Let me start off by saying that Joel and I live as much of a sustainable lifestyle as possible. It is and always has been important to us to grow as much of our food as we can, to hunt and fish as well. This article is not FOR/AGAINST hunting practices. It's about a way of living, eating clean local meat with the satisfaction of harvesting it yourself. 
Believe me when I say, we could go to the local grocery store and buy our meat and spend A LOT less than it costs to get it ourselves! However, the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from, no meat glue, no tough cuts, no worry about how many antibiotics, hormones or other drugs were used. This is what is important. 

So below I have outlined the basics. I hope it answers questions for a few, or many who do not understand the massive benefits of harvesting your own meat!

🦌Nutritional Powerhouse

Wild caught meat, especially venison, stands out as a nutritional powerhouse. Unlike many commercially raised animals, wild game thrives on a natural diet, resulting in meat that is not only lean but also remarkably nutrient-dense.

🥩Lean and Protein-Rich

Venison is significantly lower in fat than beef, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a leaner protein source. It's packed with high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily function. This protein content supports satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer, which can be beneficial for weight management.

🍊💪Rich in Iron, Zinc, and B Vitamins

Beyond its protein content, venison is an exceptional source of essential micronutrients. It's particularly rich in iron, which is crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body and preventing anemia. The zinc content supports a robust immune system and aids in wound healing. Furthermore, venison is brimming with B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins are vital for energy production, maintaining healthy nerve function, and supporting overall brain health.

🌾Omega-3s from Wild Forage

It is no secret that MANY people are dangerously deficient in Omega 3's, Venison helps with that!

A significant advantage of wild caught meat like venison lies in its fatty acid profile. Wild deer forage on a diverse array of plants, herbs, and grasses. This natural diet often leads to a more favorable omega-3 fatty acid content compared to the meat of grain-fed livestock. Omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in cardiovascular and brain health.

🌿Ethical and Sustainable Eating

Beyond its nutritional merits, choosing wild caught venison aligns with a more ethical and sustainable approach to food consumption.

🏹Regulated Hunting Supports Conservation

In many regions, regulated hunting practices play a crucial role in wildlife management and conservation. Controlled hunting helps to maintain healthy deer populations, preventing overgrazing and preserving the delicate balance of their natural ecosystems. This sustainable approach ensures the long-term health of both the deer population and their habitats.

🐾Zero-Waste Ethos

A strong tradition among hunters is the practice of utilizing every part of the animal. This zero-waste ethos honors the animal, minimizes waste, and aligns with a deeply respectful relationship with nature. From the meat to the hide, traditional practices ensure that the harvest provides maximum benefit.
Let me throw in an example here: most of the bones will be frozen and given to our dogs, as well as kidneys, heart, liver (we freeze dry them for treats, the dogs love them!) 

Symbolism and Ancestral Connection

Consuming wild game like venison connects us to deeper aspects of our human heritage.

🧬Reconnecting with Ancestral Diets

Eating wild game echoes the dietary patterns of our ancestors, particularly those of the Paleolithic era and various indigenous foodways. This can be seen as a way to reconnect with a way of eating that humans have consumed for millennia, potentially offering benefits that modern diets may lack.

🍽️Culinary Versatility

Beyond its health and ethical benefits, venison offers a unique and versatile culinary experience.

Flavor Profile

Venison possesses a distinct flavor profile that is earthy, slightly sweet, and more complex than that of beef. This rich taste pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices, such as juniper and rosemary, and is wonderfully complemented by sauces like berry reductions.

Cuts and Cooking Methods

From rustic preparations like slow-roasted haunches to hearty venison chili, or even adventurous raw preparations like tartare, venison adapts effortlessly to a wide range of culinary styles. Whether you prefer slow-cooked tenderness or a quick sear, there's a method to suit every preference.

Preservation Traditions

Traditional preservation methods offer delicious ways to enjoy venison year-round. Jerky, smoked venison, and cured sausages are time-honored techniques that not only extend the enjoyment of this seasonal harvest but also create flavorful, convenient options.

⚠️Safety and Sourcing

Ensuring the safety and ethical sourcing of wild game is paramount for enjoying its benefits fully.

Field Dressing and Proper Handling

Proper field dressing and immediate handling of wild game are essential to prevent contamination and ensure food safety. This includes prompt cooling of the carcass and careful removal of internal organs to maintain meat quality and prevent spoilage. The biggest mistake I see, is that we cool our meat quickly AND then we keep it cold for several days to a week to age. This enhances tenderness and flavor by allowing natural enzymes to break down muscle fibers.

Local Sourcing

When you are not hunting yourself, buying from local, ethical hunters or wild game co-ops supports transparency and traceability. This ensures you know where your meat comes from and that it has been handled with care.

Incorporating wild caught meats like venison into your diet offers a delicious and nutritious way to support your health while also making conscious choices for the environment, animal welfare, and your connection to ancestral traditions. Its lean protein, vital micronutrients, beneficial fatty acids, ethical sourcing, symbolic depth, culinary adaptability, and attention to safety make it a truly untamed advantage for your well-being.

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