OK – -let’s assume you’re like me, and will eat anything that doesn’t eat you first. But from the get-go just know I’ve never eaten wild coyote or anything from the coyote population. I like to hunt them; I have yet to eat this animal. But I know people who have eaten these animals, and I’ve been to a couple of wild game feeds where coyote meat was on the menu. I’ve done a lot of research and found as usual, that there are devotees of this, let’s say “ unique cuisine ,” who say it’s absolutely delicious if prepared properly. I’m going to give you some recipes which I’m told will make anyone champing at the bit to come back for seconds – – at least that’s what Jeremiah Johnson probably would have said. Let me issue a quick disclaimer: When it comes to chowing down on coyote meat, I can neither swear by it or swear at it. I’ll let you make that decision, but at least you know it’s out there – Yippee ki- yay!

Special thanks to my good friend and expert coyote hunter and trapper Phil Schweik for assistance, insight and invaluable information on preparing coyote for the table.

Couple of preliminaries. First- -like any meat, this animal is safe to eat if cooked thoroughly and properly. I personally have never heard of a coyote contracting something like CWD disease, as deer do. Having said that, pathogens and food borne illnesses have the potential to exist in all animal meat to some extent — and indeed the outbreaks of salmonella and other such diseases arise almost yearly in beef.Then there’s the question of whether one eats an animal that itself is a carnivore. The answer in many world cultures is a resounding “yes,” and from my research that included Native American tribes; although I cannot say that that practice exists today.

These wildlife predators, like livestock such as lambs, rabbits and other animals are indeed edible. It comes down to more a “mind set” than anything else. I’ve been to many other countries, and have had the opportunity to try local — let’s call them – – “specialties.” I have found that there are certain things that I won’t eat, but that doesn’t mean others in North America won’t – indeed, many do. Just watch some of those Bizarre Food programs on the Travel Channel, and you’ll see what I mean. Some hunters I’ve spoken to have eaten coyote, with differing opinions on taste and preparation. Others gave me that sideways look which indicates they think I might need some “psychiatric help” (I probably do, but not because I inquired about eating coyote). I mean, some humans do actually eat animals like dogs and cats…they are our pets!…but deer is ok to eat?



Whatever your opinion, eating animals like coyotes is an interesting subject, and one I suspect that hasn’t been really been touched on much. On balance, I would urge you to make up your own mind, and not to listen to the over-emotional nay-sayers who if you recall, in the early 20th century, said not to throw away your buggy whips, because automobiles were just a passing fad.

Here then are some tried-and-true coyote meat recipes.

