DOES THE RUT AFFECT VENISON FLAVOR?

ne of the perceptions that many hunters have of venison flavor is that deer harvested during the rut are more likely to taste “gamey,” “musty,” “rancid” or any of several other unpleasant flavor descriptions. It is also common to assume that the rut results in a host of circulating reproductive hormones that contribute to tainted flavor, especially in the case of rutting bucks. However, the effect of hormones is most likely indirect and due primarily to the intense level of physical activity brought on by the rut period. While it is true that the taste of venison harvested during the rut can be different from that harvested at other