Turn every hunt into unforgettable meals with simple, proven wild game cooking strategies.

Cooking wild game well is the difference between obligation and obsession. This conversation with wild game chef Jeff Benda breaks down how to transform your hunting and fishing harvest into meals your family actually craves. From spring turkey hunting to waterfowl hunting and venison preparation, the focus is on practical techniques that elevate flavor without overcomplicating the process.

You’ll learn how to get more meals out of a single bird, including breaking down a wild turkey into multiple dishes like curry and fried tenders. There’s a strong emphasis on using the entire animal, especially often-overlooked cuts like turkey legs and waterfowl thighs, turning them into slow-cooked meals, stocks, and shredded recipes that maximize your harvest.

The discussion also tackles common mistakes that ruin wild game, like overcooking venison and improper meat handling. Simple adjustments like aging, proper field care, and cooking to medium rare can completely change how deer meat tastes. For anglers and hunters alike, the takeaway is clear: better preparation leads to better experiences in the outdoors.

Whether you’re chasing gobblers, shooting ducks, or filling a deer tag, these insights will help you cook with confidence and deepen your connection to the outdoors.

Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations from the front lines of wild places.

Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/

Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/

Turkey Curry: https://wildgameandfish.com/golden-pheasant-curry/

Turkey Tenderloin: https://wildgameandfish.com/turkey-tenders/

Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ 

This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com 

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