Wild Foods

Among hunters, the backstraps have earned a high reputation. Aside from the tenderloins, they’re usually the cut that most people prize. We’ve all seen the grip n’ grin photos of a backstrap harvested in the field. If you’re like me, you’ve probably taken a few photos too. While this showpiece steak...

If you’ve watched MeatEater Roasts and thought to yourself, “I can outcook those yahoos!” Well, buddy, it’s your time to shine. We’re calling for contestants to star in the cooking show where conservation wins. Anyone can enter, but you do have to be willing to drive yourself to Bozeman for filming...

This mustardy venison and wild mushroom stew is hearty and rich, perfect for a cold day after a successful hunt. While you’ll often see this flavor combo with beef, it works even better with venison. The trick that sets it apart? The mushrooms are roasted separately and added at the end, giving them...

Meatballs are a staple in our house, and I’d be willing to bet they’re a hit in yours, too. I love this garlicky, all-purpose version because it’s versatile, forgiving, and works well with most wild game. You can use ground goose, turkey, feral pig, or whatever you have in the freezer. While these...

People often assume that because I cook wild game professionally, I must be a big fan of liver. The truth? I’m not. Not even a little. But I still keep it because it’s one of the most nutrient-dense parts of the animal and a meaningful way to honor the life taken. Still, I want to eat it in a way...

Beef bourguignon, also known as beef burgundy, is a classic dish that hails from the Burgundy region of France. The stew, consisting of meat slowly braised in red wine, served alongside pearl onions and mushrooms, was popularized in American kitchens by Julia Child. It also happens to be a great way...

Processing your own meat is one of the most rewarding parts of hunting. Sure, it saves you money, but more than that, it gives you peace of mind knowing you're getting your own deer back and that only your hands have touched the meat. I also like having control over how everything’s portioned and...

For many hunters, the thrill of eating a big game animal like a deer, elk, or pronghorn often centers around two prized cuts: the backstrap and the tenderloin. While these are undoubtedly fantastic, they’re far from the only steaks worth celebrating. If you're processing your own game meat, you'll...

Perfect for a summer grill-out, these wild turkey skewers bring together the best of both worlds—sweet and savory. Succulent chunks of turkey breast meat are threaded on a skewer with red onions, bell peppers, and sliced peaches. The honey mustard marinade makes these kebabs a little addicting...

Deep within Nepal, nestled against the Tibetan border, five Nepali men stood over a hobbled yak in a stone corral. I watched from my second-story room in the overlooking guest house. The beast struggled on its side, its horns cutting the dirt as its head violently swung back and forth. After about...

Knowing how to properly sauté fish is something that every cook needs to have in their arsenal. It’s a quick way to cook practically any fish, and with practice, you can perfect the technique so that you get a beautiful golden crust and juicy fillet. This is a really simple recipe that allows fresh...

This recipe is the perfect thing to make after a spring outing in the forests of the Northeast. Wait for large, mature ramp leaves to make this, ensuring that you only snip off one leaf per plant when harvesting so that the plant can rebound and grow again next year. To learn more about harvesting...