Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Father Bernard Kimminau's Wild Game Feed marked its 25th anniversary on February 15, attracting 380 attendees to the Curtis Memorial Community Center at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture campus in Curtis. Over the years, this event has raised an estimated $350,000 for church activities in southern Nebraska.

The idea for the Wild Game Feed originated with Father Kimminau while he was serving as pastor of St. George Parish in Morse Bluff. He has since brought it to every parish where he has served, including his current posts at St. Patrick Parish in McCook, St. Ann in rural McCook, and Sacred Heart in Hayes Center.

Father Kimminau noted that "the origin of the Wild Game Feed was just to get people together and enjoy a meal." The event typically features 30 different meat entrées, from goose and duck to more exotic options like porcupine and rattlesnake. Each year includes a "mystery meat," which this year was rabbit.

"I do not tell people what that mystery meat is before or during the Wild Game Feed," said Father Kimminau. He recalled making porcupine into meatballs served with rice one year: "It was pretty good."

Alongside diverse meats, the event includes an auction featuring items such as guns and fishing equipment. Father Kimminau emphasized that all donated meats are legally and humanely harvested.

He stated, "The Lord tells us in the Book of Genesis that the earth has been given to us to subdue and use for our purposes." Father Kimminau ensures proper acquisition of all meats used.

As the feed's popularity has grown over 25 years, so too has community involvement. Many volunteers help plan, cook, set up, serve meals, and donate meats.

While wild game cannot be sold directly, donations are accepted during the event with proceeds supporting local parishes under Father Kimminau's care.