GAME MEAT

Know any hunters? Maybe you could score your family some game meat.

Hunting can either be a very expensive hobby or part of a way of life. I know many people who have hunted their entire life and are used to supplementing their food larder with game animals for very low costs.

If you are friends with a hunter, you might talk him into selling you some of his stash. If you are really close, sometimes you'll get it as a gift. (AWESOME!)

Some people are turned off by game meat because they fear it will taste gamey. Or, they've actually had some poor tasting game. I understand that feeling. After having great venison for years, I had some that wasn't field dressed or processed properly and it put me off deer for quite a while. Getting acquainted with an experienced hunter in a different area changed my mind back again. When processed the right way, venison is a good meat. Yes, it does have a bit of a wild taste even then, but it's usually something you can grow to appreciate. (Remember your first beer?)

Elk. Now THAT is a meat! Again, hopefully it's processed right, because this is (imho) the best game meat out there. I usually grill it. A pinch of salt, a dash of garlic (either fresh or powdered), and some olive oil to drizzle over it as it smokes up... that is all the spice needed. Low heat works best for me, so it cooks up as a mix of direct flame and smoke on the grill. Then, eat it as a steak, or chunk it up into a stew or chili. Your regular recipes for those should be fine, but a web search for elk stews and chilis will turn up some very interesting ideas.

I've had alligator. Tastes like lizard. Snake tastes like lizard. Rattlesnake is the best snake, btw. (It doesn't taste like chicken. Nothing tastes like chicken except for chicken, don't let people fool you into thinking otherwise.)

I've also had antelope, water buffalo, hippo, and some other strange things, too. I prefer the North American continent's animals. Still need to try some bear. I don't know any local bear hunters, so it may take a while before I ever do get a chance.

Some game animal meats may be available in your local grocer, but they will likely be somewhat expensive. Farm raised game meat is also very good and is very pricey.

Birds and fish will be a subject of a future post.

I have great taste!