Elk These critters also go by the name Wapiti, from the Shawnee word meaning ''light-colored deer.'' These monstrous relatives of Whitetails have been recorded weighing up to 1,300 pounds. A 3.5 ounce piece of that half-ton deer has the following nutrients:
Calories – 137
Protein – 22.8 grams
Fat – .9 grams
17% of your daily allowance of Iron
Wild Turkey Sharp eyed, crafty turkeys are lean bodied birds, far different than their domesticated kin who are bred for meat volume. Wild turkey is very low in fat and cholesterol. 3.5 ounces of wild turkey meat contains:
Calories – 163
Protein – 26 grams
Fat – 1 gram
25% of your daily allowance of Iron and 5% of your Riboflavin
Raccoon These bandit-masked creatures can be found pretty much everywhere, and they can eat just about anything. These common mammals are found in mountains, marshes, prairies, woods and even cities. Their adaptable diet always keeps them in food, and probably has a role to play in their high levels of nutrients. Just 3 ounces of roasted raccoon meat will provide you with:
Calories – 217
Protein – 25 grams
Fat – 12 grams
34% of your daily allowance of Iron, 26% of your Riboflavin, 33% of your Thiamin and 118% of your B 12 allowance.
So those are the numbers (and though it may surprise you), in the categories of calories, vitamins and minerals – the raccoon wins over the other two animals. In fact, raccoon meat is more nutritious than any other wild game meat. Just make sure you use safe butchering and handling practices. Many areas have a high instance of rabies in the raccoon population, and these game animals can also harbor some nasty parasites (though their pathogens are killed by cooking until well done).
Enjoy your dinner, be safe out there and God Bless!