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

W H2026 04 Knowhow Tom@Jakehendecshunter19.30
W H2026 04 Knowhow Tom@Jakehendecshunter19.30

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.