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{{Short description|Wild animals under pursuit or taken in hunting}}
'''Game''' is any [[animal]] [[hunting|hunted]] for [[food]] or not normally [[Domestication|domesticated]] (such as [[venison]]). Game animals are also hunted for sport.
{{redirect|Wild game|the novel|Wild Game}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=July 2007}}
{{cleanup rewrite|date=October 2014}}
}}
[[File:Phasianus colchicus 2 tom (Lukasz Lukasik).jpg|right|thumb|[[Common pheasant]], widely introduced and hunted as game]]
'''Game''' or '''quarry''' is any [[wild animal]] [[hunt]]ed for [[animal product]]s (primarily [[meat]]), for [[recreation]] ("[[field sports|sporting]]"), or for [[trophy hunting|trophies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Game {{!}} Definition, Wild Animals, & Preparation {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/game-meat |access-date=2023-09-14 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> The species of animals hunted as game varies in different parts of the world and by different local jurisdictions, though most are [[terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] [[mammal]]s and [[bird]]s. [[Fish]] caught non-[[commercial fishing|commercial]]ly ([[recreational fishing]]) are also referred to as [[game fish]].
{{TOC limit|3}}


== By continent and region ==
The type and range of animals hunted for food varies in different parts of the world. This will be influenced by [[climate]], animal diversity, local taste and locally accepted view about what can or cannot be legitimately hunted. Sometimes a distinction is also made between varieties and species of a particular animal, such as wild or domestic [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]].
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}
The range of animal [[species]] hunted by humans varies in different parts of the world. This is influenced by [[climate]], [[fauna]]l diversity, [[taste (sociology)|popular taste]] and locally accepted views about what can or cannot be legitimately hunted. Sometimes a distinction is also made between varieties and breeds of a particular animal, such as [[wild turkey]] and [[domestic turkey]]. The flesh of the animal, when butchered for consumption, is often described as having a "gamey" flavour. This difference in taste can be attributed to the natural diet of the animal, which usually results in a lower [[Animal fat|fat content]] compared to domestic farm-raised animals.


In some countries, game is classified, including [[game law|legal]] classifications with respect to [[hunting license|licenses]] required, as either "small game" or "large game". A single small game licence may cover all small game species and be subject to yearly [[bag limits]]. Large game are often subject to individual licensing where a separate permit is required for each individual animal taken (tags).
==Game by region==
In some countries, game is classified, including legal classification with respect to licenses required, as either ''small game'' or ''large game''. Small game includes small animals and birds, such as rabbits, pheasants, doves, geese or ducks. A single small game license may cover all small game species and be subject to daily and yearly bag limits. Large game includes animals like deer, bear, and elk and are often subject to individual licensing where a separate license is required for each individual animal taken(tags). ''Big game'' is a term sometimes used interchangeably with large game although in other contexts it refers to large, usually African, mammals (like elephants) which are hunted mainly for trophies, not for food.


===Africa===
=== Africa ===
{{See also|Elephant meat}}
In [[Africa]], wild animals hunted for their meat are called [[bushmeat]]; see that article for more detailed information on how this operates within the economy (for personal consumption and for money) and the law (including overexploitation and illegal imports). Animals hunted include, but are not limited to:
[[File:Zdravko Pečar During an Elephant Hunt (1).jpg|thumb|A hunter and local guides with his kill, 1970]]
*Various species of [[antelope]]
In some parts of [[Africa]], wild animals hunted for their meat are called [[bushmeat]]; see that article for more detailed information on how this operates within the economy (for personal consumption and for money) and the law (including [[overexploitation]] and illegal imports). Animals hunted for bushmeat include, but are not limited to:
*[[Cape buffalo]]
* Various species of [[antelope]], including [[duiker]]s
*[[Wildebeest]]
* Various species of [[primates]] like [[mandrill]]s or [[gorilla]]s
*[[Zebra]]
* [[Rodent]]s like [[porcupine]]s or [[cane rat]]s
*[[Elephant]]
Some of these animals are endangered or otherwise protected, and thus it is illegal to hunt them.
Some of these animals are endangered or otherwise protected, and thus it is illegal to hunt them.


