Why Isn’t Wild Game Meat Sold in Commercial Stores?

The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) mandates that commercially sold meats in retail shops, grocery stores, and restaurants have to be inspected and passed by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). While the agency inspects and monitors the raising, slaughter, and processing of farm-raised animals like cattle and pigs, it does not for wild game — likely because these types of animals are constantly on the move, so it’s impossible to monitor their diets or screen them for diseases or guarantee the safety of the meat passed on to consumers. Because game meats are not inspected, they cannot receive approval for commercial sale.

What’s the Proper Way to Handle Wild Game Meats?

If your meat arrives frozen and you’re not using it immediately, the USDA recommends storing it at 0°F or lower to eliminate the growth of any microbes like yeast, bacteria, and mold that could taint it or cause illness. Frozen meat can be stored safely for four to 12 months and should be defrosted slowly via microwave, refrigerator, or cold water. If game meat arrives fresh, freeze it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of two to three days before preparing or cooking . Always keep raw and cooked meat separate and wipe all surfaces, utensils, and your hands with warm, soapy water after handling to avoid cross-contamination.

Does the USDA Inspect Wild Game Meat?

Since the USDA does not inspect game meat, many wild game meat purveyors have independent inspections to ensure the meat is safe for consumers. These companies often list their standards and practices on their websites, but they can also answer questions over email or on the phone about meat safety and their individual inspection policies. It’s a good idea to review these prior to your purchase.

Best Places to Buy Wild Game Meat Online in 2023

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Raw sliced Venison Ribs on wooden background — Photo:
Lisovskaya / Getty Images

Once a niche protein prized by hunters and those who knew them, wild game meat is growing in popularity due to its flavor, high protein content, and national availability via online purveyors. These direct-to-consumer websites offer a great selection of products ranging from more mainstream meats like whole game birds and grass-fed bison to rarer meats like ostrich and antelope while prioritizing animal welfare for the best taste and quality. From individual servings of smoked elk snack sticks and prepackaged bison burgers to sausages, premium steaks, and sampler packs and subscription boxes great for gift-giving or everyday meal planning, these are the best places to buy wild game meat online.

Best Places to Buy Wild Game Meat Online in 2023

Best Overall: Wild Fork
Best for Customized Orders: Mountain Primal Meat Co.
Best for Exotic Meat: Fossil Farms
Best for Venison: Broken Arrow Ranch
Best for Game Birds: Cavendish Game Birds
Best for Sampler Packs: Cabela’s

Best Overall: Wild Fork

Wild Fork

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 48 states
Free Shipping? Yes, for first-time customers and orders over $35 with unlimited membership
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

Florida-based Wild Fork offers an impressive selection of quality meats, delivered the same day or the next day for maximum convenience and freshness. The company also sells premade meals as well as vegetables, side dishes, and desserts to take the guesswork out of menu planning.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Large variety of meats
Can choose items for delivery
Pre-curated gift bundles

Cons

Ambiguous sourcing standards
No jerky or cured cheeses
Membership plans not available in all delivery areas

Overview

From ostrich filet to bison steak, whole duck, ground venison, and even alligator tenderloin, Wild Farm offers a large and varied selection of high-quality game meats. All meat arrives flash-frozen and can be delivered via same- or next-day air to most locations in the contiguous United States. While some items like bone-in lamb rib chops are grass-fed, the company’s sourcing standards are ambiguous for other products. And while the selection is vast, the company doesn’t sell jerky or cured meats or cheeses.

At $29 per year, an annual membership gets customers access to free shipping on orders over $35, either one-time or at regular intervals. In addition to premium steaks, exotic meats, and an extensive online recipe catalog to simplify meal planning, Wild Fork also sells premade bread, desserts, and meals ranging from a prime rib beef stroganoff to a chicken and sausage jambalaya. Pre-curated themed bundles like “bacon lover” and “butcher’s grilling picks” are ideal for gift-giving or entertaining.

