Turkey hunting was one of our favorite pastimes and we used to spend a ridiculous amount of time and energy simply getting ready for the hunting season to finally open. When it did, we would bundle up and head out in search of the perfect tom to dress our table. While we dont get to go out too often anymore, we still highly recommend it.
In Ohio (as with many states) bag limits for wild turkey are ridiculously small, making this once-common game bird a delicacy each season. Even though this delicious meal is something we dont get to eat every day, knowing the health benefits, nutrition, and safe handling of wild turkey meat is good information that might even make your next delicious roasted wild turkey taste better than it already does.
Wild turkey meat offers a unique, gamy flavor that can’t be replicated by conventional poultry. As interest in heritage breeds and wild game increases, more people are searching for places to buy wild turkey meat This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the benefits of wild turkey to the best places to find it
What is Wild Turkey Meat?
Wild turkeys are native game birds found throughout North America. The most common subspecies hunted for meat are the Eastern Wild Turkey and the Rio Grande Wild Turkey. Unlike domestic turkeys selectively bred for mass production, wild turkeys retain their natural instincts and behaviors. They roam freely, foraging on native vegetation and insects. This results in a lean, muscular bird with an intense wild flavor.
Wild turkey meat has a darker color and firmer texture compared to conventional turkey. The breast meat is still white, but it has a rosy hue The legs are darker with a deep red color The flavor is described as rich, savory, and slightly gamy. Some compare it to other game meats like venison or duck. The taste can vary depending on the turkey’s diet and age. Older wild toms develop a stronger, more intense flavor in the meat.
Benefits of Eating Wild Turkey
Eating wild turkey offers several benefits compared to conventional poultry:
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Higher protein – Wild turkey is over 30% protein, higher than chicken or turkey. This makes it great for building muscle and satisfying hunger.
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Lower fat – With extensive exercise, wild turkeys have less than 2 grams of fat per serving. A skinless breast has under 1 gram of fat.
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No hormones or antibiotics – Wild game lives freely without drugs or chemicals. This is preferable for health-conscious consumers.
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Sustainable – Well-managed wild turkey hunting causes no habitat destruction or carbon emissions. It’s an eco-friendly meat choice.
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Supports small farms – Buying wild turkey supports small specialty farms and food entrepreneurs.
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Unique flavor – The rich, savory flavor of wild turkey can’t be duplicated. It’s perfect for gourmet recipes and special occasions.
Where to Buy Wild Turkey Meat
Finding high-quality wild turkey can be a challenge. Grocery stores rarely carry it outside of Thanksgiving when wild turkeys are supplemented. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh or frozen wild turkey meat:
Online Stores
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Exotic Meat Market – This specialty meat purveyor based in California offers whole wild turkeys from 10-18 lbs, as well as boneless turkey breast, legs, tenderloins, wings, and giblets. They ship fresh or frozen nationwide.
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D’Artagnan – A gourmet food company offering heritage breed turkeys as well as Eastern Wild Turkey. Products include whole birds, breasts, sausage, jerky, and prepared foods.
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Fossil Farms – A New Jersey-based game meat company with a selection of whole wild turkeys between 12-24 lbs. They also sell boneless wild turkey options.
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Purely Poultry – An online poultry shop that sells fresh and frozen wild turkey when in season, usually for Thanksgiving. Whole birds range from 10-18 lbs.
Butcher Shops and Specialty Markets
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Farmers markets – Ask vendors if they sell locally hunted wild turkey or wild game. Availability depends on state hunting seasons.
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Butcher shops – Custom butcher shops sometimes stock or can special order wild turkey from local hunters. Look for USDA-certified processors.
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Specialty grocers – Some gourmet stores like Whole Foods may occasionally carry wild turkey, usually fresh or frozen breasts. Check the poultry case.
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Game processors – Businesses that prepare wild game can be sources of high-quality processed or value-added wild turkey like sausage and jerky.
Direct from Hunting Preserves
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Private hunting ranches – Hunting preserves and game ranches allow hunters to harvest wild turkey on their property. Contact them about buying meat.