In [[Africa]], animals hunted for their pelts or [[ivory]] are sometimes referred to as ''big game''.
In Africa, animals hunted for their pelts or [[ivory]] are sometimes referred to as ''big game''.


Also see the [http://www.sntc.org.sz/legislat/gameact.html legal definition of game in Swaziland].
Also see the legal definition of game in [[Eswatini]].<ref>[http://www.sntc.org.sz/legislat/gameact.html The Game Act] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040618060159/http://www.sntc.org.sz/legislat/gameact.html |date=2004-06-18 }} Swaziland Legislation</ref>

==== South Africa ====
[[South Africa]] is a famous destination for game hunting, with its large [[biodiversity]] and therefore impressive variety of game species. Many creatures have returned to former areas from which they were once taken as a result of being killed for [[big-game hunting]]. Commonly hunted species include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Springbok]]
* [[Impala]]
* [[Steenbok]]
* [[Oribi]]
* [[Bushbuck]]
* [[Nyala]]
* [[Greater kudu]]
* [[Common eland]]
* [[Blue wildebeest]]
* [[Black wildebeest]]
* [[Blesbok]]
* [[Bontebok]]
* [[Sable antelope]]
* [[Roan antelope]]
* [[Gemsbok]]
* [[Giraffe]]
* [[Cape buffalo]]
* [[Southern white rhinoceros]]
* [[Plains zebra]]
{{div col end}}

South Africa also has 62 species of gamebirds, including [[guineafowl]], [[francolin]], [[partridge]], [[quail]], [[sandgrouse]], [[duck]], [[geese]], [[snipe]], [[bustard]] and [[korhaan]]. Some of these species are no longer hunted, and of the 44 [[indigenous (ecology)|indigenous]] gamebirds that can potentially be utilised in South Africa, only three, namely the [[yellow-throated sandgrouse]], [[Delegorgue's pigeon]] and the [[African pygmy goose]] warrant special protection. Of the remaining 41 species, 24 have shown an increase in numbers and distribution range in the last 25 years or so. The status of 14 species appears unchanged, with insufficient information being available for the remaining three species. The gamebirds of South Africa where the population status in 2005 was secure or growing are listed below:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Helmeted guineafowl]]
* [[Grey-winged francolin|Greywing partridge]]
* [[Red-winged francolin|Redwing partridge]]
* [[Orange River francolin|Orange River partridge]]
* [[Cape francolin]]
* [[Natal francolin]]
* [[Swainson's francolin]]
* [[Common quail]]
* [[Harlequin quail]]
* [[Namaqua sandgrouse]]
* [[Double-banded sandgrouse]]
* [[Burchell's sandgrouse]]
* [[White-faced duck]]
* [[Egyptian goose]]
* [[Yellow-billed duck]]
* [[Red-billed teal]]
* [[Cape shoveler]]
* [[Southern pochard]]
* [[Knob-billed duck]]
* [[Spur-winged goose]]
{{div col end}}

===Oceania===
==== Australia ====


===Australia===
In [[Australia]], game includes:
In [[Australia]], game includes:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Deer]]
* [[Deer]] and [[sambar (deer)|sambar]]
*[[Duck]]
*[[Magpie Geese]]
* [[Duck]]
* [[Magpie goose|Magpie geese]]
*[[Water Buffalo]]
*[[Banteng]]
* [[European rabbit]]
*[[Kangaroo]]
* [[Feral cat]]
*[[Rabbit]]
* [[Red fox]]
* [[Feral pig|Wild pig]]
*[[Crocodile]] is no longer legal to shoot, however it is farmed extensively
*[[Wild Pig]]
* [[Wild goat]]
*[[Wild Goat]]
* [[Kangaroo]]
* [[Emu]]
* [[Crocodile]] (Saltwater and Freshwater)
* [[Water buffalo|Feral buffalo]]
* [[Banteng]] ("Scrub bull")
* [[Australian feral camel|Feral camel]]
* [[Brumby|Australian feral horse]]
* [[Quail]]
* [[Wild bull]]
* [[Blackbuck]]
* [[Feral donkeys in Australia|Feral donkey]]
* [[Feral dog]]
{{div col end}}

