Nola Sizemore

Harlan Daily Enterprise

Several Kentucky State Parks are offering wild game and bison on the menus during the winter months. Gil Lawson, spokesman for the Department of Parks, said these items are offered as special opportunities for guests during January, February and March.

“Some of the wild game dinners may be available at other times during the year, but they seem to be most popular during the winter months,” said Lawson.

“Pine Mountain State Park in Bell County is offering a Frontier Night Buffet on March 8 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. They will have things such as elk, venison, bison (buffalo), rabbit, frog legs and catfish,” he said.

Lawson said many parks across the state have offered wild game and bison on their menus for years. He said because the meals have become so popular, the parks are continuing to offer them each year.

“I think people are just looking for something different to eat,” said Lawson. “Maybe, they love these items because it’s things you typically don’t find in a restaurant. Many of these items are Kentucky Pride, which means they come from our state. By offering the wild game and bison it’s an opportunity for people to try something maybe they haven’t tried before — just to see if they do like it.”

The Mountain View Restaurant at Pine Mountain State Park seats 145 and offers several special events throughout the year.

“The restaurant has a great view of the mountains,” said Lawson. “The lodge sits on top of a mountain and the park also offers cabins and cottages. From time to time all of our state parks, which have restaurants, will offer things such as seafood and other speciality buffets. They offer Valentine’s Day and Thanksgiving buffets to just name a few. We hope everyone will think about visiting a state park nearest to them and check out the wild game and bison menu.”

For more information, you may call Lawson at 1-800-325-1712 or Pine Mountain State Park at 606-337-3066. You may also visit their web site at www.parks.ky.gov.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com