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 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser
W H2026 02 KNOW HOW CH1019 Hiking A Long Way In Or To Very Specific Refuges Can Lead To Coyote Success, Copyright Mark Kayser

Coyote Hunting Tips: Are You Overlooking These Details?

Don't overlook the small details on your coyote hunts. It could sink your hunt and leave you with a sinking feeling of failure. The following represent areas where overlooked details, big and small, could send your hunt to the bottom of the ocean faster than the Titanic.

New for 2026: Federal Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition

Federal Ammunition has been shipping its new Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition turkey loads. Developed in collaboration with legendary choke designer Rob Roberts, these limited-edition offerings are built to deliver extreme range, pattern density and lethal energy.

New for 2026: Pedersoli Kodiak Survivalist Compact Express Rifle

Italian Firearms Group (IFG) has released the Kodiak Survivalist, an all-new compact express rifle from Davide Pedersoli. Known for blending old-world detail with serious performance across its lineup, Pedersoli brings that same disciplined craftsmanship to a utility-driven concept, resulting in what might best be described as a "gentleman's survival rifle."

Turkey Loads 101

Seemingly simple, selecting the proper turkey load is anything but a grab-and-go proposition nowadays. Instead, it requires consideration of key load characteristics, purpose and value, all of which are covered in this article.

New for 2026: Kings Camo XKG Summit Series Packs

Kings Camo has launched its all-new XKG Summit Series Packs. Engineered for versatility, comfort and load-hauling capability, this pack systems offer modular performance suitable for a wide range of adventures, from streamlined day hunts to extended backcountry trips.

New for 2026: Real Avid Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags

Real Avid has announced the Ratchet Rest—Adjustable Height Shooting Bags designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment and repeatable shooting performance.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.