==== New Zealand ====
{{Main|Hunting in New Zealand}}
Game in [[New Zealand]] includes:
* [[Chamois]]
* [[Deer]], multiple species
* [[Pig]]
* [[Tahr]]
* [[Duck]], multiple species


===North America===
===North America===
==== Canada and the United States ====
In the [[United States|U.S.]], [[Mexico]] and [[Canada]], [[deer]] are the most commonly hunted big game. Game species in North America include:
[[File:American big-game hunting; (1901) (18117144345).jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Big-game hunting]]]]
{{See also|Upland game bird|country food}}
In the [[United States]] and [[Canada]], [[white-tailed deer]] are the most commonly hunted big game. Other game species include:


[[File:Virginia-Wachtel 2007-06-16 059.jpg|thumb|upright|Bobwhite quail, an important North American gamebird]]
*[[Bear]]
[[File:White-tailed deer.jpg|thumb|White-tailed deer]]
*[[Bighorn Sheep]]
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[American Bison|Buffalo]]
{{no col break|
*[[Caribou]]
*[[Chukar]]
*[[Deer]]
*[[Dove]]
*[[Duck]]
*[[Elk (Cervus canadensis)|Elk]] (wapiti)
*[[Goose]]
*[[Grouse]]
*[[Hare]]
*[[Javelina]]/[[Peccary]]
*[[Moose]]
*[[Mountain goat]]
*[[Muskrat]]
*[[Partridge]]
*[[Pigeon]]
*[[Pheasant]]
*[[Pronghorn antelope]]
*[[Quail]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Raccoon]]
*[[Sandhill Crane]]
*[[Squirrel]]
*[[Swan]]
*[[Turkey (bird)|Turkey]]
*[[Wild boar]]
*[[Woodcock]]
{{seealso|Upland game bird}}


===== Reptiles and amphibians =====
===United Kingdom===
{{See also|Alligator meat}}
[[Image:Game birds Borough Market.jpg|thumb|Game birds at [[Borough Market]] in [[London]]]]
* [[American alligator]]
* [[American bullfrog]]
* [[Common snapping turtle]]
* [[Rattlesnake]]
}}
{{no col break|


===== Birds (predator) =====
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] game is defined in [[law]] by the Game Act 1831. Other (non-game birds) that are hunted for food in the UK are specified under the [[Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]]. UK law defines game as including:
*[[Black grouse]]
* [[Crow]]
* [[Brown-headed cowbird|Cowbird]]
*[[Red grouse]]
* [[Raven]]
*[[European Hare|Brown hare]]
}}
*[[Ptarmigan]]
{{no col break|
*[[Grey partridge]] (and [[red-legged partridge]])
*[[Common pheasant]]


===== Birds (upland game birds) =====
[[Deer]] are not included in the definition, but similar controls provided to those in the Game Act apply to deer (from the [[Deer Act 1991]]). Deer hunted in the UK are:
* [[Dove]]
* [[Chukar partridge]]
* [[Grouse]]
* [[Gray partridge]]
* [[Ring-necked pheasant]]
* [[Lagopus|Ptarmigan]]
* [[Quail]]
* [[Wild turkey|Turkey]]
}}
{{no col break|


===== Birds (waterfowl) =====
*[[Red deer]]
*[[Roe deer]]
* [[Duck]]
*[[Fallow deer]]
* [[Goose]]
}}
*[[Sika deer]]
{{no col break|
*[[Muntjac deer]]

*[[Chinese water deer]]
===== Birds (shorebirds) =====
*and [[hybrid]]s of these deer
* [[Wilson's snipe]]
* [[Woodcock]]
}}
{{no col break|

===== Ungulates =====
* [[American bison]]
* [[Bighorn sheep]]
* [[Dall sheep]]
* [[White-tailed deer]]
* [[Mule deer]]
* [[Elk]]
* [[Moose]]
* [[Mountain goat]]
* [[Muskox]]
* [[Pronghorn]]
* [[Reindeer|Caribou]]
* [[Feral pig|Feral hogs]]
}}
{{no col break|

===== Carnivores =====
* [[American black bear]]
* [[Bobcat]]
* [[Coyote]]
* [[Fox]]
* [[Grizzly bear]]
* [[Cougar]]
* [[Raccoon]]
}}
{{no col break|

===== Rodents =====
* [[Beaver]]
* [[Muskrat]]
* [[Coypu|Nutria]]
* [[Squirrel]]
}}

{{no col break|

===== Misc. mammals =====
* [[Hare]]
* [[Rabbit]]
* [[Virginia opossum|Opossum]]

}}
{{div col end}}

===Asia===

==== People's Republic of China ====
In the PRC there is a special [[cuisine]] category called [[ye wei]], which includes animals in the wild.

