Where to Buy Wild Turkey Meat: A Guide to Finding Authentic Wild-Caught Turkey

Wild turkey meat offers a unique rich flavor that domesticated turkey simply can’t match. With its dark meat and intense gaminess wild turkey harkens back to the days before industrialized farming, when turkey was hunted in the wild. If you’re looking to add authentic wild turkey to your next meal, this guide covers everything you need to know about buying the real thing.

Why Choose Wild Turkey?

So what makes wild turkey stand out compared to the standard supermarket bird? Here are some of the main benefits:

• Unmatched flavor – The rich taste of wild turkey comes from their diverse natural diet and high activity levels The dark meat has a distinctive boldness.

• Free range – Wild turkeys roam freely and get plenty of exercise in their native habitats. This contributes to a leaner, firmer texture.

• No artificial hormones or antibiotics – You won’t find any synthetic additives in wild game The turkeys develop naturally without drugs or chemicals.

• Environmentally friendly – Hunting wild turkey helps control populations and provides sustainable food from the wilderness. No factory farming is involved.

• Humane harvesting – Ethical hunters dispatch wild turkeys quickly and humanely. The birds enjoy a natural life beforehand.

Of course, the wildly different flavor is the main appeal. Once you taste real wild turkey, you won’t want to go back!

Where to Find Wild Turkey for Sale

Wild turkey can’t be found in your average grocery store. But if you know where to look, you can locate sources selling the real thing. Here are the top options:

Online Shops Specializing in Exotic Meats

Online exotic meat purveyors offer all sorts of wild game, turkey included. Exotic Meat Markets has a section dedicated specifically to wild turkey. You can order fresh wild turkey meat harvested from free range birds in California. The site sells whole Eastern wild turkeys from 8 to 25+ pounds.

Another good online source is D’Artagnan, which offers whole wild turkeys from Pennsylvania. The average weight is 16 to 24 pounds. For smaller portions, you can buy boneless wild turkey breast meat.

Buying online allows you to have wild turkey shipped frozen directly to your door, even if you don’t live near a supplier.

Local Farms and Butcher Shops

Checking with local meat producers in your area is another way to score wild turkey. For instance, Elmwood Stock Farm in Kentucky raises heritage breed turkeys using organic, humane practices. Though not wild, these free range heirloom turkeys offer an authentic old-fashioned flavor. Farms like this are a good source if you want meat from ethically raised heritage birds.

Your local butcher shop may also be able to special order wild turkey for you, even if it’s not regularly stocked. Ask them about sourcing whole wild turkeys or breast cuts.

Hunting Your Own Wild Turkey

Of course, the most direct (but challenging) route is trekking into the wilderness and bagging a turkey yourself! This ensures you get an entirely wild bird. But hunting requires skills, licenses, and access to areas with wild turkey populations. If you’re up for learning to hunt, sites like the National Wild Turkey Federation have plenty of resources for beginners.

State wildlife agencies can provide turkey hunting seasons and permit information. You’ll need to check regulations based on your location.

What to Look for When Buying Wild Turkey Meat

Wild turkey sold by reputable providers should be clearly labeled as such. Here are signs you’re getting the real thing:

• The supplier specifies it is wild, free range turkey. Vague labeling like “all natural” doesn’t guarantee an authentic wild source.

• Whole carcasses weigh 16 pounds or more. Commercial turkeys are bred to be bigger, while wild ones are naturally smaller.

• The meat is darker in color, even the breast. Wild turkey meat is darker than domesticated.

• The turkey is frozen shortly after being harvested. Wild turkeys don’t last long unrefrigerated.

• No ingredients are added. True wild turkey just contains meat with no injections.

• The supplier can confirm USDA inspection and safe handling. Reputable wild game sellers follow food safety protocols.

As long as the turkey is clearly advertised as wild-caught, you can be confident you’re getting the real tasty deal.

How Much Does Wild Turkey Cost?

Due to the special sourcing, preparing, and handling involved, wild turkey demands a higher price than standard turkey from the store. You can expect to pay:

• Whole wild turkey – $3 to $6 per pound
• Wild turkey breast – $13 to $19 per pound

Of course, if you hunt the turkey yourself, you’ll just need to account for equipment and license fees. But purchasing from specialty suppliers will cost more than typical turkey. The premium price reflects the work required to legally and safely deliver wild turkey meat.

Consider going in with friends on a whole wild turkey to lower the per-pound cost. The flavors can be worth it for a special meal now and then.

Is Wild Turkey Safe To Eat?

Some people may hesitate to eat wild game over food safety concerns. However, wild turkey from licensed and inspected sources is perfectly safe when properly handled. Here are some guidelines for ensuring your wild turkey is fit for the table:

• Purchase from reputable sellers – Stick to regulated vendors who guarantee proper inspection, harvesting, and refrigeration. Don’t buy from unverified sources.

• Check for damage – Meats with holes, tears, or odd discoloration may have contamination. Avoid any turkey that looks compromised.

• Cook thoroughly – Wild turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, like other poultry. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

• Prepare correctly – Thaw frozen turkey safely in the fridge, roast within two days of thawing, and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Follow all typical cooking hygiene.

• Know your source – Find out exactly where the turkey came from in case issues arise. A transparent, regulated provider should happily disclose this.

As with all raw meats, handling wild turkey properly from source to table is key for safety. But retailers adhering to food standards provide healthy, regulated wild game.

Tips for Cooking Wild Turkey

The rich taste of wild turkey shines when cooked simply to let the natural flavors come through. Here are some tips:

• Roast whole breasts or legs at 350°F, basting with butter or oil. Monitor temperature carefully.

• Take care not to overcook. The meat can dry out quickly.

• Stuff the turkey cavity with herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary. Citrus zest also enhaces the flavor.

• For leaner meat, poach breasts in turkey stock or red wine. This keeps the meat moist.

• Slice cooked breast meat thickly for sandwiches. The bold texture stands up well.

• Use leftover bits for soup stock. Simmer bones and scraps to make a hearty wild turkey broth.

With its deep, old-fashioned flavor, wild turkey infuses any meal with rustic woodland essence. Seek out authentic sources and prepare simply to let the distinct taste shine through. This Thanksgiving, go beyond the normal bird to experience America’s original wild turkey.