Pricing and Plans

Membership is $29 per year or $2.90 per month and is only for free delivery, not meat packages or single orders.
The cost of meat varies from $1.98 per pound for chicken hearts to more than $50 for prime cuts of steak

Best for Customized Orders: Mountain Primal Meat Co.

Mountain Primal

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

With a focus on humanely raised, grass-fed meats, this Colorado-based ranch offers a selection of customizable orders of bison, elk, beef, and pork, all delivered frozen in sustainable packaging.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Offers several custom meat boxes
Packing is environmentally friendly
Bison and elk are 100% grass-fed

Cons

Limited quantities of meats
Shipping is expensive
Meats are not USDA-certified organic

Overview

Mountain Primal Meat Co. offers a small, high-quality selection of meats available in bulk and à la carte shipments. The ranch sells 100% grass-fed, locally sourced bison and elk as well as heritage breeds of beef and pork raised on its own property in Colorado and sourced from local farms in the state and Wyoming. The company sells custom boxes, like a “ground beef stockpile” with eight individual, one-pound packages, but you can also customize orders and even order the brand’s proprietary brand of dog food, made with beef trim and organ meats.

While there’s a good selection of game meat ranging from elk brisket and tenderloin to bison bone marrow bones, items can sell out quickly. Shipping costs are also high compared to other meat delivery companies, but meats arrive frozen in 100% recyclable and compostable insulated packaging that keeps products cold for up to 80 hours.

Pricing and Plans

The cost of meat ranges from $10 for a pound of ground beef to $70 for a Tomahawk rib eye

Best for Exotic Meat: Fossil Farms

Courtesy of Fossil Farms

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? Yes
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

Fossil Farms offers over 200 types of wild game meat, including rarer varieties like ostrich and antelope, all sourced from a network of independent farms and ranches.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Over 200 types of game meat
Humanely raised and added hormone–free products
Meat procured from independent farms and ranches

Cons

No subscription option
Free shipping requires an order of $175 or more

Overview

For a large variety of game meats, Fossil Farms’ selection can’t be beat. In addition to the standard chicken, beef, and pork, customers can shop for rarer varieties, including emu, ostrich, camel, wild boar, yak, and kangaroo. All meats are sourced from the company’s network of independently owned farms and ranches and are antibiotic- and added hormone–free.

While there's no subscription option, you can choose from curated boxes, including a burger sampler and “exotic and wild game starter kit,” with alligator tenderloin, whole squab, bison strip steak, ostrich steaks, and elk medallions that also make good gifts. You can also opt to build your own box of stew meats, sausages, and other cuts. All meats arrive flash-frozen, and it’s best to order in bulk: Orders of $175 or more receive free UPS ground or 2nd-day air shipping.

Pricing and Plans

Prepackaged boxes range from $85 for three pounds of meat to $216 for just over 10 pounds.
Individual orders start at $10 for a pound of ground Wagyu beef and go up to $520 for 16 pounds of Angus beef rib-eye loin.

Best for Venison: Broken Arrow Ranch

Broken Arrow Ranch

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Frozen

Why You Should Try It

Family-owned Broken Arrow Ranch field-harvests its venison using on-site mobile processing units to seal in flavor and freshness.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Over 100 types of game meat
Humanely raised and added hormone–free products
Meat procured from independent farms and ranches

Cons

No subscription option
No free shipping,
Minimum order size of $50.

Overview

Broken Arrow Ranch uses humane practices to deliver customers over 100 types of great-tasting wild game meats, including several varieties of venison. The family-owned business sources free-range meat from independent farmers and ranchers across the country, using government-approved mobile processing units to harvest and process game on-site, both minimizing animal stress and increasing the quality and flavor of the meat. And all meat products are free of added hormones and come from humanely raised animals.

Choose from ground venison as well as cubes, steaks, filets, brats, and other cuts. Broken Arrow also has a small selection of other meats like Texas quail and wild game sausages, pet food and bones, and gourmet gift packs and samplers. All orders must be a minimum of $50, and products arrive frozen and can keep for up to a year in the freezer. New to cooking wild game? The website is a great resource for recipes and cooking tips.