==== Russia ====
{{See also|Hunting in Russia}}
[[File:Wassilij Grigorjewitsch Perow 004.jpg|thumb|right|"The Hunters at Rest" by [[Vasily Perov]], 1871]]
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Anser (bird)|Anser]]
* [[Beaver]]
* [[Black grouse]]
* [[Brown bear]]
* [[Common quail]]
* [[Deer]]
* [[Duck]]
* [[European hare]]
* [[Fox]]
* [[Ground squirrel]]
* [[Goose]]
* [[Hazel grouse]]
* [[Eurasian lynx]]
* [[Mountain hare]]
* [[Perdix]]
* [[Pheasant]]
* [[Rabbit]]
* [[Raven]]
* [[Siberian ibex]]
* [[Squirrel]]
* [[Wild boar]]
* [[Woodcock]]
{{div col end}}

===Europe===

==== United Kingdom ====
[[File:Game birds Borough Market.jpg|thumb|Game birds at [[Borough Market]] in [[London]]]]
In the [[United Kingdom|UK]] game is defined in [[law]] by the [[Game Act 1831]] ([[1 & 2 Will. 4]]. c. 32). It is illegal to shoot game on Sundays or at night. Other non-game birds that are hunted for food in the UK are specified under the [[Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]]. UK law defines game as including:
* [[Black grouse]] (No longer hunted due to decline in numbers)
* [[Red grouse]]
* [[European hare|Brown hare]]
* [[Rock ptarmigan]]
* [[Grey partridge|Grey]] and [[red-legged partridge]]s
* [[Common pheasant]]

[[Deer]] are not included in the definition, but similar controls provided to those in the Game Act apply to deer (from the [[Deer Act 1991]]). Deer hunted in the UK are:
* [[Red deer]]
* [[Roe deer]]
* [[Fallow deer]]
* [[Sika deer]]
* [[Muntjac deer]]
* [[Chinese water deer]]
* and [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] of these deer


Other animals which are hunted in the UK include:
Other animals which are hunted in the UK include:
* [[Duck]], including [[mallard]], [[tufted duck]], [[Common teal|teal]], [[northern pintail]] and [[common pochard]]
* [[Goose]], including [[greylag goose]], [[Canada goose]] and [[pink-footed goose]]
* [[Common wood pigeon|Wood pigeon]]
* [[Cuckoo]]
* [[Eurasian woodcock]]
* [[Common snipe]]
* [[Eurasian golden plover]]
* [[Corncrake]]


[[Capercaillie]] are not currently hunted in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] because of a recent decline in numbers and conservation projects towards their recovery. The ban is generally considered voluntary on private lands, and few birds live away from [[RSPB]] or [[Forestry Commission]] land allegedly.
*[[Duck]], including [[Mallard]], [[Tufted Duck]], [[Common Teal|Teal]], [[Pintail]] and [[Pochard]]
*[[Goose]], including [[Greylag Goose]], [[Canada Goose]], [[Pink-footed Goose]] and in [[England]] and [[Wales]] [[White-fronted Goose]]
*[[Woodpigeon]]
*[[Eurasian Woodcock|Woodcock]]
*[[Common Snipe|Snipe]]
*[[Rabbit]]
*[[Golden Plover]]


{{See also|Hunting and shooting in the United Kingdom}}
*'''Note''': [[Capercaillie]] are not currently hunted in the [[UK]] because of a recent decline in numbers and conservation projects towards their recovery. The ban is generally considered voluntary on private lands, and few birds live away from [[RSPB]] or [[Forestry Commission]] land anyway.


