Nineteen women from across the country gathered at Legends Ranch in Bitely, Michigan, for SCI Foundation’s and Sables Women’s Wild Game Culinary Program, a hands-on field-to-table experience designed to build confidence, skills, and community in the outdoors.
Hosted in partnership with Legends Ranch, the program welcomed women of all experience levels to learn more about wild game cooking, conservation, and outdoor traditions. Throughout the four-day retreat, participants worked alongside Legends Ranch’s culinary team to learn how to process, prepare, and cook wild game while gaining practical skills they could take home and use in their own kitchens. Sessions covered seasoning and flavor-building techniques, side dishes and appetizers, hosting and presentation skills, wine pairings, and meal etiquette.
The experience extended well beyond the kitchen. Attendees fished and prepared their catch, floated the scenic Pere Marquette River, toured the Wildlife Center and Education Center, explored the shooting center, created custom spice blends, and enjoyed shared meals throughout the weekend. Evening activities included campfires, live music, happy hour by the lake, and opportunities to connect with other women who share a passion for the outdoors.
Set on Legends Ranch’s 2,000-acre property, the intimate program emphasized mentorship, learning, and connection. By combining outdoor adventure with culinary education, participants gained a deeper understanding of the field-to-table process and the role conservation and hunting play in providing sustainable, healthy food. The weekend left attendees with new skills, lasting friendships, and greater confidence to continue their outdoor journeys.
