If you’re a fan of game meat, then you’ll definitely enjoy a delicious smoked deer shoulder. The tender, juicy meat paired with the smoky flavors from the smoker creates an irresistible combination that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we’ll share with you the best and easiest smoked deer shoulder recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family at your next cookout.

To begin, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 1 deer shoulder, bone-in
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub (such as a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper)
– 2 cups of apple juice
– ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
– 1 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions:

1. Start by preparing your smoker. Preheat it to 225°F (107°C) and add your preferred smoking wood chips for flavor. Apple or hickory wood chips work great with deer meat.

2. While the smoker is preheating, prepare the deer shoulder. Trim off any excess fat and rub the meat with olive oil. This will help the dry rub stick to the meat.

3. Generously season the deer shoulder with your favorite dry rub. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat evenly.

4. Once the smoker has reached the desired temperature, place the seasoned deer shoulder directly on the smoker grates. Close the lid and let it smoke for about 4-5 hours.

5. After the initial smoking time, combine apple juice and apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Spritz the deer shoulder every hour to keep it moist and add extra flavor.

6. After about 4-5 hours of smoking, the internal temperature of the deer shoulder should reach around 160°F (71°C). At this point, it’s time to wrap the meat in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

7. Place the wrapped deer shoulder back on the smoker and continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C). This additional step will ensure that the meat becomes tender and easily falls off the bone.

8. Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the deer shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.

9. After the resting period, unwrap the deer shoulder and brush it with your preferred BBQ sauce. Place it back on the smoker for an additional 30 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.

10. Finally, remove the smoked deer shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Now, let’s move on to the Q&A section:

1. Can I use a boneless deer shoulder for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless deer shoulder. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might be slightly shorter.

2. What other wood chips can I use for smoking deer shoulder?
Besides apple and hickory, you can also use cherry, mesquite, or oak wood chips.

3. Can I marinate the deer shoulder before smoking?
While marinating is optional, it can add extra flavor to the meat. You can marinate the deer shoulder overnight in a mixture of your favorite marinade ingredients.

4. Can I use a gas grill instead of a smoker?
Yes, you can use a gas grill. Just set it up for indirect heat and add a smoke box or foil packet with wood chips for the smoky flavor.

5. How long should I rest the deer shoulder after smoking?
A resting period of 15-20 minutes is sufficient for the juices to redistribute within the meat.

6. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade sauce.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Smoked deer shoulder freezes well and can be enjoyed later.

8. Can I use this recipe for other game meats?
Yes, you can use this recipe for other game meats like elk, venison, or wild boar.

9. Can I cook the deer shoulder in the oven instead?
Yes, you can cook the deer shoulder in the oven at a low temperature (225°F/107°C) for the same amount of time, following the same steps.

In conclusion, this easy smoked deer shoulder recipe is a game changer for any meat lover. The combination of tender, smoky meat with the flavors of the dry rub and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. So fire up your smoker, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress your guests with this delectable smoked deer shoulder.