First Wild Turkey breasts and a test with Venison

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robbieh

Fire Starter
Original poster
Jan 18, 2013
51
17
So today I decided to try my hand at smoking 3lbs of wild turkey breasts.  I also wanted to do a little test run with some venison, so I used a small piece of back-strap.

I used the Slaughterhouse brine for the turkey, like I did with the whole chicken.  I love it!  Did that over night, then patted them dry.  Then I injected them with a mix of melted butter and Worcester sauce. Then, I wrapped each piece in bacon and pinned with toothpicks.  This was a combo of things I read here.

For the Venison,  I simply applied some Wild Game rub (Cabela's) and wrapped in bacon too.  I had to see what that would taste like.


Breast meat from my first turkey I've ever shot!  


Brined, injected and wrapped in bacon.  There's a small venison strap there too.. just a test.


Look at that smokey goodness! Used apple wood.


Venison came out absolutely perfect!  Took out of smoker when internal temp was 130*F.  I think it took around 2.5 - 3 hours, cooking at 240*F in this beautiful 7*F weather we had!


At 165*F internal temp, the turkey was finally done.  Took about 4 hours.

Everything was delicious.  Honestly, I wish the turkey was a little bit more tender, but it wasn't at all too tough.  I know wild turkey is tough, but after brining over night, injecting and wrapping in bacon, I was surprised it wasn't as tender as I'd prefer.

I brought the turkey and venison to some friends and we had it for dinner.  We all loved it.  Had a great smoke flavor too!
 
Wow that looks great! I love smoked deer 
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  You have some lucky friends!  Another smoke well done 
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Lookin' Good!...JJ
 
Thanks so much everyone!  In a different thread, Smoking B recommeded I smoke some cheese.  That's something I'm going to look into.  I also have some very nice Salmon steaks in the freezer...mmmmmm
 
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