Where to buy Elk, Venison, etc, etc.

So. My lovely daughter finally went to an allergist and found out she is allergic to (among other things) beef and chicken. Considering her affinity for Nachos, Buffalo Wings and a great Burger (what can I say, I raised her right) this is something of a major dietary setback. Anyway, she is not prepared to join the seitanic dark-side so we are looking for alternatives. We've already found a source for ground Bison (Kroger) but we're looking for a source for Elk and Venison (ground or steaks)...I know Jungle Jim's carries a large selection of alt.meat.not.cow but I was hoping someone might have knowledge of a nearby source. Thanks.

What about lamb and turkey, is she allergic to them too?

What about lamb and turkey, is she allergic to them too?

She IS allergic to Lamb...and eggs and a few other things. The meat she can (so far as we can tell) eat is turkey and pork, neither of which make a really good burger. So we're basically looking for alternative carnivorous options.

Make friends with some hunters - I get quite a bit of venison from friends and family who hunt. I have found that most active hunters can't use all that they kill and are pleased to find people interested. Burger's market might have it frozen but the price would likely be silly high.

Kentucky Bison Company was selling game some game meats last time I checked (6-8 months ago), and they sell to the public. I would give them a call.

Toll Free Phone: 1 (877) 859-2426 -- Toll Free Fax: 1 (877) 959-2426
Main Phone: (502) 562-9491--Main Fax: (502) 562-9480
General Email: info@kybisonco.com
Sales Email: vance@kybisonco.com

I'm probably talking out my a$$, but it seems like a true allergy to beef and chicken is a rare, rare thing. Could it possibly be the kind of feed the cattle and chickens are raised with?

It might be worth a shot to try some free range chicken that's not raised on grain, or some grass fed beef.

There can be an intolerance or lack of necessary enzymes to digest meats.
I'm fine with chicken, but I can't eat beef without getting ill (and I haven't tried bison for it might be too close) due to one of the components.
I've had some good burgers with venison and pork (for some fat content).

You should add ostrich and emu to your list of things to try. They make good burgers.

I'm probably talking out my a$$, but it seems like a true allergy to beef and chicken is a rare, rare thing. Could it possibly be the kind of feed the cattle and chickens are raised with?

It might be worth a shot to try some free range chicken that's not raised on grain, or some grass fed beef.

First time I'd heard of it either...We've been down the "free range" and/or grass fed route and it doesn't seem to make a bit of difference. The reactions when exposed to these foods are not digestive but rather respiratory (her esophagus starts to close...NOT good). Since eliminating beef and chicken from her diet her symptoms are (she says) reduced by at least 80% so apparently there is still something in her diet that it causing a minor reaction. She's going back for the blood work in February which will likely (hopefully) narrow things down a bit more.

I'm probably talking out my a$$, but it seems like a true allergy to beef and chicken is a rare, rare thing. Could it possibly be the kind of feed the cattle and chickens are raised with?

It might be worth a shot to try some free range chicken that's not raised on grain, or some grass fed beef.

First time I'd heard of it either...We've been down the "free range" and/or grass fed route and it doesn't seem to make a bit of difference. The reactions when exposed to these foods are not digestive but rather respiratory (her esophagus starts to close...NOT good). Since eliminating beef and chicken from her diet her symptoms are (she says) reduced by at least 80% so apparently there is still something in her diet that it causing a minor reaction. She's going back for the blood work in February which will likely (hopefully) narrow things down a bit more.

I reckon I was just trying to figure out what cattle and chickens could possibly have in common, that doesn't extent to deer, elk, etc. Feed grains seemed like a possible candidate. Too bad that it didn't pan out.

I wish your daughter luck in her quest for tasty, palatable vittles.

I'm pretty sure I've seen venison for sale @ Boone's butcher shop in Bardstown. Not sure if its seasonal or not, but worth calling them if you're willing to make the drive. Even if they don't have it, it's worth a visit. That place may be the only true butcher shop in the area. They actually have dead animals that they butcher - not just cryovac'd cuts of meat

I rarely go to Whole Foods here, but when I lived in Chicago, they always had Ostrich burgers in their frozen meat section next to the butcher counter, and often ostrich steaks. Ostrich burgers are great, very red meat, very beef like, but leaner. I went to see if Mike Best's regularly stocks any elk or anything like that, but their website no longer seems to exist. Try this joint across the river:

http://www.creeksideoutpost.com/exoticmeats.htm

I am guessing you might have luck at Rainbow Blossom too, though I've noticed the freezers seem to vary a bit from store to store, so maybe call ahead/around.

In the past, I've mail ordered from these folks and loved it:

http://www.brokenarrowranch.com/

Also, definitely find a hunter. My friend usually takes down only one deer a year, and even with a laydown in his garage, ends up with WAY more meat than he can use. Try asking around at a gun shop.

I'm pretty sure I've seen venison for sale @ Boone's butcher shop in Bardstown. Not sure if its seasonal or not, but worth calling them if you're willing to make the drive. Even if they don't have it, it's worth a visit. That place may be the only true butcher shop in the area. They actually have dead animals that they butcher - not just cryovac'd cuts of meat

X2 on Boone's. They should have venison and elk when in season.

Thank you all for the replies. I'll for sure check out a couple of these options.

Steve,
Creekside Outpost in New Albany should be able to help you. They are at 614 Hausfeldt Lane.
www.creeksideoutpost.com