Donald Russell Wild Game

The word "game" refers to animals that are hunted, usually by shooting, both for sport and for the table. Wild game makes a terrific alternative to everyday meats. It is tasty, nutritious and has an excellent texture. Whilst a large proportion of game is now farmed, all of our game lives and breeds in the wild: the venison and game birds forage for fruit and nuts in the forests of Scotland, whilst the hare, shot only in the British lowlands where there is an environmental need to do so, feeds on grass, root and bark.

Donald Russell game is traditionally matured to develop the flavour, then expertly prepared to a high "kitchen-ready" standard and shock-frozen to lock in the freshness, taste and nutrients. Although traditionally a winter dish, game is now a feast you can enjoy all year round.

*Due to the seasonality of our Game, it is supplied frozen to ensure the very best quality at any time of the year.

The Health Benefits of Game

For millions of years, humankind has evolved on a diet of wild game. Wild game, fruits and vegetables provided early hunters with protein, carbohydrates, polyunsaturated fats, fibre, calcium and low levels of sodium. The nutritional quality of game meat differs considerably from that of most meat available in modern British supermarkets. Not only is there more fat in domesticated animals, but the composition of wild game is different. Natural diets and habitats help to produce meat of character that is lean and flavoursome, with five times more polyunsaturated fat (the good kind) per gram than is found in domestic livestock. Wild game is a good source of protein and contains large quantities of vitamin B and iron. It also provides potassium (which helps the body's cells to work properly) and phosphorus (essential for healthy bones and teeth). With its low saturated fat content, and healthy ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fats, game can help to lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Donald Russell's Wild Game Range

We make game quick and easy: all venison, game birds and hare are prepared to the highest kitchen-ready standards and flash-frozen, so all you need to do is thaw and cook. Game meat survives the ordeal of freezing better than most, due to the active lifestyles of the animals and the dense and close texture of the meat. (Our game is genuinely wild, and whilst every effort is made to remove shot from the meat, please be aware that some may remain).

Venison
For a healthy and tasty alternative to farmed meat, venison is an excellent choice. At Donald Russell we sell the two species of wild venison that are native to Scotland - red deer and roe deer. Red deer is rich and smooth in texture, whilst roe deer is milder in flavour, with even smoother flesh. For quick and delicious meals try the Red Deer Haunch Medallions, or the lean and flavoursome Red Deer Loin Medallions. For roasting try the beautifully presented Red Deer Loin Fillets, or perhaps the Red Deer Rack and Roe Deer Loin box. Red Deer Osso Buco (otherwise known as shin) is delicious when braised in wine.

Game Birds
You'll be amazed at how easy it is to serve impressive meals with our selection of oven-ready game bird supremes. Donald Russell's Pheasant Breast Fillets are lean and light, with a flavour similar to chicken but richer and gamier. Pigeon Breast Fillets are small, firm and very rich, and are excellent with a salad or in a game pie. Finally, our skinless Partridge Breast Fillets are similar to pheasant with a mild taste that makes them ideal for the less experienced game eater. And if you still can't decide, simply try them all with our Game Bird Supremes box.

Hare
Wild hare is considered by connoisseurs as top of the range game, and is very hard to find, especially of this quality. Donald Russell hare is extremely lean and tender, with a very fine texture and is a deep mahogany red in colour. Our Hare Fillets are excellent roasted and will easily serve three, while our Hare Roast & Braise selection is perfect for a casserole.

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