Wild Duck and Game Marinade

4 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: PT0M Total: 12 h Beginner
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Louisiana known as Sportsman Paradise is popular for wild duck, goose and wild game hunting. If you get lucky enough to have wild game for dinner use this vinegar and lemon marinade—it works great for rabbits and squirrels too. If you find yourself without anything on hand, fill a container with ice and water. Submerge the meat below the water surface. The ice cold water will help to draw out the blood along with the wild game taste that many have an aversion to.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 4 cups vinegar
  • 4 cups water
  • 2-3 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 lemon or lime sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix the vinegar, water, salt and pepper in an enamel pot or glass kettle. Place the game meat, whole or cut in pieces in the kettle, a large bowl or crock. Arrange the onions and lemon slices on the meat. Pour the liquid over. Cover the kettle or bowl and leave in a cool place, the refrigerator preferably, from 12 to 72 hours. Turn the meat several times during the marinating. When done, rinse, season and cook to your liking.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why can't I use a metal bowl for marinating?

A: The vinegar in this marinade is acidic and will react with aluminum or non-enamel metals, creating off-flavors and potentially harmful compounds. Always use glass, enamel, or food-grade plastic containers for acidic marinades.

Q: How long should I marinate wild duck?

A: For milder wild game flavor, marinate 12-24 hours. For very gamey meat or waterfowl that's been feeding on fish, go the full 72 hours. Turn the meat several times during marinating to ensure even coverage.

Tips and Techniques

The ice water trick mentioned in the description is an old Cajun hunter’s secret—soaking freshly cleaned game in ice water for a few hours draws out blood and reduces the strong gamey flavor before you even start marinating. For best results, combine this ice water soak with the vinegar marinade.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vinegar: red wine or apple cider vinegar
  • lemon or lime: orange slices

Equipment Needed

  • enamel pot or Dutch oven
  • glass bowl or food-grade plastic container
  • refrigerator space for large container

Historical Context

Louisiana’s designation as ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ isn’t just marketing—the state’s wetlands, marshes, and forests have provided abundant wild game for centuries. This marinade evolved from Cajun hunters’ need to make wild duck and other game palatable for families who might be sensitive to the strong flavors of wild-caught meat.