Contents
Wild game jerky mixes up snack time by adding flavors you just can’t find in standard store-bought jerky. I first stumbled upon wild game jerky a few years ago when I wanted to put meat from hunting trips to good use, and I quickly became a fan of its hearty taste and versatility.
QUICK LOOK: Tips for Making Wild Game Jerky
- Choose your wild game meat.
- Trim away every bit of visible fat. Less fat means longer-lasting jerky.
- Cut into thin slices, marinate overnight, and pick your favorite drying method.
- Keep an eye on your jerky during drying; wild game usually dries out quicker than beef, so the time may change from batch to batch.
- Check for doneness regularly, let the batch cool, and store it properly.
- Try new flavors, share your creations, and keep wild game jerky in the snack rotation—you’ll have a go-to treat that gets people talking.
- Be careful not to oversalt your marinade. Wild meats already bring a bold taste and don’t need heaps of extra salt.
Jerky made from wild meats such as venison, elk, bison, or even duck offers a lean, protein-packed snack that bursts with natural flavor and a hint of adventure. Making it at home lets me control all the ingredients and create flavor blends that feel way more personal than anything you could pick up at the store.
If you’re after a snack that’s satisfying, healthy, and a little gourmet, wild game jerky definitely belongs on your radar. In this guide, I’ll break down how to make wild game jerky from scratch, share my go-to seasonings, and give simple storage tips to help you keep it fresh.
Whether you hunt, have a friend who hunts, or can track down wild game from a reliable butcher, you’ll find everything you need to know about turning that meat into your next favorite treat.
Why Wild Game Jerky is Unique
Wild game jerky stands out because of its natural leanness and bold taste. Meat taken from animals like deer or elk is lower in fat than standard beef, producing a chewier, more robust jerky. Wild game soaks up marinades differently, letting every batch of jerky reveal a new layer of flavor and aroma.
Unlike most packaged jerky, there are no preservatives or mysterious fillers—just honest, flavorful snacks. Eating wild game jerky connects me back to the outdoors. Every homemade batch feels like a small celebration of time spent hunting or supporting sustainable wild game practices. It’s a simple luxury that’s as perfect in a lunchbox as it is on a rugged hike or a cozy evening at home.
The Best Meats for Wild Game Jerky
Picking the right meat is key. The leaner, the better. Some of my favorite choices include:
- Venison (deer): Super lean, just a bit sweet, and works with nearly any flavor mix.
- Elk: Tender and mild, great for those who want a “clean” tasting jerky.
- Bison: Rich and beefy but not greasy, ideal if you love classic jerky.
- Duck and Goose: A bit gamey, but rewards you with a unique, savory punch.
- Wild Turkey: Lean and easygoing, works well for subtle snacks.
No matter your pick, trim away as much fat and silverskin as possible. Fat spoils faster and throws off the jerky’s texture.
How to Prepare Wild Game Jerky
Slice the Meat
Start with meat that’s partly frozen—it makes slicing so much easier. Using a sharp knife, cut long strips about 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick. For a chewier bite, slice with the grain. If you prefer tender, easy-to-chew bites, slice across the grain.
Marinate for Next-Level Flavor
The marinade lets your creativity run wild. I love combining soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cracked pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of brown sugar. Sometimes, I’ll add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, maple syrup, or even bourbon. Mix the marinade, then add the meat to a bowl or a zip-top bag so every piece gets coated. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight for a real blast of flavor.
Drying Methods
You can use a dehydrator, oven, or smoker. All get the job done, but each brings its own perks:
- Dehydrator: Fast, easy, and delivers the most even results. Lay out your strips in one layer, set them to 145°–155°F, and dry for 1 to 2.5 hours. Check in from time to time.
- Oven: Heat your oven to 175°F and set the sliced meat on racks above baking sheets for airflow. Dry for about 4 hours, flipping the jerky pieces halfway through.
