Dec 12, 2024 | 07:49 pm 2119 0

Can You Eat Wild Hog Meat? - Wild Hog Recipe Featuring: From Field to Plate

We teamed up with our friends over at From Field to Plate to go on a great hunt with Heather, a first-time night hunter. Here you'll find one of the most popular ways to cook wild hog so your countless nights of hog hunting don't go to waste!

A Chef's First Thermal Night Hunting Experience

There’s a special moment in every hunter’s journey, that first successful hunt. For Heather, that moment came on a night under the stars, armed with the new AGM Rattler V2 thermal scope, and a determination to bring home wild pork for her family. With two kids at home and her husband by her side, Heather was ready to make her mark as both a provider and a skilled hunter.

The allure of hunting wild pigs at night was something new for Heather, and the AGM Rattler V2 thermal scope made that possible. She marveled at how clearly, she could see the pigs in complete darkness, turning the once invisible into the visible. "It was incredible," she said, recounting her experience. "I could spot the pigs even before they knew I was there, and it allowed me to make a clean shot."

Hunting under the cover of darkness not only heightened her senses but added a layer of excitement to the entire process. The cool night air was still, but her heart raced as she scanned the landscape with her thermal scope. When the moment finally came, Heather was ready. With a steady hand and the clarity provided by the AGM Rattler, she took her aim and as we watched from the phone with the Bluetooth capabilities, I said “Take the shot.”

After the hunt, and the drag to the side by side, the real work began. But that’s where Heather shone. Under my guidance, she learned how to properly field dress and butcher her pig. The hands-on experience was invaluable as she discovered the steps required to turn wild game into food for her family. The process, while daunting at first, left her empowered. “It’s more than just the hunt,” she shared. “It’s the fact that I can go out there, harvest this animal, and know that I can butcher it myself. That’s something special.”

When she returned home, Heather didn’t just bring back a story of her hunt—she brought back fresh, wild pork for her family. Her two kids and husband were eager to taste the fruits of her labor, and they weren’t disappointed. With newfound confidence, Heather prepared a feast, transforming the wild pig into a meal that was both delicious and deeply satisfying.

What made the experience truly fulfilling for Heather was knowing that she could provide for her family, from field to plate. The ability to hunt at night, aided by cutting-edge technology like the AGM Rattler V2 thermal scope, and then the knowledge to butcher and cook the animal, gave her an immense sense of pride.

Heather’s journey from first-time pig hunter to skilled provider shows the beauty of hunting as more than just a sport—it’s a way of life, a way to connect with nature, and, most importantly, a way to feed those we love.

As Heather says, “It’s something every hunter should experience—the thrill of the hunt, the precision of a clean shot, and the satisfaction of serving your family something you harvested with your own two hands.”

Here’s a simple, delicious wild hog recipe that highlights the rich, savory flavors of wild pork. This recipe is perfect for a family meal and showcases how wild game can be transformed into a flavorful dish.

Slow-Cooked Wild Hog Shoulder Recipe

Ingredients:

4-5 lbs wild hog shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 can favorite beer
Enough water to cover shoulder

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat: Pat the wild hog shoulder dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Let the meat sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the wild hog shoulder on all sides until browned. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning locks in the flavor and gives the meat a delicious crust.
Slow Cook: Transfer the seared shoulder to a slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, apple cider vinegar, broth, and brown sugar, beer and water. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
Finishing Touches: Once the wild hog is fully cooked and tender, you can remove the shoulder and shred the meat using two forks. If desired, mix the meat with more BBQ sauce for extra flavor. The juices from the slow cooker can also be drizzled over the shredded pork for added moisture and richness.
Serve: Serve the shredded wild hog on its own or as part of sandwiches, tacos, or over rice. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an added burst of flavor.