In recent years, people have become more conscious of the foods they eat, especially when it comes to the meats they consume. While beef has long been the go-to choice for burgers, many are now exploring healthier, more sustainable alternatives. One such option gaining popularity is deer meat, or venison. Known for its lean, nutrient-dense profile, venison offers a delicious alternative to traditional beef, especially for those looking to reduce fat intake or embrace a more eco-friendly diet. But is deer meat really a good choice for burgers? In this post, we’ll dive into the many reasons why venison could be the healthier, flavorful alternative you’ve been searching for, from its nutritional benefits to its sustainable sourcing.
Why Deer Meat is a Healthier Alternative to Beef
When it comes to choosing the best meat for burgers, many people are looking for options that are not only delicious but also beneficial to their health. Venison, or deer meat, offers a range of health advantages over traditional beef, making it an excellent choice for those aiming to reduce their intake of fat and calories without sacrificing flavor. Here’s why deer meat stands out as a healthier alternative to beef:
1. Lower Fat Content
One of the most notable benefits of venison is its significantly lower fat content compared to beef. While beef, especially fattier cuts, can be high in saturated fats, venison is much leaner. In fact, venison is often considered one of the leanest meats available. A typical 3-ounce serving of venison contains around 2 to 3 grams of fat, whereas a similar serving of beef can contain 10 to 20 grams of fat, depending on the cut. This makes venison a great choice for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake or avoid the unhealthy saturated fats commonly found in beef.
- Tip: For a truly low-fat option, choose ground venison or cuts such as backstrap or tenderloin, which are particularly lean.
2. High-Quality Protein
Venison is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions. A 3-ounce serving of venison provides around 22 grams of protein, making it a powerful protein source. Protein is important not just for athletes or bodybuilders, but also for those trying to maintain a healthy weight or build muscle.
- Comparison: Beef also contains protein, but the fat content in many beef cuts can overshadow the protein-to-fat ratio. With venison, you get more protein and less fat, making it a superior option for those watching their fat intake.
3. Rich in Essential Nutrients
Venison is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to overall health. It’s a good source of B vitamins, including B12, niacin, and riboflavin, which play a crucial role in energy production, brain function, and red blood cell formation. Additionally, venison is rich in iron, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood and transporting oxygen throughout the body. Unlike beef, venison is also a great source of phosphorus, zinc, and selenium—nutrients that are important for immune health, cell repair, and antioxidant activity.
- Benefit: Unlike heavily processed meats or higher-fat cuts of beef, venison offers these essential nutrients without the added calories and fat.
4. Lower Cholesterol Levels
Consuming too much saturated fat and cholesterol from beef can contribute to heart disease and high cholesterol. Venison, on the other hand, is naturally lower in cholesterol, thanks to its lower fat content. Because venison contains predominantly unsaturated fats, it can be a heart-healthier choice. In fact, eating lean meats like venison, as part of a balanced diet, has been linked to improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Heart Health: Studies suggest that replacing red meat like beef with lean alternatives such as venison may help lower your risk of heart disease.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Another major health benefit of venison, especially grass-fed venison, is its higher content of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fats that contribute to heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. While omega-3s are typically found in fatty fish, grass-fed venison also provides a significant amount of these beneficial fats.
- Grass-Fed Advantage: Deer that roam freely and eat a natural diet rich in grasses and plants have higher omega-3 levels than conventionally raised beef, which is often fed grain-based diets. This makes venison not only leaner but also healthier for your heart and overall well-being.
6. More Sustainable and Ethical
While not directly a health factor, it’s worth noting that venison is often a more sustainable and ethical choice when compared to beef. Deer are typically wild or raised in free-range, low-impact environments, which minimizes the use of antibiotics and growth hormones that are commonly found in industrial beef production. Choosing venison, especially from local hunters or sustainably sourced suppliers, supports ethical hunting practices and helps reduce the environmental impact of large-scale livestock farming.
- Eco-Friendly: Venison’s low environmental footprint makes it a better choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint while still enjoying delicious and healthy meat options.
The Nutritional Benefits of Venison in Burgers
When it comes to choosing the right meat for burgers, venison is often overlooked in favor of beef. However, venison offers a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier, more nutrient-dense burger. From its low-fat content to its rich supply of essential vitamins and minerals, venison provides more than just flavor—it offers a robust nutritional profile that supports overall health. Let’s dive into the specific nutritional benefits of venison when used in burgers.
1. Low in Fat, High in Protein
One of the most compelling reasons to use venison in burgers is its impressive nutritional composition. Venison is remarkably lean, with a lower fat content compared to beef, making it a healthier option for those who are conscious of their fat intake.