Pricing and Plans

Sampler pricing starts at $60 for a four-pound sausage pack and goes up to $170 for a wild game pack with over 10 pounds of meat.
Individual packages start at $10 for a pound of venison hearts and top out at $208 for a six- to eight-pound pack of boneless antelope leg filets.

Best for Game Birds: Cavendish Game Birds

Cavendish Game Birds

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? No
Products Arrive: Fresh

Why You Should Try It

Specializing in jumbo quail raised on its small Vermont farm, Cavendish Game Birds offers several cuts and variety packs of this small game bird, plus eggs, stock, and several online recipes to help with meal planning.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Offers several types of quail meat as well as eggs
Animal welfare is a priority
Extensive online list of recipes and preparation tips

Cons

Shipping costs are high
No gift boxes

Overview

Unlike other online wild game producers, the family-owned Cavendish Game Birds specializes in one thing: jumbo quail. The animals are raised humanely in spacious, ventilated barns on a small Vermont farm, which has an on-site processing facility. Choose from specialty packs and à la carte quail, including whole bird, semi-boneless, legs, breasts, and bones for stocks and soups. There are no designated gift boxes, and the company doesn’t sell jerky or cured meats.

Since the birds are delivered fresh, many orders require air delivery and higher shipping costs, so budget accordingly. And if you’re new to cooking the delicate bird, check out Cavendish’s library of preparation tips and recipes sure to impress your family or dinner guests.

Pricing and Plans

$6 for 18-count quail eggs to $34 for a six-pack of semi-boneless or butterfly quail
Variety packs start at $50 for seven packs of assorted meat and 18 eggs and go up to $110 for a family meal package with six semi-boneless quail, two 20 packs of quail legs, and 18 eggs.

Best for Sampler Packs: Cabela’s

Cabela's

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Key Specs

Delivery Area: 50 states
Free Shipping? Yes, for orders over $50
Products Arrive: Fresh and frozen

Why You Should Try It

From snack sticks to burger packs and meat and cheese boxes, Cabela’s offers a varied selection of wild game for sampling and gifting.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Several sampler packs and gift options
Sells four varieties of wild game
Option to purchase snacks and cheeses

Cons

Free shipping only applies to orders over $50
Shipping can take up to 14 days to some locations

Overview

Whether you’re new to eating game meat or just feeling indecisive, Cabela’s has several sampler packs to taste test your way through its products. In addition to meat-centric bundles with various cuts of bison, beef, and venison, the company sells snacks like meat sticks and jerkies. For gifting or your next party, try one of the variety packs, which come with an assortment of cheeses and precooked ready-to-serve meats like elk and buffalo roast, boneless wild boar ham, and turkey breast.

There’s no subscription required, so you can order as little or as frequently as you need. Orders over $50 receive free shipping, and meats arrive either fresh or frozen, depending on the type and cut. And plan ahead: Shipping can take as long as 14 days to certain locations.

Pricing and Plans

Individual snack sticks can be purchased for as little as $2.19 each, while larger gift packs and meat bundles range from $60 for a sausage sampler to $400 for a beef filet mignon bundle.

Final Verdict

When it comes to the best places to buy wild game meat online, Wild Fork stands out for its high quality and large selection. With options ranging from whole turkey and duck to premium beef and bison steaks to rarer meats like ostrich and alligator as well as prepared sides, the company is a one-stop shop for meal planning. It also offers prepared bundles for gift giving, and the same- and next-day shipping can’t be beat.

