I shot my first cougar and plan to eat the meat. I have heard it is excellent and somewhat like pork. It is certainly light in color. What I wonder is if it can be safely eaten if it is only cooked to medium rare or if it should be cooked more thoroughly. I know that pork and bear should be cooked more due to the risk of trichinosis. What about cougar? Thanks, Rufous.
Posts: 224 | Location: Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Registered: 05 December 2001
quote:Originally posted by rufous: I shot my first cougar and plan to eat the meat. I have heard it is excellent and somewhat like pork. It is certainly light in color. What I wonder is if it can be safely eaten if it is only cooked to medium rare or if it should be cooked more thoroughly. I know that pork and bear should be cooked more due to the risk of trichinosis. What about cougar? Thanks, Rufous.
Call the Dept.of Wildlife in W-2 I bet they can help! U.S.D.A. field extension office? They could tell you wether peas,beans,lentils or onions go with CAT!!(smart ass) Congrats. again on the CAT!!
[This message has been edited by tsturm (edited 02-13-2002).]
[This message has been edited by tsturm (edited 02-14-2002).]
quote:Originally posted by rufous: I shot my first cougar and plan to eat the meat. ...should be cooked more due to the risk of trichinosis. What about cougar? Thanks, Rufous.
Hmm,
eating cat - you must be hungry. I think all carnivores should be well done. There is some risque of trichinososis as you write, and that isn�t quite pleasant.
Is it common to eat cougar, and what does it taste?
Best regards,
Fritz
Posts: 846 | Location: Sweden | Registered: 19 April 2001
I have never eaten cougar, but I read that the old miner's gave it the nickname "Mountain Veal," and those I know who have eaten it say it is quite good. Besides, it is the "other" white meat .
Posts: 3856 | Location: Eastern Slope, Colorado, USA | Registered: 01 March 2001
I have eaten the backstraps out of a couger..As I recall it was mostly cooked well done and it was chicken fried..It tasted about like venison backstrap...It was pretty good stuff, but I was pretty hungry at the time.
Rufous, here in Montana the Fish & Game department will test the meat free for trichinosis. Maybe your department will too. Anyway, find out who can test it for you. If it tests out negative, eat it a little rare if you like. If it tests positive, cook it to at least 165 and go for it. I've eaten both, and I'm fine. I have a couple recipes if you want them. I like the stuff. Cook the backstraps the same as you would a deer if you like.
.
I think all carnivores should be well done. There is some risque of trichinososis as you write, and that isn�t quite pleasant.