Appeal of Hunter Sticks: Snack Sticks for Hunters

The Appeal of Hunter Sticks

For hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, venison snack sticks, also known as hunter sticks, have an undeniable appeal. These thin, dried sausages make for the perfect high-protein snack to bring along on a hunt, hiking trip, or weekend camping getaway. Hunter sticks are shelf-stable, mess-free, and easy to pack, making them a convenient choice for fueling outdoor adventures of all kinds.

What are Hunter Sticks?

Hunter sticks go by many names - snack sticks, meat sticks, venison jerky. But no matter what you call them, these hearty sausages deliver bold, smoky flavor from quality cuts of meat. Deer meat is most common, but elk, moose, caribou, and other wild game are also used to make these satisfying, protein-packed sticks.

Traditionally, hunter sticks are made by taking lean cuts of venison, mixing them with spices and curing ingredients, stuffing the mixture into casings, and cold smoking. This low-and-slow smoking infuses the meat with smoky flavor while drying it out. The finished sticks are then vacuum sealed or frozen until ready to eat.

Why Hunters Love Them

It's easy to see why hunter sticks have become a staple snack for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. As a high-protein, nutrient-dense food, they make an excellent compact source of energy for all-day hunts and hikes. The meaty, salty, smoky flavor provides a satisfying snack in the field. And their lightweight, slim shape makes hunter sticks easy to tuck into a daypack or cargo pocket.

Hunter sticks are also shelf-stable and don't require refrigeration. As long as they are stored properly and kept dry and cool, they can last for weeks or even months without spoiling. This makes them easy to keep on hand for spur-of-the-moment outdoor adventures.

Snack Stick Varieties

From mild to spicy, sweet to savory, there's a hunter stick to suit just about every taste. Popular flavors include original, pepper and garlic, teriyaki, hickory smoke, honey barbecue, jalapeño, cranberry jalapeño, and more. Blends of beef and pork are also sometimes used in addition to classic all-venison recipes.

Beyond flavor, snack sticks also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Small, slender sticks are convenient for tossing into a backpack. Some companies make larger, foot-long "meal sticks" designed to substitute for a whole lunch. Mini sticks are just right for a light snack on the go. The options are endless for customizing your perfect snack.

Making Your Own Hunter Sticks

For the ultimate in personalized flavor and ingredients, many hunters enjoy making their own homemade hunter sticks. While the process takes some time and effort, it allows you to create a snack stick that's perfectly tailored to your taste.

Choosing Meat and Seasonings

High-quality venison is ideal for homemade sticks, though beef and pork can also be used. Choose fresh, lean cuts and trim off any silver skin or connective tissue. Mixing different types of meat is an option as well. As for spices and flavorings, the possibilities are endless. Garlic, pepper, paprika, coriander, onion, mustard seed, liquid smoke - experiment until you find your perfect blend.

Grinding, Blending, and Stuffing

Once your meat and spices are prepped, the meat can be ground and mixed with curing salts and other ingredients. This mixture is then stuffed into collagen casings, tied or clipped into links, allowed to cure for up to a day or two, and finally smoked until fully cooked and dried.

Stuffing and preparing the casings takes some practice, but with a quality meat grinder, sausage stuffer, and a little experience, you'll be churning out artisan hunter sticks in no time.

Smoking and Drying

This is the fun part - giving your snack sticks that iconic smoky hunter flavor. Use your favorite hardwood like hickory or applewood to infuse the meat with smoky goodness in your smoker or grill. Low and slow is key, smoking the sticks for hours at 180-225 F until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160 F.

Once smoked, open the smoker vents and continue drying the sticks until they lose about 30% of their original weight. Then cool, vacuum pack, and enjoy your homemade hunter sticks!

The Perfect Protein Snack

Whether you make your own or buy pre-packaged sticks, keeping hunter sticks stocked in your backpack, tackle box, or car is a smart move. These slim, protein-packed sausages make the ultimate convenient, tasty, satisfying snack for hunters, anglers, hikers, and all outdoor adventurers.

FAQs

What types of meat are used to make hunter sticks?

Venison from deer, elk, moose, caribou, and other game animals is typically used for hunter sticks. Beef and pork may also sometimes be used, either on their own or blended with venison.

How long do homemade hunter sticks last?

Homemade hunter sticks have about a 2 week refrigerator shelf life when stored properly in a vacuum sealed bag. For longer storage up to 2 months, you can freeze homemade sticks.

What can I use to smoke hunter sticks?

Hardwoods like hickory, apple, cherry, maple, mesquite, oak, and pecan are all popular smoking woods for infusing hunter sticks with smoky flavor during the drying process.

Are hunter sticks healthy?

Hunter sticks are a nutrient-packed high protein snack when made from lean meat like venison. However, some commercial sticks can be high in sodium, so homemade snacks allow for controlling ingredients.