==Game preparation==
==== Iceland ====
Once obtained, game meat must be processed. The method of processing varies by game species and size. Small game and fowl may simply be carried home to be [[butcher|butchered]]. Large game such as deer is quickly field-dressed by removing the [[viscera]] in the field, while very large animals like moose may be partially butchered in the field because of the difficulty of removing them intact from their habitat. Commercial processors often handle deer taken during deer seasons, sometimes even at supermarket meat counters. Otherwise the hunter handles butchering. The carcass is kept cool to minimize spoilage.


In [[Iceland]] game includes:
Some believe the meat tastes better and is more tender if it is hung and aged for a few days before processing; however, this adds to the risk of contamination. Small game can be processed essentially intact; after gutting and skinning or defeathering (by species), small animals are ready for cooking although they may be disjointed first. Large game must be processed by techniques commonly practiced by commercial butchers.
* [[Reindeer]]
* [[Rock ptarmigan]], a popular [[Christmas dish]] in Iceland
* [[Puffin]]
* [[Auk]]
* [[Goose]]
* [[Mallard]]


==== Nordic countries ====
==Game cooking==
[[File:Kopf eines Rehs (Capreolus capreolus).jpg|thumbnail|Roe deer]]
Game in [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], [[Denmark]] and [[Finland]] includes:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Moose]], ''Alces alces''. Moose hunting season in October is close to a [[national pastime]].
* [[Fallow deer]]
* [[Red deer]]
* [[Roe deer]]
* [[Mountain hare]]
* [[Boar]] in Denmark and southern Sweden. (Once hunted to extinction, boars were re-introduced in the late 20th century and are now considered a [[pest (organism)|pest]] by farmers, but an asset by hunters.)
* [[Rock ptarmigan]]
* [[Willow ptarmigan]]
* [[Mallard]]
* [[Auk]] in Norway
* [[Black grouse]]
* [[Woodcock]]
* [[Common pheasant]]
* [[Common wood pigeon]]
* [[Goose]]
{{div col end}}

==== Poland ====
In [[Poland]], legal game includes:<ref>{{cite act
| type = Regulation
| title = Rozporządzenie Ministra Środowiska z dnia 11 marca 2005 r. w sprawie ustalenia listy gatunków zwierząt łownych
| url = https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20050450433/O/D20050433.pdf
| language = pl
| trans-title = Regulation of the Minister of Environment of 11 March 2005 regarding specifying list of game species
| date = 11 March 2005
| publication-date = 2005-03-22
| access-date = 2022-07-27
| via = [[Sejm]] (isap.sejm.gov.pl)
}}
</ref><br />
'''Big game'''
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Moose]]
* [[Red deer]]
* [[Sika deer]]
* [[Fallow deer]]
* [[Roe deer]]
* [[Wild boar]]
* [[European mouflon]]
{{div col end}}
'''Small game'''
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Fox]]
* [[Common raccoon dog]]
* [[Badger]]
* [[European pine marten]]
* [[Beech marten]]
* [[American mink]]
* [[Polecat]]
* (American) [[raccoon]]
* [[Muskrat]]
* [[European hare]]
* [[European rabbit]]
* [[Hazel grouse]]
* [[Common pheasant]]
* [[Grey partridge]]
* [[Greylag goose]]
* [[Bean goose]]
* [[Greater white-fronted goose]]
* [[Mallard]]
* [[Eurasian teal]]
* [[Common pochard]]
* [[Tufted duck]]
* [[Common wood pigeon]]
* [[Eurasian woodcock]]
* [[Eurasian coot]]
{{div col end}}

== Preparation ==
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2007}}
[[File:Attributed to Frans Hals, 1625-1630, A Kitchen Interior with a Maid and a Lady Preparing Game.jpg|thumb|A kitchen interior with a maid and a lady preparing game, c. 1600]]
Game meat is typically taken from a wild animal that has been shot with a [[gun]] or [[bow and arrow|bow]]. Hunters must be absolutely certain of their target before shooting and should make every effort to get the animal down as quickly and painlessly as possible. Once obtained, game meat must be processed to avoid spoiling. The method of processing varies by game species and size. Small game and fowl may simply be carried home to be [[butcher]]ed. Large game such as deer is quickly [[field dressing (hunting)|field-dressed]] by removing the [[viscera]] in the field, while very large animals like moose may be partially butchered in the field because of the difficulty of removing them intact from their habitat. Commercial processors often handle deer taken during deer seasons, sometimes even at supermarket meat counters. Otherwise the hunter handles butchering. The carcass is kept cool to minimize spoilage.

