What's the Best Wild-Game Meat?

by
posted on March 23, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

In just the past few years I have tried an array of new wild-game meats and some exotic meats that were extremely delicious, from kangaroo (which tasted just like beef steak) to bear, turkey, moose, beaver, squirrel, whitetail, blacktail, pheasant, duck and more. Preparation can be the key to making a typically unappealing or tough meat, such as beaver or squirrel, more appetizing. And, of course, bacon and BBQ sauce are always good additions to any recipe. Thus far, however, a good ole venison backstrap is still my favorite. My blacktail steaks are on-par with the whitetail venison, but the blacktail burger meat has an odd sweetness that I just can't get past.

Looking to future hunts, my two favorites, wild turkey and venison, will most definitely be on the hunting to-do list. But considering I still haven't experienced elk (hunting or eating), and I haven't hunted many other species, I'm trying to determine what should be on my hunt-to-eat bucket list. After all, there's nothing more satisfying than cooking something you harvested yourself. Don't get me wrong. If I am offered wild game from my circle of hunting friends, I will gladly accept it. But I derive greater satisfaction having taken it myself. Any suggestions on what to add to my list?

Latest

Ledemule Deer Foundation Delivers
Ledemule Deer Foundation Delivers

MDF Invested $48.3 Million for Conservation in 2025

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) mobilized a total of $48.3 million for mule deer and black-tailed deer in 2025, its second-best year on record. Across 153 projects in 17 states, MDF helped restore more than 537,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat, benefitted 129 deer herds and eliminated or converted 149 miles of hazardous fence to restore safe movement corridors for wildlife.

Behind the Bullet: .17 Mach 2

Ever heard of the .17 Mach 2? Go behind the scenes on this hot little rimfire round with resident ammo guru Phil Massaro.

Tuo Curates Specialized Turkey Hunting Collection

For the 2026 spring season, Tuo has architected a technical system specifically curated to meet the demands of turkey hunters. While engineered for maximum versatility, the Tuo ecosystem has developed a particular following in regions where the early season isn't defined by green leaves and lilac blooms, but by the high-contrast skeletal timber and grey-scale of the early spring woods.

New for 2026: Savage Model 110 Rimfire

Savage Arms has expanded its Model 110 family of rifles into the rimfire world. Long loved by generations of hunters, the classic Model 110 will now include a number of full size, .22 Long Rifle offerings, making up the new Model 110 RF line.

Snow Goose Science: Hunting Tips from the Pros

Want to drop more snow geese during conservation season? Check out these tips, straight from the pro guides at Central Missouri Wildlife.

New for 2026: Apex Ammunition 28-Gauge SmallTown Hunting TSS Turkey Blend

Apex Ammunition is now offering a 28-gauge load in its SmallTown Hunting Blend line of turkey ammunition.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.