From the Cookbook: Venison Jerky

by
posted on December 13, 2012
** 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. **
2012121410246-venison_jerky_f.jpg

You've got your venison steaks and maybe even some ground venison burger, but now you're looking for a good venison snack. Jerky's the perfect on-the-go venison treat, and handing it out when you're hunting with your buddies will make you popular as ever. Looking for a sure-fire venison jerky recipe? Here's one from the NRA Members' Wild Game Cookbook.

Remember, you can substitute just about any wild game (or store bought, even) meat you've got laying around if you haven't had any luck killing a deer yet this fall.

Venison Meatloaf
The following recipe is taken directly from the NRA Members' Wild Game Cookbook, Second Edition. To buy your very own copy of the cookbook, visit the NRA Program Materials Center.

Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup red wine
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Tabasco
• ¼ cup salt
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 pounds venison

Mix these ingredients together and set aside.

Prepare about 5 pounds venison by trimming all fat and waste away. Slice the meat with the grain in slices one fourth thick and one inch wide at most. If meat is semi-frozen, it will be easier to work with. Layer meat in a large, flat, glass dish, covering each layer with marinade before starting the next. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, remove strips from marinade and dry on paper towels for about one hour. If you have an electric smoker, put meat in and smoke it for 12 to 18 hours, depending on how dry you like it, and how large the pieces are.

If you don't have a smoker, set oven on a low heat 150-175 degrees and cook. Store your jerky in a plastic bag or glass jar in the refrigerator. Its shelf life depends on how dry you let it get and how many people you tell about it. Mine lasts a week if I'm careful.

I hope you like this one as much as we do.

Originally Submitted By:
Charles Hofmeister, III
Spencer, OH

Latest

W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888
W H2026 04 F Hog Texas Graves 425888

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

New for 2026: Real Avid AR-15/AR-10 Master Collections

Real Avid has taken its AR-15 and AR-10 tooling and maintenance products and bundled them into anew Master Collections series, providing AR-platform fans with one-stop solutions to meet their specific AR needs.

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.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.