Traditionally, game meat was [[meat hanging|hung]] until "high" or "gamey", that is, approaching a state of [[decomposition]].<ref>''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'', 3rd edition, ''s.v.'' [https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/76548 high ''adj.'' A.II.12d], [https://www.oed.com/view/Entry/76548 gamey 1a]</ref> However, this adds to the risk of contamination. Small game can be processed essentially intact, after gutting and skinning or defeathering (by species). Small animals are ready for cooking, although they may be disjointed first. Large game must be processed by techniques commonly practiced by commercial butchers.

== Cooking ==
{{Cookbook|Game}}
{{Cookbook|Game}}
Generally game is cooked in the same ways as farmed meat. It is sometimes [[Grilling|grill]]ed or cooked longer or by [[slow cooking]] or moist-heat methods to make it more tender, since some game tends to be tougher than farm-raised meat. Other methods of tenderizing include [[marinade|marinating]] as in the dish [[Hasenpfeffer]]. Many claim that game meat is more flavorful than farm-meat although some find this flavor objectionable as seen in the term, ''gamey'', which is used pejoratively.
Generally game is cooked in the same ways as farmed meat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametoeat.co.uk/index.php |title=Game-to-Eat |date=2007-05-02}}</ref> Because some game meat is leaner than store-bought beef, overcooking is a common mishap which can be avoided if properly prepared.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exoticmeatsales.com/product-info-.html |title=About Game Meat |date=2007-05-19 |access-date=2011-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519220238/http://exoticmeatsales.com/product-info-.html |archive-date=2007-05-19}}</ref><ref>[http://www.highlandgame.com/ Venison Direct to Your Door] Highland Game</ref> It is sometimes [[Grilling|grilled]] or cooked longer or by [[slow cooking]] or moist-heat methods to make it more tender, since some game tends to be tougher than farm-raised meat. Other methods of tenderizing include [[marinade|marinating]] as in the dish [[Hasenpfeffer]], cooking in a [[game pie]] or as a stew such as [[burgoo]].


== Safety ==
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/food/showrecord?templatestyle=index&config=indexpage&page=1&pagesize=15&Id=9 Game recipes]
The [[Norwegian Food Safety Authority]] considers that children, pregnant women, fertile-aged women, and people with high [[blood pressure]] should not consume game shot with [[lead]]-based ammunition more than once a month. Children who often eat such game might develop a slightly lower IQ, as lead influences the development of the [[central nervous system]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrk.no/trondelag/barn-far-lavere-iq-av-storviltkjott-1.11209475|title=Mattilsynet: – Barn kan få lavere IQ av storvilt|date=29 August 2013|publisher=NRK.no|language=no|access-date=August 30, 2013}}</ref> This can be avoided by hunting with arrows or copper bullets.


==See also==
== See also ==
{{Portal|Food}}
{{commonscat|Game birds}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Hunting]]
* [[Big Game Hunter]]
* [[Animal trapping]]
* [[Hunting in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Big game hunting]]
* [[Duck Hunting]]
* [[Big five game]]
* [[British Association for Shooting and Conservation]]
* [[Bushfood]]
* [[Bushmeat]]
* [[Endangered species]]
* [[Fishing]]
* [[Fishing]]
* [[Fox hunting legislation]]
* [[Game fish]]
* [[Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust]]
* [[Game drive system]]
* [[Game preservation]]
* [[Hunter-gatherer]]
* [[Hunting horn]]
* [[Hunting horn]]
* [[Hunting and shooting in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Trapping (Animal)|Trapping]]
* [[Persistence hunting]]
* [[Hunting]]
* [[Legislation on hunting with dogs]]
* [[Ornithology]]
* [[Ornithology]]
* [[Wildlife]]
* [[World Hunting Association]]
* [[Hunter-gatherer]]
* [[Endangered species]]
* [[Overfishing]]
* [[Overfishing]]
* [[Bushmeat]]
* [[Persistence hunting]]
* [[Taxidermy]], the preserving of an animal's body for the purpose of display or study
* [[Bushfood]], something quite different
* [[Varmint hunting]]
* [[Waterfowl hunting]]
* [[Wildlife]]
* ''[[Yewei]]''
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs = [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.TheAppMedia.DeerHunter Deer Hunting Game]}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Game (hunting)}}

{{Meat}}
{{Non-timber forest products}}
{{Hunting topics}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Hunting]]
[[Category:Hunting]]
[[Category:Meat]]
[[Category:Meat]]
[[Category:Meat by animal]]
[[Category:Poultry]]
[[Category:Poultry]]
[[Category:Game birds| ]]

[[Category:Non-timber forest products]]
[[be:Дзічына]]
[[cs:Zvěř]]
[[de:Wild]]
[[eo:Ĉasbestoj]]
[[fi:Riista]]
[[fr:Gibier]]
[[nl:Wild]]
[[ru:Дичь]]
[[sk:Zver]]
[[sv:Vilt]]

Latest revision as of 05:28, 16 December 2024

"Wild game" redirects here. For the novel, see Wild Game.
Common pheasant, widely introduced and hunted as game

Game or quarry is any wild animal hunted for animal products (primarily meat), for recreation ("sporting"), or for trophies.[1] The species of animals hunted as game varies in different parts of the world and by different local jurisdictions, though most are terrestrial mammals and birds. Fish caught non-commercially (recreational fishing) are also referred to as game fish.

By continent and region

[edit]

The range of animal species hunted by humans varies in different parts of the world. This is influenced by climate, faunal diversity, popular taste and locally accepted views about what can or cannot be legitimately hunted. Sometimes a distinction is also made between varieties and breeds of a particular animal, such as wild turkey and domestic turkey. The flesh of the animal, when butchered for consumption, is often described as having a "gamey" flavour. This difference in taste can be attributed to the natural diet of the animal, which usually results in a lower fat content compared to domestic farm-raised animals.

In some countries, game is classified, including legal classifications with respect to licenses required, as either "small game" or "large game". A single small game licence may cover all small game species and be subject to yearly bag limits. Large game are often subject to individual licensing where a separate permit is required for each individual animal taken (tags).

Africa

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See also: Elephant meat
A hunter and local guides with his kill, 1970

In some parts of Africa, wild animals hunted for their meat are called bushmeat; see that article for more detailed information on how this operates within the economy (for personal consumption and for money) and the law (including overexploitation and illegal imports). Animals hunted for bushmeat include, but are not limited to:

Some of these animals are endangered or otherwise protected, and thus it is illegal to hunt them.

In Africa, animals hunted for their pelts or ivory are sometimes referred to as big game.

Also see the legal definition of game in Eswatini.[2]

South Africa

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South Africa is a famous destination for game hunting, with its large biodiversity and therefore impressive variety of game species. Many creatures have returned to former areas from which they were once taken as a result of being killed for big-game hunting. Commonly hunted species include:

South Africa also has 62 species of gamebirds, including guineafowl, francolin, partridge, quail, sandgrouse, duck, geese, snipe, bustard and korhaan. Some of these species are no longer hunted, and of the 44 indigenous gamebirds that can potentially be utilised in South Africa, only three, namely the yellow-throated sandgrouse, Delegorgue's pigeon and the African pygmy goose warrant special protection. Of the remaining 41 species, 24 have shown an increase in numbers and distribution range in the last 25 years or so. The status of 14 species appears unchanged, with insufficient information being available for the remaining three species. The gamebirds of South Africa where the population status in 2005 was secure or growing are listed below:

Oceania

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Australia

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In Australia, game includes:

New Zealand

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Main article: Hunting in New Zealand

Game in New Zealand includes:

North America

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Canada and the United States

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Big-game hunting
See also: Upland game bird and country food

In the United States and Canada, white-tailed deer are the most commonly hunted big game. Other game species include:

Bobwhite quail, an important North American gamebird
White-tailed deer
Reptiles and amphibians
See also: Alligator meat
Birds (predator)
Birds (upland game birds)
Birds (waterfowl)
Birds (shorebirds)
Ungulates
Carnivores
Rodents
Misc. mammals

Asia

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People's Republic of China

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In the PRC there is a special cuisine category called ye wei, which includes animals in the wild.

Russia

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See also: Hunting in Russia
"The Hunters at Rest" by Vasily Perov, 1871

Europe

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United Kingdom

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Game birds at Borough Market in London

In the UK game is defined in law by the Game Act 1831 (1 & 2 Will. 4. c. 32). It is illegal to shoot game on Sundays or at night. Other non-game birds that are hunted for food in the UK are specified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. UK law defines game as including:

Deer are not included in the definition, but similar controls provided to those in the Game Act apply to deer (from the Deer Act 1991). Deer hunted in the UK are:

Other animals which are hunted in the UK include:

Capercaillie are not currently hunted in the UK because of a recent decline in numbers and conservation projects towards their recovery. The ban is generally considered voluntary on private lands, and few birds live away from RSPB or Forestry Commission land allegedly.

See also: Hunting and shooting in the United Kingdom

Iceland

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In Iceland game includes:

Nordic countries

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Roe deer

Game in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland includes:

Poland

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In Poland, legal game includes:[3]
Big game

Small game

Preparation

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A kitchen interior with a maid and a lady preparing game, c. 1600

Game meat is typically taken from a wild animal that has been shot with a gun or bow. Hunters must be absolutely certain of their target before shooting and should make every effort to get the animal down as quickly and painlessly as possible. Once obtained, game meat must be processed to avoid spoiling. The method of processing varies by game species and size. Small game and fowl may simply be carried home to be butchered. Large game such as deer is quickly field-dressed by removing the viscera in the field, while very large animals like moose may be partially butchered in the field because of the difficulty of removing them intact from their habitat. Commercial processors often handle deer taken during deer seasons, sometimes even at supermarket meat counters. Otherwise the hunter handles butchering. The carcass is kept cool to minimize spoilage.

Traditionally, game meat was hung until "high" or "gamey", that is, approaching a state of decomposition.[4] However, this adds to the risk of contamination. Small game can be processed essentially intact, after gutting and skinning or defeathering (by species). Small animals are ready for cooking, although they may be disjointed first. Large game must be processed by techniques commonly practiced by commercial butchers.

Cooking

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Wikibooks Cookbook has a recipe/module on

Generally game is cooked in the same ways as farmed meat.[5] Because some game meat is leaner than store-bought beef, overcooking is a common mishap which can be avoided if properly prepared.[6][7] It is sometimes grilled or cooked longer or by slow cooking or moist-heat methods to make it more tender, since some game tends to be tougher than farm-raised meat. Other methods of tenderizing include marinating as in the dish Hasenpfeffer, cooking in a game pie or as a stew such as burgoo.

Safety

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The Norwegian Food Safety Authority considers that children, pregnant women, fertile-aged women, and people with high blood pressure should not consume game shot with lead-based ammunition more than once a month. Children who often eat such game might develop a slightly lower IQ, as lead influences the development of the central nervous system.[8] This can be avoided by hunting with arrows or copper bullets.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Game | Definition, Wild Animals, & Preparation | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
  2. ^ The Game Act Archived 2004-06-18 at the Wayback Machine Swaziland Legislation
  3. ^ Rozporządzenie Ministra Środowiska z dnia 11 marca 2005 r. w sprawie ustalenia listy gatunków zwierząt łownych [Regulation of the Minister of Environment of 11 March 2005 regarding specifying list of game species] (PDF) (Regulation) (in Polish) (published 2005-03-22). 11 March 2005. Retrieved 2022-07-27 – via Sejm (isap.sejm.gov.pl).
  4. ^ Oxford English Dictionary, 3rd edition, s.v. high adj. A.II.12d, gamey 1a
  5. ^ "Game-to-Eat". 2007-05-02.
  6. ^ "About Game Meat". 2007-05-19. Archived from the original on 2007-05-19. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  7. ^ Venison Direct to Your Door Highland Game
  8. ^ "Mattilsynet: – Barn kan få lavere IQ av storvilt" (in Norwegian). NRK.no. 29 August 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
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