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

Benelli Nova 3 Hardware Review
Benelli Nova 3 Hardware Review

Hardware Review: Benelli NOVA 3

Although the Nova 3 might be unorthodox in construction, the controls will be familiar to nearly anybody who’s used a pump-action shotgun before.

First Look: POF PST-7 Suppressor

Patriot Ordnance Factory Inc. (POF-USA) has announced the release of its the PST-7 suppressor, a .30-caliber can engineered to deliver effective signature reduction with extremely low back pressure.

New for 2026: Remington Hard Cast Handgun Ammo

Remington Ammunition has released its Hard Cast handgun ammunition line, engineered for deep penetration and reliable performance when protection from dangerous game is the priority.

New For 2026: Weatherby Capra

This latest Mark V bolt-action rifle from Weatherby is poised to be the company's lightest ever, with a starting weight of just 4 pounds.

First Look: Remington We The People Ammunition for US 250th

Remington recently announced its "We The People" limited-edition ammunition line commemorating America's sesquicentennial.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms B Series Timber Tactical

On this week's #SundayGunday, NRA Media's Jay Grazio checks out the B Series Timber Tactical from Savage. A nifty little rimfire with an 18-inch heavy-profile, deep spiral fluted barrel, the Timber Tactical comes available in .22 LR, .22 WMR and 17 HMR, perfect chamberings for plinkers and small-game hunters alike. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.