A critical first step for any buyer is distinguishing between truly wild meat and "wild game" that has been raised on farms.
: Most "wild game" available at retail or in restaurants—such as elk, bison, or venison—is actually farm-raised in controlled environments. This provides a consistent product that is inspected for safety, though purists argue it lacks the authentic flavor and ecological benefits of truly wild-harvested animals. buy wild game meat
: In the United States, meat from animals killed in the wild cannot be legally sold unless it has undergone specific state or federal inspection. A critical first step for any buyer is
: Truly wild meat is more common in certain international markets, such as wild red deer from Scotland. Why Consumers Buy Wild Game : In the United States, meat from animals
The shift toward game meat is largely driven by three primary factors: health, ethics, and sustainability. Hunting the Right Way: A Conversation With Steven Rinella