taken the interest of many cooking writers across the nation.
Another journalist used the game recipe book as a starting point to discuss many suburbanised consumers’ hypocrisy, in the way in which they are happy to eat kangaroo, duck and venison at a fine dining restaurant, but are appalled at the idea of hunters sourcing the meat themselves for their own table.
Politicians who applauded SSAA’s Cooks Companion include Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who thanked us for his complimentary copy, and Federal Leader of the Nationals Warren Truss MP, who congratulated us on a well-presented and interesting recipe book. Sophie Mirabella MP said that her family enjoys hunting too, while Victorian Senator Julian McGauran commented on the importance of hunting and personal firearm ownership in Australia. Independent MP Tony Windsor said the book represents the ultimate in free-range meals and Dr Sharman Stone MP said she looked forward to trying some of the delicious and healthy Australian meals. South Australian MP Stephanie Key said she particularly enjoyed the kangaroo recipes and was so taken with the book that she ordered several more copies for friends.
Other legislators who have sent positive feedback include Margaret May MP, Victorian Senator Michael Ronaldson, South Australian Police Minister Michael Wright MP, South Australian Opposition Leader Martin Hamilton-Smith MP and Family First Dennis Hood MLC.
If you haven’t yet read SSAA’s Cooks Companion, order it quickly before copies of the first edition sell out. Complete the order form or contact SSAA Merchandise in New South Wales directly on 02 8805 3900 or email mem@ssaa.org.au
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