Deer Bone Broth

Bone broth is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can preserve for your pantry shelves. When made with venison bones, it brings a deep flavor and is full of collagen, minerals, and marrow. Pressure canning makes it shelf-stable and ready to use anytime for soups, gravies, or sipping on its own.

This is not a recipe that has to be followed exactly, but simply what we did this time. Last time was different and next time will probably be different again. We ended up with enough broth to can 7 quarts, but obviously that depends on the amount of bones you start with and how strong you want it.

Ingredients

• Deer bones, cut into smaller pieces (helps release marrow and collagen)
• Water (enough to cover bones in stockpot, refill as needed)
• 1–2 garlic cloves
• 1 onion, quartered
• A handful of carrot tops
• A handful of radish tops
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Salt, to taste
• A splash of vinegar (helps pull nutrients and minerals from the bones)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

1. Place cut deer bones in a large stockpot.
2. Add garlic, onion, carrot, radish tops, rosemary, salt, and vinegar.
3. Cover with water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook long enough for the bones to release nutrients and flavor (at least 24 hours is ideal).

Step 2: Strain and Fill Jars

1. Strain broth through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove solids.
2. Ladle hot broth into clean, hot quart jars, leaving 1 inch headspace.

Step 3: Pressure Can

1. Wipe rims, apply lids and bands.
2. Place jars in pressure canner with 2–3 inches of simmering water. A splash of vinegar in the canner keeps hard water stains from forming.
3. Process at 10 pounds pressure (adjust for altitude if needed):
   • Quarts: 25 minutes
   • If you don’t have enough jars of broth to fill the canner, put some jars of water in to keep everything from rattling around.

Step 4: Cool and Store

1. Allow canner to depressurize naturally.
2. Remove jars and let them cool 24 hours without touching.
3. Check seals before storing. Keep in a cool, dark place.

Using Your Deer Bone Broth

This broth is versatile—use it as a base for venison stew, wild rice soup, or simply heat it with a little extra seasoning, if needed, and sip it warm.

Homestead Hilarity

Micah, age 9 — A self proclaimed “hilly-billy”.