How to make bbq musk ox ribs.

This is the tale of my friend and neighbor, George, a Native Alaskan and husband to fellow teacher, Heidi.

Step 1:
Stand in line for many hours for one of the 40 tags issued by Fish & Game.

Step 2:
Wait for the right day to go out hunting.  Weather must be good.  Musk ox must be relatively close.  A good friend must be available to help.

Step 3:
Suit up and cruise off over the tundra.  Recon the herd.  Select an appropriate target.  Attempt to get target to break off from the herd.  Shoot to kill.

Step 4:
Load in snowmachine trailer and drive home.

Step 5:
Dump musk ox and prepare for cleaning.  Using a knife and/or ulu (traditional knofe) begin to skin the animal.  Remove skin from body and legs but leave under animal to prevent it from freezing to the ground.

Step 6:
Slice open the animal taking great care not to rupture the internal organs, especially the stomach.  Remove innards.  Take a small fist-sized chunk of the animal's liver, and if applicable the liver of the unborn fetus (in this case, cut open the womb, remove fetus, cut open the fetus and obtain liver).  Mail liver(s) to Bethel for testing to obtain health of animal and possible baby.

Step 7:
Remove the four legs from the body and set aside.  Cut ribs away from the backbone and place with legs.


Step 8:
Cut remaining fur away from the lower jaw and remove tongue.  Place tongue with other meat.


Step 9:
Bring desired amount of ribs inside, coat with BBQ sauce, place in oven at 350 degrees for required amount of time and enjoy!