Introduction
Imagine this: you’re deep in the wilderness, far away from the noise and hassle of modern civilization. The call of wild game can be heard in the distance, and your stomach growls in anticipation. There’s only one problem — you’ve never prepared game in the wild before. How do you go about gutting, skinning, and cooking the meat in a survival scenario?
In this post, we’re going to explore exactly how to prepare wild game for cooking in the wild, providing you with a comprehensive guide to the skills, tools, and knowledge you need to turn a freshly caught game into a delicious, survival-friendly meal. So, do you feel ready to learn how to prepare wild game for cooking in the wild, just like a seasoned huntsperson?
Section 1: Essential Gear for Processing Wild Game
Before you can even think about preparing your game, you need to have the right tools. Every survivalist needs a quality knife, for instance. A good choice is the Morakniv Garberg (under $100) trusted for its full-tang blade construction, making it robust enough for heavy-duty tasks involved in field dressing like skinning and gutting.
When you need to take down larger game, a compact saw can be a lifesaver. The Bahco Laplander Folding Saw (~$25) is exceptionally lightweight yet capable of sawing through bones and small trees, making it a versatile addition to your tools.
Section 2: Breaking Down the Preparation Process
Preparing wild game involves several steps, each crucial in its own way. After the kill, you start with bleeding, followed by gutting, skinning, and finally, cutting up the meat.
Bleeding involves slicing the throat of the animal to ensure a more hygienic dressing process and better tasting meat. For this process, the Grand Way Hunting Knife (~$30) with its sharp, pointed blade is ideal for a quick, clean cut.
Gutting and skinning are more challenging. The Bark River Gameskeeper II (~$225) offers a razor-sharp edge for clean, efficient cuts. It’s designed to maintain its edge even after tough use, making it an excellent investment for survival scenarios.
Section 3: Cooking Techniques
Of course, no one wants to eat raw meat, and cooking methods can vary based on availability of resources and the kind of game you’ve hunted. Slow roasting over an open fire using a spit is a common method, but for shorter cooking times and smaller game, pan frying can be effective. The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet (~$40) is portable and incredibly durable, perfect for outdoor cooking.
Section 4: Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many beginners make the mistake of rushing the process, but skimping on thorough skinning and cleaning will result in poor tasting meat. Another misconception is the need for a large array of tools when, in reality, a few solid, high-quality tools should suffice for most scenarios.
Conclusion
Preparing wild game in an outdoor setting can be challenging, but with the right tools and some patient practice, it’s certainly achievable. The Morakniv Garberg knife, the Bahco Laplander Folding Saw, and the Bark River Gameskeeper II are all excellent selections that can help you with the entire process – from taking down the game to preparing it for consumption.
So, what’s stopping you? It’s time to equip yourself with the right tools and knowledge and get out there. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a survivalist preparing for a worst-case scenario, knowing how to prepare wild game for cooking in the wild is a crucial skill to master.