Game Animals

Approximate Game Cooking Times
TYPE OF GAME ROAST GRILL / FRY
Direct heat		 SMOKE
Indirect heat*		 BRAISE / STEW
In liquid; covered
GAME BIRDS:
Whole bird, 4 to 6 lbs. (Do not stuff.) 350 °F
30 to 35 min./lb.		 Not preferred 2½ hours Not preferred
Breast or parts 350 °F
1 to 1¼ hrs.		 20 to 40 min. 2 hours 60 to 75 min.
Whole small birds 350 °F
45 min.		 30 min. 1 to 1½ hrs. 45 to 60 min.
GAME ANIMALS:
Rib Roast, bone in
4 to 6 lbs.		 325 °F
27 to 30 min./lb.		 Not recom- mended Not recom- mended Not recom- mended
Rib Roast, boneless rolled
4 to 6 lbs.		 32 to 38 min./lb. Not recom- mended Not recom- mended Not recom- mended
Chuck Roast, Brisket
3 to 4 lbs.		 Not recom- mended Not recom- mended Several hours 325°
2 to 3 hours
Round or Rump Roast
2½ to 4 lbs.		 325 °F
35 to 40 min./lb.		 18 to 25 min./lb. 2½ to 3 hours 325°
2 to 3 hours
Whole leg (boar, deer)
6 to 8 lbs.		 375 °F
2 hours		 Not recom- mended 3 to 4 hours Not recom- mended
Tenderloin
whole, 4 to 6 lbs.		 425 °F
45 to 60 min. total		 12 to 15 min./side Not recom- mended Not recom- mended
Tenderloin
half, 2 to 3 lbs.		 425 °F
45 to 60 min. total		 10 to 12 min./side Not recom- mended Not recom- mended
Steaks, ¾ inch thick Not recom- mended 6 to 7 min./side Not recom- mended Not recom- mended
Ground meat patties Not recom- mended 6 to 8 min./side Not recom- mended Not applicable
Meat loaf, 1 to 2 lbs. 350 °F
60 to 90 min.		 Not recom- mended Not recom- mended Not applicable
Stew or Shank Cross Cuts
1 to 1½ inch thick		 Not recom- mended. Not recom- mended Not recom- mended Cover with liquid; simmer 2 to 3 hours
Ribs, 4 inches 375 °F
20 min.		 8 to 10 min./side Not recom- mended Parboil 1 hour; then grill or roast

*Whole game birds should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature
of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of
the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may
choose to cook poultry to higher temperatures. Approximate cooking times for use in meal planning are given on the chart.