For those of you that are squeamish about hunting down your dinner, but desire the interesting taste and lower fat content of wild game, don't despair. It's now easier than ever to buy game, sometimes with the click of a button. While the term 'wild game' technically refers to anything hunted for food in the wild, it is difficult to purchase due to strict US inspection laws. Today, 'wild game'
is used interchangeably with 'game' to mean animals hunted for food and not historically domesticated. The following tips will get game in your hands before you can say 'wild goose chase':

1. Decide if you want your game 'ranched,' or 'farmed.' Ranched game has a more interesting flavor and lower body fat because they wander freely. Farmed game tend to taste more mild and have slightly more fat. Both are generally more tender than truly wild game, with a more consistent flavor. None is superior to the other; different tastes appeal to different folks.

2. Check with your local grocer, meat market, or butcher shop. While they may not carry game, many can order it in a few days.

3. Search online. There are several quality companies with a presence on the web to make shopping for game easier than ever. They can give you specific information about their game to help you in your purchase. Besides the convenience of having the meat delivered to your door, there is an unprecedented variety at your fingertips. Try D'Artagnan, Fossil Farms, Broken Arrow Ranch, or Venison America.

4. Examine the meat. Just like other meats, game meat should be moist and firm, smell fresh, and be evenly colored and without spots. Game birds should have smooth skin, pliable wing tips, and a firm breast bone.

5. Consider frozen game when fresh is unavailable. Many Internet and mail-order suppliers provide quality frozen meats, and properly handled frozen meat is preferable to poorly handled fresh meat.

These days, wild game can be had in a snap, and enjoyed just as quickly.

Learn more about this author, Meredith D. Burt.
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