What does bear meat taste like?

I am a big fan of game meat. I love deer (venison), elk, bison, duck, boar, rabbit, and pheasant.

I also believe that elk steak is one of the most underrated and delicious foods on the planet. It tastes like the best steak you’ve ever eaten, combined with goat cheese. It is a real delight.

But bear meat isn’t something I’ve come across before, and I was curious if it would measure up to the flavor of other woodland delicacies.

At first glance, it may seem like a strange meat to eat, but many hunters extol the virtues of a well-prepared roast bear as a great delicacy.

So what does bear meat taste like? It depends on the season of the year and what you have eaten. Spring bear will be softer, like sweeter-tasting venison, and with less fat, having just come out of hibernation, while a fall bear will have more fat and may taste like what it’s been eating. . 

Read on to discover the complex flavor of bear meat, where to buy it, and the many delicious ways to use it in the kitchen.

What does bear meat taste like?

One of the most popular bears to hunt and consume is the black bear, so this article will focus on it. An article that tried to describe what each bear tastes like would have you reading until next week.

According to hunters and connoisseurs, bear meat has different flavors and textures depending on the time of year it is hunted, how it is prepared, and what is eaten.

In general, bear meat tastes similar to venison, although it is usually a bit sweeter. It has a dark red color, like beef, but a little darker.

Texture-wise, it would be close to pork, although it has a slightly coarser grain in the meat, since it is wild game.

When classified, bear meat falls under the red meat umbrella and has a stringy texture like veal, but with a little more chew.

Different hunting seasons and when the bear was caught can have a big impact on the flavor of the meat.

If a bear is caught in early spring, just after coming out of hibernation, the meat is likely to be leaner and milder in flavor.

He’s just spent the last few months sleeping and using his fat stores for energy, so there’s not much meat left.

In addition, at this time it feeds mainly on young and tender vegetables and plants, which gives it that sweet and mild flavor.

The age of the bear can also influence its taste and texture. The younger the bear, the more tender and soft the meat will be, and vice versa.

If the bear is caught in the fall, it has had several months to build up a thick layer of fat in preparation for hibernation. It has also spent the summer eating different things ranging from fish to carrion and other prey.

A bear that has eaten a lot of fish will have meat that reflects that flavor. Many hunters do not recommend eating bears that are known to survive on diets high in fish, as the meat does not taste very good.

Regardless of diet, a bear caught in the fall will have a stronger flavor profile, even though it has lived on blueberries and corn.

The fat layer will also need to be trimmed, although there will still be a lot of marbling throughout the meat.

Is spring or fall bear meat better?

It really depends on the flavor you are after. If you prefer a milder-tasting meat, you’ll want to look for a spring-processed bear.

If you want a deeper flavor, with more marbled fat, and a bit more texture, a fall bear is perfect for you. 

How to process and store bear meat

If you are a hunter or buy your meat from a hunter, you need to make sure that the bear has been processed correctly.

If it hasn’t been properly processed and stored after it’s caught, the meat will be tough and have an off-flavor that no cooking process can control.

Depending on the temperature of the area where it is hunted, there will be a margin of about 12-24 hours to process the meat and put it in the freezer before it starts to spoil.

Unlike other meats that can be hung out to dry, the fat in bear meat can go bad and rancid quickly. This deterioration tarnishes the flavor of the meat. Therefore, the bear must be prepared in the field and then frozen as soon as possible.

Typically, meat will last about 3 months in the freezer. Some bear meat connoisseurs recommend waiting a week before eating the meat (once frozen) so that the flavors can develop and deepen.

Where can you buy bear meat?

Depending on where you live, you’re not likely to find bear meat at your local grocery store.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a hunter to enjoy this forest delicacy, as there are several online shops specializing in bear meat and wild game. 

• ElkUSA.com specializes in finding and selling wild game, including bear meat. These bears are farmed and not wild caught.
• If you’re in Jacksonville, Florida, you can stop by Tillman’s Meats and Country Store for all your black bear meat needs.

There may be a local butcher in your area who can stock up on bear meat, so it’s worth going and talking to him to see if he can get it for you.

If not, you can always befriend a hunter and ask him to share his reward with you.

Different ways to use bear meat in the kitchen

There are many ways to enjoy bear meat, depending on the cut, the toughness, and your preferences.

Due to the potential for bear meat to contain Trichinella spiralis and T. murrelli, it must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to avoid disease. 

The best meat to use for shredding is bear neck, as it is a bit tougher but full of flavor. If you want to soften the flavor of the meat a bit, you can marinate it in milk, buttermilk, or yogurt overnight.

• One of the tastiest ways to cook bear meat is as a roast . Trim all the excess fat, as it doesn’t always taste the best. Add seasonings like garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar, and roast over low heat until tender.
• Combine 3 parts ground bear meat with 1 part ground pork shoulder/butt to make a delicious bear sausage . Add your favorite herbs and seasonings to personalize it.
• Chop it up and add it to a classic chili recipe with beans, tomatoes and spices for a rich and hearty meal.
• Shred the bear meat and combine it with some ground pork or beef for a juicy and delicious burger. 
• Slow roast ribs and then grill them (especially short ribs) for a decadent, scrumptious meal.
• Grab some tougher cuts and simmer them into a delicious stew packed with root vegetables and herbs.
• Shred the bear meat and season it with taco flavors to make bear burritos or tacos. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top to help tenderize the meat and cut through the richness of the flavor.

Final thoughts

I hope that after reading this article you have a better idea of what bear meat tastes like and that it will even inspire you to try it if it is ever offered to you.

This wild game has a slightly sweeter flavor than venison, with a thicker texture than beef. It is dark red in color and full of flavor.

Depending on the time of year it is collected, it will be softer or more intense. Bear meat hunted or harvested in the spring will have a delicate flavor and less fat than meat harvested in the fall.

Bear meat harvested in the fall will have a more intense flavor that is affected by the diet of the bear in question. The more plants and berries they consume, the sweeter the meat will be.

You may want to avoid bears that eat a lot of fish, as this meat can have a fishy aftertaste that some people will find unpleasant.

Although it can be a little harder to come by, you can get bear meat from licensed hunters who have extra, specialty butchers in your area, or online retailers.

Have you ever tried bear meat? What is your favorite way to enjoy it?