Smoked Deer Meat

Learning to be self sufficient when it comes to cooking good/clean foods has been at the top of my list for several years. I’m not talking about getting grandma’s recipe book out and cooking great pies, cookies, and cobblers. Stay out of the “bakery” side of the kitchen, that’s where overweight people tend to hang out (just being honest, I’ve been there). I’m talking about taking good, clean, wild meat, and turning into something that is just pretty darn delicious! Yes, there are a lot of different ways to cook meat (I’m talking about deer meat in this post). I’ve tried oven baked, fried (no breading, and in good cooking oils like olive/coconut/avocado). Here lately, smoking meat has quickly become my favorite!!

I Learned along time ago, in a book I read several years ago that if you want to become a healthier person, start spending the majority of your time learning to cook foods that you will consistently eat. When I started my journey to becoming a Wild and Primal freak, I took all of my focus and started learning how to do things 100% on my own, not having to rely on anyone.

I have learned that high heated foods tend to contain mostly damaged nutrients. Yes, I know there are tons of different philosophies on this topic, and I have read nearly all of it. At some point, a person has to take everything that they think they know, make a conclusion, and start going with it. Changes can be made down the road, if earlier decisions prove to be inaccurate. Well, I have been trying to eat more raw fruits and vegetable, as well as more lightly (low heat) cooked meats. I have to say, that I am not disappointed in the results. After striving to eat this way the majority of the time, I am a firm believer that these types of foods are what we need.

I feel great! I feel ambition, strength, and vitality running through my body. I know that might sound crazy, but it’s true. Of course, this lifestyle that I run has more to it than just eating some good, smoked deer meat. Eating is a big part of my lifestyle, though. Getting rid of the bad, and including a lot of good (Wild and Primal) foods, is one of my main priorities.

I use all of my own seasonings when I do my cooking. A few a my favorites are garlic powder/fresh garlic, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, oregano, thyme, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and apple cider vinegar (all organic sources). I’m telling you, you can’t go wrong. Just start experimenting with a few seasonings, and start doing your own cooking. You don’t have to have all of the sugar/processing to make food taste good.

What kind of smoker to use? I just use my grill/smoker, nothing fancy. I believe you can smoke awesome meat with just a BBQ grill. All you really need is a way to keep your temperature consistent. I would highly recommend a meat/ambient temperature thermometer inside your grill so that you can keep a check on the temperature.

I try to cook my deer meat at a fairly consistent temperature between 200-250 degrees Fahrenheit. The food does not directly touch any flame, just heat from the wood burning/smoldering beneath. I set the meat inside of a cast iron pan, and put the pan inside of the smoker. I set the iron pan containing the meat, on top of another smaller iron pan that sits on the actual grate. I started doing this to prevent the pan containing the meat from directly touching any “flame up” during the smoking process. At times, a flame might start up, and I don’t like the flame searing the bottom of the pan that contains the meat. Having the extra pan beneath creates a sort of buffer, and helps keep the bottom of the meat from getting seared during a flame up.

What kind of wood do I use? Again, nothing fancy. I like to keep things simple, and accessible. I prefer to use wood from fruit/nut bearing trees. Typically, I will just use wood from the trees in my yard. I have a couple of persimmon trees in my yard. I also have hickory, and oak trees everywhere. I have a little container on my back porch that I store wood in. Throughout the year, I will pick up bits of limbs that fall off of these trees, and store them in this box. I break them up into smaller pieces, store them, and when it’s time to smoke I am ready to go! A 5 gallon bucket worth of wood pieces will be enough wood for me to smoke a 3-4 pound deer roast for a few hours, and get it perfect.

Almost everyone has a BBQ grill! Get yourself a thermometer, if you don’t have one already, and start experimenting with some smoked meats! You can make enough on a weekend to get you through several meals throughout the week. That way, you’re not having to dig for any quick/unhealthy stuff for lunches. You’ll have quick/healthy meals when you need them.

The time will never be just right!! Start improving your lifestyle NOW!!

Good luck on your journey to Wild and Primal freedom!!