- Fat Content: A 3-ounce serving of venison provides about 2 to 3 grams of fat, whereas the same portion of beef can have upwards of 10 grams of fat, depending on the cut. This means you can enjoy a hearty burger without worrying about consuming excess saturated fat.
- Protein: Despite its low fat content, venison is rich in protein. A 3-ounce serving of venison typically provides around 22 grams of protein, which is comparable to or even higher than beef. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall bodily processes, making venison a great choice for those looking to increase their protein intake in a lean form.
- Benefit: By opting for venison burgers, you can indulge in a flavorful burger while keeping fat intake low and protein levels high—two key factors for maintaining a healthy diet.
2. Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Venison isn’t just about protein; it’s also packed with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to overall well-being. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism, strong immune system, and overall energy levels. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key nutrients found in venison:
- B Vitamins: Venison is a rich source of several B vitamins, including B12, niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and vitamin B6. These vitamins are important for energy production, supporting the nervous system, and aiding in red blood cell production. B vitamins also play a key role in maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and brain function.
- Iron: Venison contains heme iron, the form of iron most readily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. This makes venison a great choice for people who need to boost their iron intake, especially those with iron deficiency or anemia.
- Phosphorus and Zinc: Venison is also a good source of phosphorus, which is vital for healthy bones, teeth, and cell function. Additionally, venison provides zinc, an important mineral that supports immune health, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Selenium: Venison provides selenium, an essential antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid health.
- Benefit: Unlike fatty cuts of beef, venison offers a nutrient-dense alternative that helps meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs, without loading up on unhealthy fats and excess calories.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Heart Health
While beef can be high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to inflammation in the body, venison offers a healthier fat profile, especially if sourced from grass-fed or free-range deer.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: One of the standout features of venison, particularly grass-fed venison, is its omega-3 content. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. While omega-3s are commonly found in fatty fish like salmon, they are also present in the diet of deer that feed on natural grasses.
- Heart Health: Omega-3s are known to help lower triglyceride levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve cholesterol levels. These fats have anti-inflammatory properties that support joint health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Benefit: Choosing venison for your burgers not only gives you a tasty and low-fat alternative but also provides the heart-healthy benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, helping to support overall cardiovascular health.
4. Lower Cholesterol Levels
For individuals concerned about cholesterol intake, venison is a great option. Because it’s naturally lower in fat, venison has significantly less cholesterol than beef, especially cuts that are higher in fat content, like ribeye or T-bone steaks.
- Cholesterol Comparison: A 3-ounce serving of venison contains around 60 milligrams of cholesterol, whereas the same portion of beef can have up to 75 milligrams, depending on the cut. For people who need to manage their cholesterol levels, venison provides a healthier alternative to fatty beef burgers.
- Benefit: Eating venison as a burger base can help you reduce your intake of cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice for individuals looking to manage their blood cholesterol levels.
5. A More Sustainable Choice for a Health-Conscious Diet
Beyond its nutritional benefits, venison is also a more sustainable choice compared to conventionally raised beef. Deer are typically wild or raised in low-impact environments, unlike industrial beef cattle, which are often confined to feedlots and require significant resources for feed, water, and land.
- Sustainability: Wild venison is often hunted in a manner that helps maintain healthy deer populations and reduce overpopulation, contributing to better ecosystem management. Additionally, many venison suppliers use eco-friendly and humane practices, ensuring that the meat you consume supports both your health and the environment.
- Ethical Sourcing: When you choose venison, particularly from local hunters or sustainable farming practices, you are not only making a health-conscious choice but also supporting ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
How to Make Venison Burgers at Home
Making venison burgers at home is an exciting and rewarding way to enjoy this lean, flavorful meat. Not only do you get to control the ingredients and flavors, but you also have the opportunity to customize the burger to your tastes, whether you prefer a simple seasoning or a more adventurous blend of spices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious venison burgers from scratch, along with tips on getting the best results.
1. Choose the Right Cut of Venison for Burgers
The first step in making venison burgers is selecting the right cut of meat. While ground venison is commonly available, you can also grind your own meat at home. The best cuts for burgers are those that have enough fat to maintain moisture and flavor while still being lean.
- Ideal Cuts for Grinding: The most popular cuts for grinding venison into burger patties include the shoulder, neck, and flank. These cuts have enough fat content to create a juicy, flavorful burger while still maintaining the lean characteristics of venison.
