What Is Considered Game Meat?
Game meat is the meat of any animal that’s hunted for food instead of raised on a farm. Humans have been hunting and consuming game meat since the dawn of time. It's really no wonder that popularity for game meat has increased in recent years as we look to more sustainable means of meat production outside of mass-scale industrial agriculture.
Game meat can be a sustainable protein source from not only an environmental perspective, but also as a healthier alternative to red meats for your diet. These meats are very low in fat and cholesterol given these animals are leaner by nature. They are wild and are able to walk and roam freely so do not store so much fat.
In that sense, it’s closer to the kinds of meat that would have been available in the Paleolithic era, so it's perfect for those of us who subscribe to the Paleo diet or a more ancestral way of eating. It's also a great alternative if you have ethical issues with animal husbandry but still wish to benefit from the bio-available, nutrient-density qualities that meat affords humans.
Where To Start With Game Meat?
There are a lot of different game meats to try, but we recommend starting with the five below. Why? They are relatively easy to cook and will ease you into a world of new flavors!
Bison
Bison meat is becoming increasingly popular and is often seen as a healthier alternative to beef. It is lower in fat and calories, and higher in protein and iron compared to beef.
Wild Boar
Wild boar meat has a rich, robust flavor that is often described as being similar to pork, but with a slightly gamier taste. It is a popular choice for sausages and cured meats.
Venison
Venison is the meat of deer and is often considered the most popular game meat. It has a rich, slightly sweet flavor and is often described as being similar to beef, but with a more tender texture (we made this guide and video on how to cook venison).
Elk
Elk meat is known for its lean, tender and juicy texture, as well as its rich, nutty flavor. It is often compared to beef, but is slightly sweeter and more flavorful.
Rabbit
Rabbit meat is lean, tender and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is often described as similar to chicken. It is a popular choice for stews and braises.
These are some of the most popular game meats, but there are many others to explore including alligator, camel, pheasant, quail, duck, and even wild turkeys.
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