Chef Andrew Zimmern Hunts and Cooks Wild Game for Everyone in New Show ‘Field to Fire’
Chef Andrew Zimmern, known for his adventurous palate and outdoor spirit, brings viewers along on a wild culinary journey in his new show Field to Fire on the Outdoor Channel.
This show takes the traditional cooking format up a notch, as Zimmern hunts and fishes for the very game he later prepares over an open flame.
The Emmy Award-winning chef isn’t just focusing on the thrill of the hunt; he’s giving his audience a deeper understanding of how wild food reaches the plate.
“Field to Fire finally allows us to show people how we’re spending our time in the outdoors before we actually get into our outdoor kitchen,” Zimmern explained in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The series, he says, introduces viewers to unique characters who are passionate about hunting, fishing, and conservation. “I think the people who spend their lives devoted to hunting and fishing are some of our most adamant conservationists,” he added.
Zimmern traveled through the southern United States and his home state of Minnesota for the show, harvesting everything from sheepshead fish to squirrels.
Along the way, he encountered both delightful and, in his words, “disgusting” new tastes. For example, he described Texas alligator gar as “one of the most worthless pieces of fish” he has ever eaten, saying it “put up a hell of a fight” but should be “100% catch and release.”
Not all his discoveries were unpleasant. Zimmern raved about the nilgai, a large Eurasian deer species found in Texas.
“When I tell you this meat tastes better than veal, it tastes better than veal. It’s one of the most beautiful, beautiful pieces of meat I’ve ever tasted in my life,” Zimmern enthused.
He pointed out that while nilgai aren’t native to the U.S., they’ve adapted to Texas, where they are now found both on game ranches and in the wild.
Despite the focus on hunting, Zimmern designed the show’s recipes to be accessible for everyone. “Even if you are not into hunting or fishing, that’s the smaller part of the show,” he said.
His goal is to offer flexible recipes that can be made with store-bought meats if game isn’t available. “The recipes he makes on the show…are all designed for anybody to be able to follow along with, and I’m really, really proud of that,” Zimmern told Fox News Digital.
Field to Fire isn’t just about the hunt—it’s about encouraging viewers to try new things and explore ways to cook with sustainable ingredients.
As Zimmern highlights, hunting offers a way to enjoy healthy, natural meat while contributing to conservation efforts. For those curious about wild game but without the means to hunt, Zimmern’s show offers a perfect entry point into the world of outdoor cooking.
Want to bring wild game cooking to your kitchen? Explore our homepage for versatile recipes that work with both wild and store-bought meats.