- Fat-to-Meat Ratio: Venison is naturally very lean, which means that to avoid dry burgers, you’ll want to add some fat. Aim for a fat-to-meat ratio of about 80/20 (80% venison, 20% fat). If you want to keep your burgers even leaner, you can add a bit of beef fat or pork fat to the mix to help maintain moisture and improve the texture.
- Tip: If you’re using store-bought ground venison, check if it has any added fat. If not, you may want to mix in a small amount of beef or pork fat to achieve a juicier burger.
2. Season Your Venison Meat
Venison has a rich, gamey flavor, which pairs wonderfully with a variety of seasonings. However, it’s important not to overpower the natural taste of the meat. Here’s how to season venison for burgers:
- Basic Seasoning: Start with the basics—salt and pepper. These are essential to enhance the natural flavors of venison. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for every pound of meat.
- Additional Flavors: Add more depth to the flavor by incorporating ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes. If you like a little tanginess, try adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of Dijon mustard to the mix.
- Herbs and Spices: Venison pairs well with earthy herbs and spices like sage, thyme, or even a little cumin. For a touch of sweetness, you can add finely chopped onions or even a bit of brown sugar.
- Tip: Avoid over-seasoning venison, as the goal is to complement its natural flavor, not mask it. Keep your seasoning simple but impactful.
3. Forming the Patties
Once your venison is seasoned, it’s time to form the patties. The key to a good venison burger is to handle the meat gently to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Forming the Patties: Take a small portion of the seasoned venison (about 4 to 6 ounces per patty) and gently roll it into a ball. Flatten the ball with your hands to form a patty that’s about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Make sure not to pack the meat too tightly—this can result in a dense, tough burger.
- Creating a Dimple: To ensure even cooking and prevent the burger from puffing up in the center, create a small dimple in the middle of each patty. Simply press your thumb gently into the center of the patty before cooking.
- Tip: If you plan on storing the patties for later, place parchment paper between each patty to prevent them from sticking together in the freezer.
4. Cooking Venison Burgers
Now that your patties are ready, it’s time to cook them! Venison burgers can be cooked in various ways, including on the grill, in a skillet, or even in the oven. However, because venison is lean, it cooks faster than beef and can dry out easily, so it’s important to avoid overcooking.
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the venison patties on the grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the patty and your desired doneness. Venison burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
- Skillet Cooking: Heat a cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil (vegetable oil or olive oil) to the pan. Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. If you’re cooking multiple patties, be sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Oven: If you prefer to cook your venison burgers in the oven, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the patties on a baking sheet and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Tip: Since venison is lean, it’s easy to overcook. Keep an eye on the burgers and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5. Toppings and Bun Options
The beauty of making venison burgers at home is that you can customize the toppings and bun to suit your taste. Venison pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings, from traditional to more adventurous options.
- Traditional Toppings: For a classic burger, consider adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. You can also add cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or blue cheese) to enhance the flavor.
- Unique Pairings: Venison has a rich, slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with bold toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, spicy mustard, or even a tangy cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired twist.
- Bun Options: Venison burgers go great with a variety of bun types. Traditional sesame seed or brioche buns work well, but for a healthier alternative, try whole wheat buns, lettuce wraps, or gluten-free buns if needed.
- Tip: To enhance the flavor, lightly toast your buns on the grill or in the skillet before assembling your burger.
6. Serving and Enjoying Your Venison Burger
Once your venison burgers are cooked to perfection and topped with your favorite ingredients, it’s time to serve them up! Pair your burger with sides like sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
- Presentation: Serve your venison burger with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s a smoky barbecue sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy chipotle mayo.
- Beverage Pairing: For a drink pairing, a robust craft beer, a glass of red wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Zinfandel), or even an iced tea can complement the flavors of the venison burger perfectly.
Venison vs. Beef: A Comparison of Taste and Texture
When it comes to choosing between venison and beef for making burgers, one of the most important factors to consider is the taste and texture of the meat. While both meats have their merits, they offer distinct differences that can significantly affect your burger experience. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences or the type of burger you’re aiming to create.
1. The Taste: Gamey vs. Rich
One of the most noticeable differences between venison and beef is their flavor profiles. The taste of venison is often described as “gamey,” which refers to the more intense, earthy flavor that comes from wild animals.
- Venison’s Gamey Flavor: The gamey taste in venison is primarily due to the animal’s diet and the fact that it is wild. Venison tends to have a richer, more robust flavor that can be likened to a slightly metallic or herbal undertone, depending on the animal’s environment. For some, this strong flavor is one of the appealing qualities of venison, as it offers a more adventurous and distinctive taste compared to the milder flavors of beef.
