Winter is a great time to enjoy hearty and warming dishes, and bear meat can be a unique and flavorful choice if you have access to it. However, it’s important to note that bear meat can be quite gamey and should be handled and cooked with care. Additionally, hunting and consuming bear meat may be subject to regulations in your area, so follow all local laws and guidelines. Here are some delicious bear meat recipes to try this winter season:

1. Bear Stew:

1. Ingredients: Bear meat, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, beef broth, red wine, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
2. Instructions: Cut the bear meat into bite-sized pieces and sear them in a hot skillet. Transfer to a large pot and add chopped vegetables, broth, wine, and spices. Simmer until the meat is tender and the stew is rich and flavorful.

2. Bear Chili:

2. Ingredients: Ground bear meat, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference).
3. Instructions: Brown the bear meat in a skillet, then add onions, garlic, and spices. Stir in the beans and tomatoes, and simmer until the chili thickens. Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.

3. Bear Roast:

3. Ingredients: Bear roast, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onions, red wine, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
4. Instructions: Rub the bear roast with herbs and garlic, then sear it in a hot pan. Transfer to a roasting pan, add onions, wine, and broth, and roast in the oven until the meat reaches your desired doneness.

4. Bear Sausages:

4. Ingredients: Ground bear meat, pork fat (for moisture), garlic, fennel seeds, salt, pepper, and sausage casings.
5. Instructions: Mix the bear meat with pork fat, seasonings, and spices. Stuff the mixture into sausage casings and cook them by grilling, frying, or baking until they’re fully cooked. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is properly and fully cooked through before consumption.

5. Bear Meat Pie:

5. Ingredients: Bear meat, mushrooms, onions, carrots, potatoes, pastry dough, beef broth, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Instructions: Make a savory bear meat filling with sautéed vegetables and bear meat, then fill a pie crust. Top with another crust, bake until golden brown and enjoy a comforting bear meat pie.

Remember that bear meat can be tough and gamey, so marinating it or cooking it low and slow in stews and braises can help tenderize and mellow the flavor. Always ensure that bear meat is properly cooked to a safe temperature to eliminate any potential health risks. Additionally, consult local regulations and guidelines for hunting and consuming bear meat in your area.

We highly recommend checking out more of Duluth Pack’s Good Eats recipes including venison, fish, and other gamey dishes here.

Also, respect bears and wildlife while on their territory. We highly recommend reading more about Protecting Your Food From Bears & Other Wildlife While Camping. 

Happy cooking, friends!