Expert: Keith Patton - 12/26/2008

Question
My son was given a small portion of venison and I am afraid to cook it. When I removed the silver skin, I noticed that the clavicle was shattered and there were a lot of bone fragments in the flesh and a large area of coagulated blood which makes me think that this deer had been hit by a car. When I questioned my son further, he said that a park ranger had given it to one of his friends and he gave him a piece of it. Do you think it is safe to consume? or should I just chuck it?

Answer

PJ:

Just cut out the blood shot meat and bone it it will be fine.  This is not much different than the effects of a bullet.

It sounds like you got the shoulder.  You might try cutting the meat up following the lines of the muscle.  You'll bet some small roasts that can be but into small boneless steaks.  The trimmings can be ground or cut up in you food processor to make chili or ground venison.

The blood should not be any concern.  Just cut out the damaged area and discard the clots.

Keith