- Beef’s Richness and Fat: Beef, on the other hand, has a more neutral, savory flavor that is rich, juicy, and sometimes slightly sweet.
- Which Flavor Is Better for Burgers?: If you enjoy bold, earthy flavors, venison may be a more exciting choice for your burgers. However, if you prefer a milder, juicier burger with a more familiar taste, beef may be the better option for you.
2. Texture: Lean and Tender vs. Juicy and Tender
The texture of the meat is another critical factor in burger-making, and venison and beef differ significantly in this regard. The texture of a burger can affect how juicy, tender, and satisfying it feels when you take a bite.
- Venison’s Lean and Firm Texture: Venison is much leaner than beef, and as a result, it has a firmer, more compact texture. Without sufficient fat content, venison burgers tend to be denser and can easily become dry if overcooked. However, when prepared correctly, venison offers a tender bite with a slightly chewy texture, making it ideal for those who enjoy a meatier, less fatty burger.
- Beef’s Juicy and Tender Texture: In contrast, beef burgers are known for their juicy, tender texture. The fat content in beef (which can range from 15% to 30% or more) helps create a moist, soft burger with a satisfying bite. The fat melts as the burger cooks, creating a juicy, flavorful experience that can sometimes be lacking in venison. Beef also tends to break apart more easily when cooked, resulting in a slightly more crumbly texture compared to venison.
- Which Texture Works Better in a Burger?: Beef’s fattiness allows it to remain tender and juicy, which many people prefer in a traditional burger. However, if you enjoy a firmer, leaner burger and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of juiciness for a more substantial bite, venison is a great choice. Many people mix venison with a small amount of beef or pork fat to improve moisture and texture, balancing the lean meat with enough fat for a more tender bite.
3. Cooking Techniques: Grilling vs. Searing
Because venison and beef differ so much in fat content, they require slightly different cooking techniques to ensure the best flavor and texture. Understanding these differences can help you get the most out of both meats.
- Venison Cooking Tips: Venison’s leanness means it cooks faster than beef, and it has a greater risk of drying out if overcooked. It’s essential to cook venison burgers over medium heat and avoid cooking them too long. Many people recommend cooking venison burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for the best combination of tenderness and safety. To prevent dryness, some cooks add ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, or a little extra fat to the ground venison mixture. For grilling, keeping the grill at a medium heat ensures the burgers cook evenly without becoming too tough.
- Beef Cooking Tips: Beef burgers have a wider margin for error due to their higher fat content, which helps them stay moist and juicy even with longer cooking times. However, overcooking beef can also lead to a dry burger, so it’s important to monitor the cooking time. For a classic beef burger, cook it over medium-high heat for a nice sear, and aim for an internal temperature of around 160°F (71°C) for well-done or 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare.
- Tip: Venison burgers may benefit from a slightly lower cooking temperature to ensure they don’t dry out too quickly. Consider using a meat thermometer to keep track of the temperature and avoid overcooking.
4. Which One Is More Versatile for Flavor Pairings?
Both venison and beef are versatile when it comes to pairing with different seasonings, toppings, and accompaniments. However, because of its distinct flavor, venison may not pair as seamlessly with all the same toppings as beef.
- Venison’s Bold Pairings: Due to its gamey flavor, venison pairs well with more robust and earthy toppings. Ingredients like mushrooms, caramelized onions, sharp cheeses (like blue cheese or aged cheddar), and even spicy or tangy condiments (such as mustard, horseradish, or barbecue sauce) complement venison’s strong flavor profile. Venison burgers also go well with sweeter toppings like cranberry sauce or apple slices, creating an interesting contrast to the rich meat.
- Beef’s Broad Pairing Potential: Beef is more neutral and pairs well with a wide range of toppings, from classic cheese and lettuce to more gourmet options like avocado or fried egg.
- Which Meat Is Better for Creative Burger Toppings?: If you’re looking for a classic, customizable burger with limitless topping possibilities, beef may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want a burger with a bolder, more adventurous flavor profile that pairs beautifully with unique toppings, venison is a great choice.
The Sustainability and Ethical Benefits of Choosing Deer Meat
Deer meat, as a wild source of protein, offers a range of sustainability and ethical advantages compared to conventionally farmed meats like beef. By understanding how choosing venison can positively impact the environment and promote more ethical practices, consumers can make more informed decisions about the foods they eat.
