Notice to Hunters

Handling and Preparing Wild Meat

Hunters can ensure that any wild game they harvest is safe to eat by following a few simple precautions:

• Avoid contact with any wild animal that appears to be sick.
• During field dressing:
  • Wear disposable rubber or latex gloves,
  • Thoroughly wash hands and tools afterwards with soap and warm water,
  • Alcohol-based hand cleaner can be used if hands are not visibly dirty.
  • Dispose of bird remains after field dressing in a way that will prevent scavengers from contacting them.
  • Avoid handling and consuming brain, eye, lymphatic or spinal cord tissue.
• Cool meat immediately to a temperature of 4°C or lower,
• When preparing and cooking wild game use common food handling techniques;
  • Thaw and marinate meats in the refrigerator,
  • Never refreeze thawed meat,
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure wild game is properly cooked - as a general rule cook wild game until the juices run clear.