This book is more than a cookbook. I could call it the bible on Wild Game preparation. Admittedly, not all forms of game common in North America is included. But the book does include the common forms of wild game, big game, and more improtantly, how to clean/dress the meat.

The cleaning/dressing of the meat is included in the back of the book. There are well detailed colour photographs to assist the novice with the steps. Once one has an idea on how to dress game or clean fish, the idea of hunting or fishing becomes more exciting. By properly preparing the meat from the get-go, one has greatly improved the possibility of a truly extraordinary meal preparation. For those who have not had the priveledge of a father or a loved one who could show one "the ropes" on dressing game or cleaning fish, this book is indispensible. For those who have had the priveledge, this book is a great refresher course. This book makes a great gift either way.

The book also includes techniques on how to clean Northern Pike and remove the "Y" bones. These bones are most troubling. Instructions are included for other fresh water fish including bullheads and catfish.

The recipes are first class and include delictable photographs. I have not tried all of the recipes, but just reading what one can do with fish and wild game makes one salivate.

Our grandparents and great grandparents may have eaten this way, but much of this experience has been lost through the generations. One cannot obtain most of these meats at the local grocery store, for instance. After obtaining one's Fish and/or Wild Game, one can have in mind the terrific recipe that he/she will try. This book is a book of fine cuisine, and is by no means "The Road Kill Grill". You even get the per-serving counts of calorie, protein, cholestrol, carbohydrate, etc., not to mention the "Exchanges".

My only problem that I found with this book is the cooking time/temperature for the Canada Goose recipe on Page 190. The 425 is just too high and the 35 minutes is too short. The meat was not done after 35 minutes, and when it was done, it was tough. It tasted great, however, with no "gamey" flavour. I plan to try 325F and 2 hours next time.

Because of this experience, I regret to give this book a "4". I still highly recommend "Preparing Fish and Wild Game" because it is extremely difficult to find such a wealth of knowledge in one place.