A critical first step for any buyer is distinguishing between truly wild meat and "wild game" that has been raised on farms.
: Truly wild meat is more common in certain international markets, such as wild red deer from Scotland. Why Consumers Buy Wild Game buy wild game meat
The shift toward game meat is largely driven by three primary factors: health, ethics, and sustainability. Hunting the Right Way: A Conversation With Steven Rinella A critical first step for any buyer is
: In the United States, meat from animals killed in the wild cannot be legally sold unless it has undergone specific state or federal inspection. Hunting the Right Way: A Conversation With Steven
: Most "wild game" available at retail or in restaurants—such as elk, bison, or venison—is actually farm-raised in controlled environments. This provides a consistent product that is inspected for safety, though purists argue it lacks the authentic flavor and ecological benefits of truly wild-harvested animals.