Deer, elk, bison, emu and ostrich are not standard menu items, but such game meats are appearing with greater frequency at restaurants across the country. You may find game in some supermarkets or meat markets, by mail order and on the Internet, where you can also get kangaroo, yak, wild boar, alligator even lion.

Many game animals have traditionally been valued more for their hide, antlers, feathers and oils than for their meat, which was considered a byproduct. Now they are being recognized as generally healthier, though more expensive, alternatives to beef, pork and lamb.

Why the lean face?

Wild game cannot legally be sold, though it can be hunted for personal use. That's why bison (American buffalo), venison (antelope, deer, elk, moose, caribou, and pronghorn) and other game animals are now raised on ranches or farms. They typically spend most of their lives foraging, in contrast to conventionally raised animals such as cattle, which are confined to feedlots where they get little exercise and eat a grain diet.

Game animals are not routinely fed hormones or steroids, which are often used to fatten traditional animals; however, antibiotics may be used. Ranch-raised game tends to be leaner than conventional meats (though less so than truly wild game).

Game meat is generally as rich in protein and B vitamins and higher in iron, but lower in calories (135 to 160 per 3.5 ounces cooked, compared to 170 to 220 in beef, lamb or pork). It's also usually lower in fat (1 to 4 grams vs. 5 to 11 grams), particularly saturated fat. In addition, it tends to be higher in some healthful polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3s. Cholesterol content, however, is similar for all meats.