Annual cookoff a great squirrel celebration

Chris Berzas

October 01, 2012 at 7:00 am  | Mobile Reader | Print 

Chris Berzas

Kerry Thibodeaux MD invites hunters to become the new 2012 world champion squirrel chef during the 13th annual St. Hubert Society Squirrel Cookoff.

If you’re up to the challenge, then you can participate in the 13th annual St. Hubert Benevolent Society Squirrel Cookoff scheduled for Oct. 19 at Willie’s Campground in Washington.

This charitable society takes its name from St. Hubert, a 13th-century European nobleman and avid outdoorsman who became the patron saint of hunters.

"For the last 12 years, we have recruited the generous participation of the hunting community in assisting their own in times of extraordinary need," said Dr. Kerry Thibodeaux, a surgeon in Opelousas and creator of this charity. "In these years, we have raised over $250,000.

"As far as we can tell, we are the only squirrel cookoff in the world. And our recipient of the first-ever squirrel cookoff was Edgar Burleigh, former principal of Port Barre High School, and he loved squirrel hunting as well as cooking them."

For his long years of contribution in this effort and an associated rabbit cookoff in March, Thibodeaux received the 2012 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Opelousas/St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce.

The proceeds from the squirrel cookoff are donated to help a hunter or their family deal with catastrophic medical expenses. Donations are also welcome.

As for the cooking, Thibodeaux said his judges look for the traditional squirrel gravy, judging on the quality of the browned squirrels, onions (trinity), proper seasoning and taste/tenderness of its flesh.

There is a $50 on-site registration fee. Cooking is conducted at the campground.

Contact Thibodeaux’s office at 337-948-4362 for more information and registration information.