This delicious cut of game meat is smoked low and slow over hickory for several hours to produce moist slices of barbecued wild boar.

While some people might assume that it’s similar to pork, the two are very different. Wild boar carries more flavor and aroma, and is far leaner than its farm-reared pig cousin.
For our smoked wild boar, we’ll be using a mini roast cut, which comes from the leg of the animal. It’s deboned, rolled, and netted to make it easy to handle, making it a great starting point for newcomers to this delicious game meat.

Flavor
Wild boar is often compared to a mix of venison and free-range pork. It definitely sits on the gamier side of the two, with a rich flavor thanks to the wild boar’s leaner and stronger muscles. Its color is much darker than pork and has a stronger resemblance to steak. The meat is also more nutritious than pork, containing fewer calories, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Time & temperature
Aim to cook low and slow between 200 and 225°F (93 to 107°C), and for about 90 minutes per pound of meat. For our three-pound wild boar, this means a target cook time of 4 ½ hours.
Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you are smoking a wild boar shoulder cut, follow the same principle but aim for 180°F (82°C). Getting to a higher temperature will help break down the muscle fibers and collagen in the meat, allowing you to pull the meat efficiently.
Quick Tips
Unlike meat roasts, there is little fat in wild boar. This means the joint has to be cooked carefully to stop it from drying out. Don’t smoke it for longer than it has to, and don’t skip the dry brining or foil in this recipe.