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Licensed hunters – If you know any licensed turkey hunters, ask if they would be willing to provide raw meat in exchange for processing costs.
No matter where you source wild turkey, look for birds that are healthy, cleanly processed, and properly labeled. Always follow safe raw meat handling procedures. With its rich, succulent flavor and nutritional benefits, it’s worth seeking out high-quality wild turkey meat.
How to Prepare Wild Turkey
Cooking wild turkey requires some different techniques compared to standard poultry. Here are some tips for getting the best results:
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Brine the meat – A saltwater brine ensures juicy, well-seasoned meat. Brine for 12-24 hours in the refrigerator.
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Cook to proper temperatures – Wild turkey needs to reach 165°F minimum, higher for thighs. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Roast low and slow – Cook whole wild turkey at 300-325°F. Higher heat causes drying. Total time is 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Use moisture – Baste whole birds while roasting and cooked breast slices with broth or butter. Keep it from drying out.
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Watch the smoke – Smoky flavors complement wild turkey wonderfully. Take care not to overly smoke which produces a bitter taste.
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Pair with robust flavors – Strong seasonings like garlic, maple syrup, citrus, chili peppers, mustard, and juniper work well with wild turkey.
Wild Turkey Recipes to Try
Wild turkey shines in a variety of dishes beyond roasting a whole bird. Here are some favorite ways to cook it:
- Smoked wild turkey breast
- Wild turkey sausage and sage stuffing
- Wild turkey chili with beans
- Grilled wild turkey cutlets with peach salsa
- Wild turkey stew with root vegetables
- Thai red curry wild turkey thighs
- Wild turkey burgers with caramelized onions
- Wild turkey jerky seasoned with spices
- Wild turkey pot pie with puff pastry crust
- Wild turkey hash with fried eggs
With its rich flavor and impressive nutrition, seeking out high-quality wild turkey meat is worth the effort. Use this guide to find the best sources and learn proper cooking techniques. Soon you’ll be enjoying delicious, gourmet meals with America’s original game bird. Let your next holiday or dinner party stand out by serving the vibrant, rustic flavors of wild turkey.
Best Ways to Cook Wild Turkey
Here is a little secret – one of the main reasons that wild turkey and regular turkey taste different is because of how they are cooked. Domestic turkey that you buy in the store is typically injected with salt water which adds weight and increases the juiciness, helping to prevent the finished bird from being too dry. Wild turkey, already significantly lower in fat, doesnt have the benefit of brine injection and tends to dry out easily.
With that in mind, you will want to adjust how you cook wild turkey to get the best results. When done right, wild turkey is the most delicious of game birds.
The key to properly cooking wild turkey starts from the moment you kill the bird. It is important to field dress the bird as soon as possible. Start by removing the innards and crop. Dont forget to remove the gland at the base of the tail while you are at it. Pluck the feathers while the bird is still warm. Youll use short, swift tugs to remove the feathers a few at a time. If you wait until the bird has cooled, youll likely end up tearing the skin quite a bit and that is simply a waste. Thoroughly wash and dry the bird before putting it in the refrigerator. Like any game animal, you want to complete this process and get it in the cooler as quickly as possible.
Brining wild turkey is one common method to help prevent the bird from drying out while cooking. Brine allows you to add herbs and flavors that enhance the finished flavor. Cooking an unbrined wild turkey is a bit of a challenge, but the results are awesome. The trick is to use plenty of butter or olive oil to prevent drying out. As a bonus, butter and olive oil will help wild turkey taste good and finish tender. Make sure to check out our favorite brine recipe for smoked turkey.
Wild turkey can also be done in a slow cooker to help improve juiciness. It isnt our favorite way to do it, but using a slow cooker will give you predictable results, especially when cooking wild turkey breast or skinny birds with strong muscles that taste dry.
No matter the cooking method you use when cooking turkey, youll need to aim for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Take the measurement in the thickest part of the thighs. It is often best to separate the breasts from the whole bird when cooking because they will cook faster than other parts and can dry out. The cooking process you use should be carefully monitored to prevent overcooking.
