Labor Day weekend, the bridge between the sweltering summer and the cool promise of fall. As hunters know, the tail end of August marks the season for a varied bounty of game. What better way to celebrate this holiday than by preparing delectable dishes from the wild? Here are some mouth-watering game recipes that will surely elevate your Labor Day festivities:
Grilled Venison Steaks with Chimichurri Sauce
Late summer is prime time for deer hunters.
- Ingredients: Venison steaks, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
For the chimichurri sauce: parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and oil. - Method: Season the venison steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them to your preferred level. Mix the chimichurri ingredients in a blender and pulse till coarsely pureed. Drizzle the sauce over the grilled venison.
Wild Turkey BBQ Skewers
Turkeys are a great target for hunters as summer winds down.
- Ingredients: Turkey breast (cubed), your favorite BBQ sauce, bell peppers, onions, and skewers.
- Method: Marinate the turkey cubes in BBQ sauce for at least two hours. Thread them onto skewers alternating with bell peppers and onions. Grill until the turkey is thoroughly cooked, occasionally basting with more BBQ sauce.
Dove Popper Wraps
Dove hunting season begins in September in many states, making it a timely treat for Labor Day.
- Ingredients: Dove breasts, cream cheese, jalapenos, bacon strips.
- Method: Slice open a dove breast, fill with a slice of jalapeno and cream cheese, then wrap the entire piece with a bacon strip. Secure with a toothpick. Grill until the bacon is crispy, and the dove meat is tender.
Check out this amazing video from The Chase Outdoors, as he shows you an amazing recipe on The Best Way to Cook Dove.
Slow-Cooked Rabbit Stew
Rabbits are abundant towards the end of summer, offering a tasty meal.
- Ingredients: Rabbit pieces, carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, garlic, broth, herbs (rosemary, thyme), salt, and pepper.
- Method: Brown the rabbit pieces in a pot. Add all vegetables and cover with broth. Add your herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for hours until meat is tender and flavors meld together.
Quail Grilled with Herb Butter
Quail is a delicate meat that cooks quickly and is great for the grill.
- Ingredients: Quail, butter, mixed herbs (parsley, chives, thyme), garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Method: Mix softened butter with chopped herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub this herb butter mixture under the quail’s skin. Grill the quail for about 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it remains juicy.
Labor Day celebrations paired with the satisfaction of a successful hunt are an unparalleled joy. These game recipes not only highlight the fruits of the hunter’s labor but also bring together friends and family in celebration of nature’s bounties and the impending arrival of fall. Happy hunting and even happier feasting!
*This article contains 3rd party affiliate offers*
