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 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02
W H2026 07 Gear BRF25 039036226 02

250th Anniversary Gear Roundup

Looking for some commemorative gear from America's semiquincentennial, that you'll continue to use for seasons to come? Look no further than out lineup of hunting gear celebrating America's 250th anniversary.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Ultimate Pheasant Load

Kent Cartridge has introduced Ultimate Pheasant, a load designed for dedicated pheasant and upland hunters. Built with Kent's proprietary Diamond Shot technology and a layered 4x6 shot payload, Ultimate Pheasant is engineered to deliver a balance of pattern density and retained energy.

#SundayGunday: Dark Mountain Arms Stowaway Rifle

On this episode of #SundayGunday we’re focusing on survival, a survival rifle, that is. It’s called the Stowaway rifle, and it’s built by a company here in the USA called Dark Mountain Arms.

First Look: Friends of NRA Reach New Record in 2026

Friends of NRA has reached a historic milestone, welcoming more than 5 million attendees to its volunteer-led fundraising events since the program's founding in 1992.

Celebrating 75 Years: The History and Enduring Importance of CCI Ammunition

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

MDT Adds Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand to CRBN Stock Lineup

MDT is adding a Tikka T3X Short Action Left Hand inlet to the CRBN rifle stock lineup, expanding access to the platform for left-handed Tikka shooters.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.