Bear Meat: All You Need to Know

Bear hunting has gained attention recently, with renewed opportunities in places like Missouri and New Jersey. However, many people underestimate the value of bear meat and even question its edibility.

Admittedly, bear meat is different from deer, elk, or moose, which are more commonly associated with well-stocked freezers. I consider it second-tier meat, but with proper care and preparation, bear meat can be excellent.

The Pros and Cons

As with any animal, there can be variations in taste. Bears that have been feeding on salmon or carrion are often not palatable due to the rancid smell of the meat. However, most black bears make fine table fare if properly taken care of. Skinning the animal promptly, keeping the meat clean, and trimming excess fat are crucial for optimal results.

Some hunters in Alaska even enjoy eating grizzly meat. However, the taste can vary depending on the bear’s diet. Those that have been eating berries for a couple of months will likely taste just fine.

Spring vs. Fall Bear Meat

Black bears have dark, rich meat. Spring bears, which have been feeding mainly on fresh greens, usually have less fat due to hibernation. In areas where bears have been feeding on salmon, the taste of fall bears can be unpredictable. However, in most regions in the United States, fall bears that have been feeding on berries or acorns are highly valued.

Three Simple Cooking Methods

While there are countless ways to prepare bear meat, here are my three favorite methods:

Bear Meat on the Grill

To grill bear meat, I recommend using fresh bear backstraps or bone-free sections. Season the meat with a dry rub and sear it on a hot grill or cast-iron pan. Finish cooking it on a smoker until the center reaches around 170℉. The result is a tender and juicy meat that can be sliced into steaks.

Irish-Style Bear Meat

If you enjoy corned beef, you’ll love bear meat prepared this way. Just follow a good corned beef recipe, substituting the beef with bear meat. The corning process makes the meat both delicious and safe to eat.

Bear Sausage

My personal favorite is making bear meat into smoked sausages. Grind the bear meat and add pork fat to make up about 5 to 7 percent of the total weight. Mix and grind again before adding the cure and seasoning. Stuff the sausage into casings and smoke according to the instructions.

FAQs

Is bear meat tasty?

Bear meat is delicious when properly cared for and prepared. However, bears that have been feeding on salmon or carrion may have an unpleasant taste.

Is bear meat legal in the US?

It is legal to consume bear meat in the US but generally not legal to sell or trade.

Why don’t more people eat bear meat?

Many people do eat bear meat, but there is still a misconception that it is always inedible. Most individuals who hold this belief have not actually tried it.

Is black bear meat safe?

Black bear meat is safe to eat, as long as it is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F to eliminate any harmful parasites, such as trichinella.