Post by SherbrookeJacobite on Jan 26, 2010 10:43:29 GMT -6
I thought I would bring the board up to speed on the attempt a group of us in Western Canada are making to introduce the Haggis to the area. Although typically Western Canadian winters are a bit harsh for the Haggis, the chinook winds we have here in Southern Alberta may make the habitat suitable. As we all know, the Haggis loves hill country, and we were thinking that the foothills of the Rockies would be an ideal location.
Previous attempts to establish breeding populations outside its native Scotland have mostly been unsuccessful. There have been some rumours of a self sustaining population in New Zealand, and reports of sightings in Nebraska. I have seen blurred photos taken in the hills in California, but these are undoubtedly escaped domestic Haggis'.
Eventuall we would like to build the population up to a point where it could sustain a limited hunt. The small, yet delicious animals are a real challenge for the sportsman. Of course such a hunt would need to be carefully controlled - as we know the species was almost hunted to extinction in the 1950's, but has made a great comeback through careful management.
We also have to educate the locals. Well meaning, but ill-informed folk have at times caused more harm than good by feeding the little creatures. They are especially fond of peanut butter and jelly, apples, bananas and stale cookies. You will rarely see them, as they move very quickly, but if you do, you will recognize them by the fact that their legs are shorter on one side than the other - enabling them to run around their native mountains (but only one way).
I will keep the board inormed of our progress, and one day perhaps we will be able to serve native Alberta Haggis at a Burns supper, instead of having to import it.
Previous attempts to establish breeding populations outside its native Scotland have mostly been unsuccessful. There have been some rumours of a self sustaining population in New Zealand, and reports of sightings in Nebraska. I have seen blurred photos taken in the hills in California, but these are undoubtedly escaped domestic Haggis'.
Eventuall we would like to build the population up to a point where it could sustain a limited hunt. The small, yet delicious animals are a real challenge for the sportsman. Of course such a hunt would need to be carefully controlled - as we know the species was almost hunted to extinction in the 1950's, but has made a great comeback through careful management.
We also have to educate the locals. Well meaning, but ill-informed folk have at times caused more harm than good by feeding the little creatures. They are especially fond of peanut butter and jelly, apples, bananas and stale cookies. You will rarely see them, as they move very quickly, but if you do, you will recognize them by the fact that their legs are shorter on one side than the other - enabling them to run around their native mountains (but only one way).
I will keep the board inormed of our progress, and one day perhaps we will be able to serve native Alberta Haggis at a Burns supper, instead of having to import it.