Just the Facts: Wild Turkey Meat vs Domestic Turkey
Wild turkeys feast on a varied diet that includes anything from seeds, acorns, and nuts to lizards, snails, and worms. This might not sound like the most appetizing feast to you and me, but for a turkey, the wild ones eat the best. Domestic turkey feed simply attempts to recreate the menu of wild turkey. The differences in diet are similar to what you find when looking at the nutrition of wild hogs vs domestic ones.
The biggest difference between wild turkey meat and domestic birds is in the fat content. Wild turkeys spend most of their lives moving from one place to another, flying up to roost in trees at night and avoid inevitable predators, giving these birds a more lean meat.
While domestic turkeys technically have more protein due to their controlled diet, they are also much higher in fat content because they dont get as much exercise as their wild cousins.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of turkey breast meat contains 29 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat. The same portion of wild turkey breasts offers 25 grams of protein but just 1 gram of fat. Darker meat from thighs and legs has even less fat but slightly less protein.
Both wild turkey meat and domestic turkey meat contain many important vitamins and nutrients so dont worry about whether or not wild turkey is good for you. Its more important to focus on learning the optimal way to cook the perfect wild turkey.
WILD TURKEY VS STORE BOUGHT TURKEY (TASTE TEST)!!!!
FAQ
Can you purchase wild turkeys?
Is there any law against buying live wild turkeys inside California or outside the state and having them shipped here? Answer: There is nothing illegal about selling or purchasing domestic poultry sold as wild turkeys.
Is wild turkey meat any good?
Wild turkey is some of the best game meat in existence. It’s lean, flavorful, and absent of a traditional “gamey” taste. And unlike big game animals, it’s fairly easy to process on your own!
What is the only US state that does not have wild turkeys?
Wild turkeys can be found in 49 states, including Hawaii. Turkeys were not historically found in Alaska and it is the only state without wild turkeys today.
Where do you find wild turkeys?
- Look for them in the morning: Turkeys are often foraging in clearings, field edges, and roadsides.
- Listen for gobbling: In the spring and summer, male turkeys make loud, distinctive gobbling calls.
- Look for them in the evening: Turkeys may fly high into treetop roosts at the end of the day.
- Look for them near oak trees: Turkeys often prefer mixed forests with a mix of woodland and open clearings.
Are eastern wild turkeys fresh?
Our Eastern Wild Turkeysare shipped fresh. Make Thanksgiving Dinner extra special this yearand serve your guests a flavor not tasted since the early days of America! Onetaste and you will never go back to a farm-raised bird again. A special treatfor drumstick fans, the entire wild turkey is dark, even the breast meat.
Does a wild turkey taste good?
Onetaste and you will never go back to a farm-raised bird again. A special treatfor drumstick fans, the entire wild turkey is dark, even the breast meat. I firmly believe that doing good, tastesgood!
Where are Merriam’s wild turkeys grown?
Merriam’s Wild Turkey Narragansett Heritage Turkey Organic Turkey Osceola Wild Turkey Rio Grande Wild Turkey Our Authentic Heritage andWild Turkeys are raised the old-world way with the freedom to fly allover our farm in Perris, California.
Where can I buy organic chicken & turkey?
The chickens are Cornish X and turkeys are red burbons (a heritage breed) or Broad Breasted White. Certified Organic Pork is available all year. We sell wholesale to stores (Wilton Village Market in Wilton, CT. and It’s All Good in Cherry Valley, NY) and restaurants.
Are my heritage & wild turkeys antibiotic free?
My Heritage and Wild Turkeys are freeof antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and pesticides. Our Eastern Wild Turkeysare shipped fresh. Make Thanksgiving Dinner extra special this yearand serve your guests a flavor not tasted since the early days of America! Onetaste and you will never go back to a farm-raised bird again.
Does Elmwood Stock Farm make ground turkey?
The ground turkey that you purchase from Elmwood Stock Farm is all breast and thigh meat from our organic, pasture-raised birds. On the other hand, the ground turkey that you purchase from the grocery store is the leftover meat that’s been “mechanically separated” from the turkey carcass—essentially the leftover bits after the turkey is deboned.