Can You Eat Rare Deer Meat?

Preparing wild game can be tricky at first. Some people may not know if deer meat, (venison) should be cooked like chicken or beef, thoroughly cooked or prepared rare. Most dangers from eating meat occur from improper preparation, although pregnant women sometimes have extra considerations.

Venison can be cut into steaks just like beef, although the flavor is different. These can be grilled or fired to medium rare or rare. Over cooking any wild game makes it hard and chewy.

Many hunters smoke their own jerky. This should be completely cooked and dry so it won't spoil.

Chef Virginia Willis was surprised in culinary school when her teacher instructed them to cook venison rare for country fried steak. She said it's much better and full of flavor that way.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. This can cause serious complications in unborn children, so pregnant women are advised not to eat wild game.

Another danger of eating meat, Salmonella and Toxoplasmosis can both be avoided by cooking meat to at least 160 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to test the inside temperature.

Venison should be properly field dressed, cured and put into the refrigerator or freezer, depending on how long you'll keep it before cooking. You should follow food safety guidelines with any meat.