Compare the Best Places to Buy Wild Game Meat Online

Company	Delivery Area	Free Shipping	Products Arrive	Same-/Next-Day Shipping?	Minimum Purchase
Best Overall: Wild Fork	48 states	Yes, for certain orders	Frozen	Yes	N/A
Best for Customized Orders: Mountain Primal Meat Co.	50 states	No	Frozen	Yes	N/A
Best for Exotic Meat: Fossil Farms	50 states	Yes	Frozen	Yes	N/A
Best for Venison: Broken Arrow Ranch	50 states	No	Frozen	Yes	$50
Best for Game Birds: Cavendish Game Birds	50 states	No	Fresh	No	N/A
Best for Sampler Packs: Cabela’s	50 states	Yes, for orders over $50	Fresh and frozen	No	N/A

Guide to Buying Wild Game Meat Online

Price/Cost Per Cut: The price of game meat can vary greatly, depending on the cut and type of meat. Snacks like jerky and meat sticks as well as basic ground meat can cost $10 or less, whereas premium cuts like steaks and filets can cost $50 or more per serving.
Selection of Game Meat: Some of the best places to buy wild game meat online specialize in certain animals, like game birds or venison, while others offer a larger selection from grass-fed beef to more uncommon animals like ostrich and yak.
Where the Game Meat Was Hunted: Many online meat purveyors operate their own farms or ranches or source from nearby providers, while others source meat from the wild.
How the Meat Was Processed: Whether done on-site in the wild or at the individual farm or ranch, meat processing can influence the meat’s flavor and freshness. Most online companies share information about their processing practices on their websites.
The Game Meat Inspection Process: Because the USDA does not inspect game meat, it’s important to determine what internal procedures online companies use to ensure the safety of their products via their websites or customer service representatives before purchasing products.

What Is Considered Wild Game Meat?

Wild game meat comes from non-domesticated, free-range, and farm-raised land animals and birds that are traditionally hunted for personal consumption. Deer, duck, rabbit, elk, wild boar, alligator, antelope, rabbit, quail, wild turkey, and duck are examples of game meat typically found in North America. Both individual hunters and producers of game meat utilize the entire animal or bird, either in whole form or divided into edible cuts like steaks and sausages that can be frozen and stored for long periods of time.

What Are the Health Benefits of Wild Game Meat?

Because wild animals roam freely, hunting and foraging for their own food, their meat is generally lower in saturated fat and calories than their commercially raised, domesticated counterparts.
Wild game meats like elk, antelope, and deer are high in protein and a good source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
A study at Purdue University showed that wild game like venison and elk have an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-3 fatty acids that can potentially lower cholesterol and the risk of other chronic diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Isn’t Wild Game Meat Sold in Commercial Stores?

The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) mandates that commercially sold meats in retail shops, grocery stores, and restaurants have to be inspected and passed by the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). While the agency inspects and monitors the raising, slaughter, and processing of farm-raised animals like cattle and pigs, it does not for wild game — likely because these types of animals are constantly on the move, so it’s impossible to monitor their diets or screen them for diseases or guarantee the safety of the meat passed on to consumers. Because game meats are not inspected, they cannot receive approval for commercial sale.
What’s the Proper Way to Handle Wild Game Meats?

If your meat arrives frozen and you’re not using it immediately, the USDA recommends storing it at 0°F or lower to eliminate the growth of any microbes like yeast, bacteria, and mold that could taint it or cause illness. Frozen meat can be stored safely for four to 12 months and should be defrosted slowly via microwave, refrigerator, or cold water. If game meat arrives fresh, freeze it immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of two to three days before preparing or cooking. Always keep raw and cooked meat separate and wipe all surfaces, utensils, and your hands with warm, soapy water after handling to avoid cross-contamination.
Does the USDA Inspect Wild Game Meat?

Since the USDA does not inspect game meat, many wild game meat purveyors have independent inspections to ensure the meat is safe for consumers. These companies often list their standards and practices on their websites, but they can also answer questions over email or on the phone about meat safety and their individual inspection policies. It’s a good idea to review these prior to your purchase.

Methodology

When researching the best places to buy wild game meat online, we evaluated over 30 companies. We searched for companies that provide free shipping with minimum orders for the best value and prioritized those with flexible shipping dates and return policies. We also evaluated options based on the variety of game meats offered and the types of cuts available. Animal welfare, sustainable practices, and experience in the industry were all taken into consideration to ensure the companies that offer the highest-quality products made our list.

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Sources

Food & Wine uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.