- Smoker: This method brings in smoky goodness you can’t get elsewhere. Set to 160°F and smoke for 3 to 5 hours. Start checking for doneness a bit early to avoid over-drying.
Your jerky is done when it feels dry and bends before breaking. If it snaps, it probably went a little too long.
Tips for Success and Making It Your Own
Flavor Combos That Shine
- Classic: Soy sauce, Worcestershire, black pepper, garlic, onion, and a bit of sugar.
- Spicy: Toss in cayenne, hot sauce, and extra red pepper for a serious kick.
- Herby: Throw in rosemary, thyme, and sage for a woodsy fresh take.
- Sweet and Smoky: Blend honey or maple syrup with smoked paprika or go with real smoke in your smoker.
- Asian-Inspired: Try rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and a hit of sriracha.
Testing out flavors helps keep every batch fun and new. If wild game is all new to you, start basic and add more flavors as you figure out what you like most.
Avoid Common Missteps
- Trim away every bit of visible fat. Less fat means longer-lasting jerky.
- Be careful not to oversalt your marinade. Wild meats already bring a bold taste and don’t need heaps of extra salt.
- Keep an eye on your jerky during drying; wild game usually dries out quicker than beef, so the time may change from batch to batch.
Storing and Enjoying Wild Game Jerky
Great storage steps help your jerky stay fresh and tasty. Allow your jerky to cool fully, then seal it tightly in containers or vacuum-seal it to keep it at its best. In a cool pantry, it’ll stay good for up to two months, but I prefer keeping it chilled in the fridge, especially with homemade jerky for extra peace of mind.
Need jerky to last longer? Freezing works perfectly. Portion it out so you only open what you’ll eat in a week or so, keeping the rest nice and fresh.
FAQs and Trouble Spots
Can I use frozen wild game for jerky?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw before slicing and marinating. Partly thawed meat is also easier to cut thinly.
Why does my jerky wind up dry or too tough?
It likely dried for too long, or you may have sliced it too thin (especially with lean wild meats). Try marinating longer, or add a little honey or sugar for a softer feel.
What’s the best way to pack wild game jerky for the trail?
Use ziptop bags or vacuum seal. It doesn’t need refrigeration for a few days, but make sure to keep it dry and out of direct sunlight to keep it tasting great.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Wild Game Jerky
- Snacking right from the bag.
- Paired with cheese and nuts for a protein snack plate.
- Chopped up in scrambled eggs or sprinkled on salads for a flavor punch.
- With a craft beer or a bold red wine for a great happy hour treat.
Sharing new flavors with friends is half the fun—people love to ask about it, and wild game jerky always gets them interested in trying something new.
Get Started with Wild Game Jerky Today
- Choose your wild game meat and trim it thoroughly.
- Cut into thin slices, marinate overnight, and pick your favorite drying method.
- Check for doneness regularly, let the batch cool, and store it properly.
- Try new flavors, share your creations, and keep wild game jerky in the snack rotation—you’ll have a go-to treat that gets people talking.
If you make some wild game jerky, drop me a note or share your best marinades. I’m always on the hunt for new recipes to try, and I love it when someone shares their favorite twist. Happy snacking!
Most Recent Articles:
- 15 Beginner-Friendly Hiking Gear Essentials For Women
- The Art Of Smoking Fish: 8 Tips, Techniques, And Flavor Combinations
- 6 Key Features for Affordable Hiking Boots For Casual Hikers
- Brining Techniques To Enhance Your Game Meat Flavors
- Wild Game Jerky: 7 Tips for A Gourmet Twist On A Classic Snack
- 6 High-Performance Hiking Boots For Backpackers
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey, and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. You can follow us on YouTube: Man Art Creations for videos of our DIY Adventures.
P.S. Thanks so much for checking out our blog; we really appreciate it. Just so you know, we may receive a commission if you click on some of the links that appear on our site. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date for everyone. We appreciate your support!
