Slow-Roasted Bear Shoulder
Black Bear Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
This slow-roasted black bear recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with a beautiful caramelized exterior. Using oven roasting, you'll create a dish that showcases the unique qualities of wild game while remaining approachable for home cooks.
Low and slow meets America's ultimate game
BBQ Evolution This preparation adapts American barbecue principles to bear shoulder, using long, slow cooking to transform tough cuts into incredibly tender, flavorful results.
Ingredients (Serves 12-15)
- 8-10 lbs bear shoulder, bone-in
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Low and Slow Method
-
Dry Rub Application: Coat the roast generously with your spice rub. Let it penetrate overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Temperature Setup: Set your oven or smoker to 275°F for a slow, even cook.
-
Slow Roasting Process: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This takes several hours.
-
Testing Doneness: Use a probe thermometer in the thickest part. Bear must hit 165°F for food safety.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
-
Dry Rub Application: Coat the roast generously with your spice rub. Let it penetrate overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Temperature Setup: Set your oven or smoker to 275°F for a slow, even cook.
-
Slow Roasting Process: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This takes several hours.
-
Testing Doneness: Use a probe thermometer in the thickest part. Bear must hit 165°F for food safety.
FDA Food Safety Guidelines
⚠️ Important: Black Bear carries a risk of Trichinella parasites. ALL cuts — including steaks, roasts, and ground meat — must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). There is no safe rare or medium-rare preparation for this species.
- Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify doneness.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw wild game.
- Thaw frozen game in the refrigerator — never at room temperature.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 42g protein, 36g fat, 8g carbohydrates.
▶Watch the Recipe
See the techniques in action with our step-by-step video guide
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 42g protein, 36g fat, 8g carbohydrates.
