Trust your instincts—if wild game smells off, looks odd, or feels slimy, don’t risk it. Sour, ammonia, or sweet odors are red flags. Cut deep to check for hidden spoilage. Avoid gray, green, or mushy meat. Discard any with cysts or worms. Healthy organs usually mean safer meat. Field dress quickly, keep tools clean, and cool meat below 40°F. Proper cooking kills bacteria, but heat won’t fix spoiled meat. Safe meat handling is a survival essential—don’t take chances in the wild.
Hunting and prepping food safety tips: How to ensure wild game meat is safe to eat
