How to De-Game your Wild Game for a Tasty Meal

Wild game is a delicious and nutritious source of protein, but it can have a strong, gamey flavor that some people find unpleasant. If you’re new to cooking wild game, or if you’re just looking for ways to improve the taste, there are a few things you can do to de-game your meat and make it more palatable.

Step 1: Field dressing

The first step to de-gaming wild game is to field dress it properly. This means removing the internal organs as soon as possible after the animal is killed. The longer the internal organs remain in the body, the more time they have to release enzymes that can break down the meat and give it a gamey flavor.

To field dress an animal, simply make a cut down the center of the belly from the sternum to the pelvis. Reach inside and remove the internal organs, being careful not to puncture the intestines. Once the internal organs have been removed, rinse the body cavity with cold water and pat it dry with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Soaking

Once the animal has been field dressed, you can soak the meat in a liquid solution to help remove any remaining blood and gamey flavor. Some common soaking liquids include:

Water with salt or vinegar
Milk or buttermilk
Lemon juice or lime juice
A combination of any of the above

‘Soak the meat for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Be sure to refrigerate the meat while it is soaking.

Step 3: Marinating

After soaking, you can marinate the meat to add flavor and tenderize it.Marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. Be sure to refrigerate the meat while it is marinating. Here are some of our most popular marinades for wild game:

Step 4: Cooking

Wild game is typically leaner than domestic meats, so it is important to cook it carefully to avoid drying it out. When cooking wild game, it is best to use a low and slow cooking method, such as braising or roasting.

If you are braising wild game, be sure to add enough liquid to cover the meat. You can also add vegetables and herbs to the braising liquid for added flavor.

If you are roasting wild game, be sure to baste it frequently with cooking oil or butter to prevent it from drying out.

Step 5: Serving

Wild game can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice. It can also be used to make stews, chili, and other dishes.

Here are some additional tips for reducing the gamey flavor of wild game: