Wild Game Recipes: Hellraisin' Wild Boar-Wrapped Wild Boar

Hunting wild boar is an adventure, and the reward is delicious meat! There are lots of ways to prepare this type of wild game, but we found a recipe from the Food Network that uses wild boar in two ways (in the same recipe). 

Intrigued? We were, too! So next time you find yourself with boar meat, here's a tasty way to prepare it for dinner.

Why Hunt Wild Boar

In most states, wild boars and hogs are considered "nuisance" animals. That means they threaten other types of wild game or damage crops, livestock, or structures. They are one of the most destructive species in the U.S. and can turn croplands into muddy messes practically overnight. 

Most states welcome hunting wild boars to help control the population, reduce their numbers, and protect wildlife and environments. In several states, hunting wild hogs is legal year-round with no bag limit. 

In addition to controlling the population growth of wild boar, these animals are delicious to eat! From sausage to chops, bacon, and more, most of the animal can be used as an excellent source of meat. 

Wild Game Recipes: Wild Boar-Wrapped Wild Boar

That's not a typo: this recipe features wild boar twice! You'll need a boar shoulder or loin along with wild boar bacon. 

You'll also need patience for this dish. It's a slow-cooked grill recipe – but it's worth it for the delicious wild boar meal!

Prep. time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 hours
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 boar shoulder or loin
• 1 lb. boar bacon
• 2 Tbsp. sea salt
• 2 Tbsp. black pepper
• 4 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 2-4 Tbsp. paprika
• 2 Tbsp. dry mustard
• 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
• 1-2 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1/2-1 Tbsp. chili powder
• Toothpicks

If using a charcoal grill, add coals to one half of a covered grill and allow the coals to burn and whiten. This produces an even heat with no flame.

Place the sea salt, black pepper, brown sugar, paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl and mix. Then, put the boar shoulder in a pan and moisten it slightly with water. 

With dry hands, pat the rub mix on the non-fatty side of the boar shoulder. Be sure to coat all surfaces liberally, even the fat and folds. The rub acts as a moisture seal to keep the meat from drying out.

Next, turn the shoulder fat side down and lay the bacon strips lengthwise across the non-fatty side. Pin them to the shoulder with toothpicks at the center and ends. Cover the meat surface evenly. If you have any bacon left, add it to the ends. 

Place the shoulder on the empty side of the grill – bacon side up – then close the cover. Cook the meat until the pork's internal temperature reaches at least 160℉. This takes roughly ten hours (depending on size of shoulder).

The coals should smolder slightly, and you should add coals as the fire subsides. Repeat at intervals to keep the grill's temperature low and steady.

How do you know when it's done? A properly cooked shoulder should pull apart easily with tongs.

Hunt Wild Boar Safely to Enjoy This Recipe

Before making this delicious recipe, you'll need to hunt wild boar safely! A safe hunt is a successful hunt, and bringing home delicious wild game requires prioritizing safety every time you head out into the field. 

Hunter-Ed wants you to enjoy more delicious meals like this every season. Our hunter safety courses help hunters stay safe and protect others while on a hunt. It's convenient to take our online courses from anywhere you can connect to the internet. When you finish the course and pass the exam, your safety certification never expires and meets the requirements for your state to get your hunting license. 

So, before heading out for that wild boar hunt (or any hunt this season), get certified! Find the course for your state and start learning. 

Originally published December 15, 2015. Content updated  January 19, 2023.