America, Land of the Tame -- Why It's Almost Impossible to Buy Wild Meat

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/food/america-land-tame-why-its-almost-impossible-buy-wild-meat



When the foliage turns pretty and the frost hits the pumpkins, some diners' thoughts turn to meats like venison, wild boar and quail, and the rich, lusty dishes in which they appear. Perhaps it’s the smell of turning leaves, or the chill in the air, or the fact that it’s hunting season, but whatever the reason, restaurant chefs have caught onto the seasonal vibe and are packing their menus with “wild game” dishes, because they know you’ll bite.

But what you actually get in that bite may not be as wild as you imagine. In the context of a restaurant menu, “wild game” is a loose-fitting term.

Hank Shaw, the James Beard-award-winning author of the blog Hunter, Angler, Gardener, Cook, has hunted or caught many types of edible wild game and fish on the continent and in its waters. I asked Shaw what it means when “wild game” appears on a menu.

“It’s nice,” he replied, “but it's not wild food. Unless the restaurant is breaking the law, all game meats sold in America are ranched and are technically livestock.”

[hobbit709]

1. Nothing new there.

If you want to eat real game, you got to kill it yourself or know someone that hunts..

same goes for game fish.

[MADem]

2. I think that's wise.

You're not going to get the same quality control with wild game--you have to rely on the hunter for their assurances with regard to freshness and proper handling.

You want real wild stuff? You have to go get it yourself, I think...

[MineralMan]

3. Game animals that live in the wild should not be sold.

I have no problem with hunting or angling. I'm an angler myself, and have hunted in the past. But hunting and fishing is controlled in a way that helps manage wildlife on the limited space available for that wildlife. Selling wild game is simply wrong. If you want wild venison, buy a hunting license and go hunting. If you want trout from a stream, buy a fishing license and learn how to catch it.

The license fees go to help individual states manage their wildlife resources. If you could see all of the deer here in Minnesota, you'd understand why game management is needed. We have deer walking up the street in our St. Paul neighborhood, and wild turkeys feeding under our bird feeder.

[sufrommich]

4. If you allow hunters to profit from selling

wild game you encourage widespread poaching and the inevitable destruction of wildlife.No thanks,you want wild venison,buy a hunting permit.