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Care of Wild Game

Source: NDSU Extension Nutrition Specialists

You would not transport a dead beef animal for hours on the hood of a car or stuff it into the trunk, but that is what happens to deer, grouse, ducks and other game. Hunting is popular, but people often waste the game due to improper transport and handling in the field.

Bird or beast, the sooner you dress and cool game the better. Clean game birds and animals like domestic animals. However, since most are shot, it is important to remove all blood-shot areas, removing shotgun pellets as well.

Properly handled, game should not have a strong taste. Poor flavor can be due to inadequate bleeding, poor dressing, improper cooling and the wounds themselves.

Because meat spoils quickly if it is warm and moist, you need to "gut" the animal promptly. Keep the animal as clean as possible, and cool it promptly and thoroughly. If the weather is warm, it is even more urgent to clean game quickly. A simple way to cool an animal is to buy bags of ice and put the bags in the cavity. Place birds or small animals in a cooler with ice.

Several factors affect the natural flavor of game. Venison tastes as different as pork or beef. Each has its own distinctive flavor. How old is the animal? What is its condition? These also affect the flavor. The best meat comes from healthy, alert young animals rather than those that are sluggish or hot from running.

The way you handle and process the meat affects its taste. For best flavor, take good care of game.

Game birds and animals forage for food and their muscles may develop more connective tissue than domestic animals. Game meats are apt to be drier and less tender than domestic animals, but richer in flavor.

Because wild game exercise more than domesticated species, you may need to cook meat by moist heat. Both stewing or braising (which is simmering in a covered pot with a small amount of liquid) work well.

For future reference, you may want to obtain a copy of Extension bulletins, "Wild Side of the Menu," and "Gochet's Guide to Care and Handling of Game Birds, Fish and Deer," which are available at your county office of the NDSU Extension Service.

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