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

LEDE Blacktail With Hunter
LEDE Blacktail With Hunter

Report Identifies 80,000 Acres for Sitka Black-Tailed Deer Habitat Restoration

The Blacktail Deer Foundation (BDF) has released a new report titled A Restoration Mapping Framework: To Improve Sitka Black-tailed Deer Habitat in Southeast Alaska.

Tale of the Twist: How Does Twist Rate Affect a Shot?

Ever wonder exactly how twist rate affects projectiles and bullet selection? Dive into this important component of ballistics with Phil Massaro.

New for 2026: CCI High Bar Air Gun Slugs

CCI Ammunition has introduced High Bar Air Gun Slugs, which are designed to deliver accuracy and terminal performance, especially through modern PCP air rifles and pistols.

Try a Hunting Preserve

With most hunting seasons over, some of us like to find another avenue in which to go afield. What about trying a bird hunting preserve?

First Look: Hawk Solace Platform and FLX Saddle

Hawk's latest product launch features two purpose-built pieces engineered to elevate modern saddle hunting systems: the Solace Platform and Helium FLX Saddle.

Texas Governor Makes New World Screwworm Disaster Declaration

On Jan. 29 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) declared a state of disaster as a pre-emptive move to minimize risk of the New World screwworm (NWS) establishing a foothold in the U.S. and Lone Star State.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.