Move over backstrap, I may have just found my new favorite cut of venison. Meet the Traeger Venison Rib Chop. Find out what this is, why you should try and source some, and our favorite way to cook it, below.

Grilled Venison Rib Chops

I love venison. Growing up in Northern Minnesota, even though my family weren’t hunters, fresh venison was never very far away or hard to procure in that neck of the woods. Drive down the road during prime deer season, and you’re likely going to see more than a couple cruising through town in the backs of trucks or even, yes, strapped to the top of a car or SUV.

Why Venison?

Venison is a healthy, lean source of red meat that is actually healthier than beef. It is leaner, has high levels of amino acids, and has more protein than beef.

It is harder to get and more expensive, however, so there are some drawbacks along with the benefits. But the positives far outweigh the negatives, in my opinion.

Where can you get fresh venison if you don’t hunt?

Well, single ladies. Find yourself a hunter and get hitched. Kidding, not kidding. Plan your girls trips during hunting and fishing season and you won’t miss them quite as much. Enjoy the benefits of having freshly harvested wild game and fish year round. Prepare to invest in lots of freezers. Don’t count their fishing poles or rifles. No one wins, that game. 😉

For the rest of us…

In most of the country, it is actually illegal to sell wild game meat, including venison. There are some exceptions for meat that is farmed and inspected, so check your local butcher shop and ask them what your options are.

You can also get on the waitlist and or wait for the public access sale from the source we personally use, Maui Nui.

We’re a member of their subscription program, and that means we get venison from Axis Deer delivered to our doorstep periodically. #winning

This post isn’t sponsored. I am not being compensated to write this, we buy all of the product we use from Maui Nui, and I am not getting any benefit if you sign up for them. This is just a product I use and love and want to share with all of you, who might want to source quality venison, legally, and in a way that contributes to sustainability. I’ve been looking for more ways to stop buying into the factory farm industry because of how bad it is for the animals (and the Earth), and this is one of the ways we do that. I also buy as much of my other meats (pork, beef, and chicken) from small family farms like Spring Hill Family Farm in Wisconsin as much as I can.

Maui Nui is also great because Axis Deer (also known as Chital) are native to India, but they have been transplanted to multiple places around the world where they are considered an invasive species in many places including Texan and Hawaii, where these deer are harvested from. They are also harvested using techniques where are humane, and are the least stressful possible to the animal. They live entirely wild lives until the moment they…stop.

Traeger Venison Rib Chops with Gravy shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to make Venison Rib Chops with Gravy

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Venison Rib Chops FAQ

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• Cobia with Mango Salsa
• Sous Vide Duck Breast
• Sturgeon with Lemon Cream Sauce
• Smoked Beef Short Ribs