Must-Have Wild Game Seasonings and Marinades

by
posted on April 13, 2017
** 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. **
must_have_seasonings_1.jpg

Now that the freezer is full, it’s time to put your hard-earned meat where it belongs—on a plate.

Julia’s Pantry Wild Boar Rubs
Like the name implies, these rubs are amazing on feral hog, but don’t leave out your red-meat roasts. Rub a loin in one of six flavors, like Smokin’ BBQ or the super spicy Glowin’ Ghost, and roast at 365 degrees for about an hour. It’ll be caramelized perfection. MSRP: $8.95.

Southern Belles Gourmet BBQ
Whether you’re pulling wild pork or slow-cooker pheasant, this BBQ sauce will be a welcome replacement to the mass-produced stuff you find in most stores. Spice up a cold turkey sandwich with the Hot N Sassy Peach, just one of seven Southern-inspired flavors. MSRP: $8-$12.

Tastefully Done Marinade
Everyone has a friend who can’t handle the “gamey” flavor (whatever that means) of wild game. Well, there are no more excuses. You could eat boot leather marinated in this stuff, but a nice elk steak, soaked overnight and cooked fast on a hot cast-iron skillet, is better. Available in Original and Spicy. MSRP: $10.97.

Camouflage Seasonings
Hardwood Spice Blend is one of the best seasonings we’ve ever tried on a bear roast. Seems to reason that deer, elk, moose and just about anything else would be great, too. There are also two blends specifically made for birds: the Delta Flyway Blend for waterfowl and the Longbeard Blend for turkey. MSRP: $6-$10.

Hi Mountain Seasonings
These little marinade packets pack some big flavor. Mix them up with oil and vinegar, and have at it. Use the Sweet Honey on turkey breast: cut it into strips, marinate for an hour or two, dredge in flour, and pan-fry for turkey tenders your kids will devour. MSRP: $3.25.

Dawson’s Wild Spice
Looking to get away from the same old chili? One taste of the Jalapeno Wild Chili Mix combined with ground venison and you won’t care to buy the off-the-shelf stuff anymore. If you’re feeling bold, go for the Hot Habanero mix—it’ll knock your Merino wool socks off. MSRP: $3.59.

Camp Chef Seasonings
You’ll love this selection on everything from backstraps to rib racks, and veggies, too. The Mango Chipotle Rub is super sweet; try using it on goose breasts. Smoke ’em on low for 20 minutes in a Camp Chef smoker and finish ’em to medium-rare on a hot grill. MSRP: $8.99.

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

First Look: Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Green Dot

Purpose-built for turkey hunting and wingshooting, the Vortex Viper Shotgun Enclosed Micro Red Dot line now adds a green reticle option for those who prefer it in certain lighting and shooting conditions.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.