Bear Meat

[Slamadoo]

So I got my first bear this past weekend. Any opinions on the genera quality of bear meat this time of year? I know the best way to know would be to just taste it, but I haven't had time yet. For some context, he was sitting on a spike-elk carcass that was pretty ripe when I came across him. He didn't want to leave that treasure. haha

Also, what is your favorite preparation for bear meat? Burger, sausage, hams, etc? Maybe a special recipe you like.

Do you guys worry about trichinosis?

Thanks Everybody!

[callturner]

You ALWAYS worry about Trich. That being said, cooking above 149 degrees kills it and most cook around 160 - 165. just like pork. Save the fat and render it. Roasts , steaks and burger are excellent!

[bear]

Bear roasts are great. Everything else goes to sausage.

[Jingles]

Bear summer sausage will make your tongue slap your brains out it is so good

[Tracker0721]

I found a recipe online for huckleberry bourbon bbq bear. It was flipping amazing doing little medallions. And I overcooked the crud out of it, 180 degrees, and it was still tender. Cooked it in the cast iron to sear it than tossed it in the oven to finish.

https://www.leupold.com/leupold-core/stories/field-to-table-bourbon-blueberry-bear-roast

[jrebel]

Canned bear is fantastic and very versatile.

[Boss .300 winmag]

😉

[D-Rock425]

Makes great burger, Pepperoni and summer sausage.

[LITTLEBUCK]

 For me, I cut it just like I do deer. Crock pot roast is fantastic

[Pacific Ghost]

Mine all went to summer and garlic sausage. It is good 

[Pathfinder101]

We are big fans of biscuits and gravy in my house.  Whole bear goes into breakfast sausage for us.   

[HikerHunter]

Lots of good suggestions already: summer sausage, breakfast sausage, burger. If you still have a ham, cure it and cold smoke it and then glaze and cook it like a holiday ham, delicious. Always cook thoroughly.

[SpicyTacos]

This year my bear went into Pepperoni,  breakfast and summer sausage. Thumbs up.!

[acrim]

I would suggest a hind quarter ham , if you have the fridge space to do a 20-25 day wet brine injection and a smoker big enough , it is an outstanding way to eat bear.

[Twispriver]

Pat McManus might say that bear meat is just as good as deer or elk meat when you're out of deer and elk meat. Personally I'm not a huge fan of bear meat so it usually gets ground and used in sausage or salami. I've done the cured and smoked route and if I have to eat bear that's not ground that's the best way.