1. Lower Environmental Impact
One of the most significant reasons to consider venison as a sustainable alternative to beef is its substantially lower environmental footprint. The environmental costs of raising livestock for beef production—such as the use of land, water, and feed—are much higher than those associated with hunting wild deer. Here’s how choosing venison can help reduce environmental impact:
- Reduced Land Use: Livestock farming for beef requires large amounts of land, both for grazing and for growing feed crops. In contrast, wild deer are naturally occurring in many regions and do not require vast areas of land for their upkeep. They live off natural vegetation and contribute to a more balanced ecosystem by maintaining the health of their habitats. Hunting for venison doesn’t necessitate large-scale farming, thus reducing deforestation and habitat destruction associated with beef production.
- Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Cattle farming is one of the leading contributors to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is produced by ruminant animals like cows during digestion. In contrast, deer are not ruminants and do not emit methane at the same rate. Hunting deer for meat, therefore, has a significantly lower carbon footprint. By choosing venison, consumers can help reduce the environmental burden of greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming.
- Reduced Water Consumption: Beef production is notoriously water-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water for animal hydration, crop irrigation, and meat processing. Venison, on the other hand, requires far less water because wild deer rely on natural water sources, which eliminates the need for irrigating feed crops or large-scale water management systems used in conventional beef production. Thus, venison has a significantly lower water footprint.
2. Conservation and Natural Habitat Management
When deer populations become too large, they can cause significant damage to local environments by overgrazing, leading to the degradation of plant life, soil erosion, and even the destruction of crops. Responsible hunting helps control these populations and maintain the natural balance of ecosystems.
- Population Control: In areas where deer populations exceed ecological limits, hunting is an important tool for population control. This helps prevent the spread of disease, reduces the strain on local vegetation, and ensures that deer populations remain healthy and sustainable. Without hunting, deer can become overly abundant, leading to negative consequences for other wildlife species, plants, and the overall biodiversity of the area.
- Habitat Preservation: Sustainable hunting practices also contribute to preserving natural habitats. By controlling deer populations, hunting helps maintain diverse plant life, which in turn supports a variety of other species, including birds, small mammals, and insects. Additionally, responsible hunters often contribute to conservation programs and collaborate with wildlife organizations to protect natural areas and ensure their continued vitality.
3. Ethical Hunting Practices
Here are some of the ethical advantages of choosing venison:
- Wild vs. Farmed: Deer raised in the wild live a free-range lifestyle, meaning they are not confined to small pens or subjected to artificial breeding and feeding programs. They roam freely, foraging for natural food sources, and live in environments that are conducive to their well-being. By choosing venison, consumers are supporting a meat source that comes from animals living as close to their natural state as possible.
- Humane Harvesting: Ethical hunters are trained to use the most humane methods of harvesting, which generally involve a quick and painless death for the animal. Many hunters aim to make the kill with as little distress to the animal as possible, using high-quality equipment and following ethical guidelines set by conservation groups. This contrasts sharply with industrialized farming, where animals often experience extreme confinement, stress, and inhumane conditions before being slaughtered.
- Respect for Wildlife: Ethical hunters view their activity as part of a larger commitment to preserving wildlife and maintaining balance within ecosystems. They often contribute to local conservation efforts, ensuring that hunting remains sustainable and that the health of deer populations and their habitats is carefully monitored. In many cases, hunters also participate in programs that provide meat to local communities, particularly to those who rely on food banks or other charitable organizations, helping to reduce food insecurity.
4. The Impact of Choosing Venison on the Meat Industry
By choosing venison over beef or other farmed meats, consumers can send a powerful message to the food industry about their priorities. As more people demand sustainably sourced, ethically raised, and lower-impact foods, it can lead to broader shifts in food production and consumption patterns. Here’s how choosing venison can influence the larger meat industry:
Conclusion
Venison offers significant sustainability and ethical benefits over conventional beef. Its lower environmental impact, role in conservation and habitat management, and more humane and ethical harvesting practices make it an appealing choice for those concerned about the planet and animal welfare. By choosing deer meat for burgers, you can enjoy a delicious, healthier alternative to beef while supporting environmentally conscious and ethically sound food practices. Making informed, responsible food choices can help foster a more sustainable and compassionate food system for everyone.
Chef’s Note:
As a chef, I’ve always believed in the importance of sourcing ingredients that not only taste exceptional but also contribute positively to the environment and society. Venison is an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier, more sustainable alternative to beef. It’s rich in nutrients, packed with flavor, and sourced from nature in a way that supports ecological balance and ethical hunting practices. Whether you’re crafting a venison burger at home or exploring it in other dishes, you’re not only treating your taste buds to something unique, but you’re also making a mindful choice for the planet. So, next time you’re at the grill, consider giving venison a try—you might just discover your new favorite burger!