Wild Game Nutritional Advantages

• Wild game birds and mammals need proper processing.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Bob MacInnes
  
  Wild game is typically leaner than domestic counterparts because wild animals are more active. Wild game proves a good source of protein with significantly less fat than beef or pork. Wild game has about one-third fewer calories compared to similar cuts of beef or pork and less saturated and total fat. Domestic animals have between 25 and 30 percent body fat. Wild game averages 4.3 percent body fat.
  
  

Safe Handling

• Safe handling and care of hunted wild game is important to avoid food borne illness. Proper field dressing, transporting and storage of processed meat can help ensure a healthy dietary option.
  
  

Preparation

• Leaner cuts of wild game sometimes prove challenging to prepare. Cook game slowly using moist heat and baste it often. Wrap roasts in foil after browning. Cook wild game to a safe internal temperature or 165 degrees.
  
  

CWD

• Investigate the presence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) before eating wild game meats. CWD is similar to mad cow disease and is found in deer and elk.
  
  

Lead Levels

• Eliminate dangerous lead levels by using lead-free ammunition. Discard portions of meat that contain lead bullet fragments.