Most people who have tried this smoked venison recipe agree that it’s amazing!
It can be difficult to cook venison well. Game meats are often lean and tough because of a lack of fat. It’s such a lean meat that it’s easy to dry out the meat.
But if you smoke it low and slow you end up with a tender and juicy piece of meat.
Keep reading to learn more about smoking venison in your pellet smoker.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Venison Recipe
This recipe is super simple! Just brine the meat, apply a rub, and smoke it. In addition to being so easy, it’s also amazingly delicious.

What Cut Is Venison Roast?
Venison roast is cut from the upper portion of the deer’s rump.
Many people will cut this part of the deer into steaks. However, it’s perfect for a comforting roast.
Avid hunters will enjoy eating venison in several ways, but we think you should try smoking the rump.

What You Smoked Venison
BBQ rub
Venison rump
For the Brine:
Water
Sugar
Salt
Lemon Juice
Worcestershire sauce
Bay Leaf

What Cuts of Venison Are Best for Smoking?
The roast or rump is a great cut of meat to use in the smoker.
Venison tenderloins and venison backstraps are also great options in a pellet grill.
This recipe uses the roast, which comes from the upper rump.

Should You Reverse Sear Venison Roast?
You should reverse-sear the venison roast, this will help to seal in any moisture and juices.
Since venison is not very juicy meat, it is useful to seal in what moisture you can, it can also help to improve the texture of the outside of the roast.

What Temperature to Smoke Venison At
Smoke the venison at a temperature of 250°F, this low temperature will be perfect to let the smoke flavors permeate the meat.
Cooking low and slow is the best way to take advantage of the smoking process.

How Long to Cook Smoked Venison
It can take between 2-4 hours to smoke a venison roast. It depends on the size of the cut.
What Temperature Do You Smoke Venison To?
Cook venison until it is at least 120°F and no higher than 140°F. I prefer about 130°F
It is similar to beef steak in the sense that you can eat it at different levels of doneness, so it is up to your taste.
Just make sure you have a meat thermometer on hand to measure the temperature.

What Are the Best Woods for Smoking Venison?
We recommend using cherry wood or apple wood for smoked venison. The extra smoke flavor will enhance this delicious meat.
The additional flavor profile will complement the meat well. Since it is a mild-flavored wood, it won’t overpower the other flavors found in venison. This is true with most fruit wood pellets.


How to Smoke Venison Roast on a Pit Boss
Step 1: Prepare the Venison
Slice off any silver skin.
Mix the brine ingredients. Soak the venison in the brine solution for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.
Then remove the meat from the brine and pay dry, then apply a binder like mustard and apply your rub.

Step 2: Smoke the Venison
Preheat the pellet grill to 250°F. Place the meat on the grill grates in indirect heat.
Smoke the venison until the internal temperature is at least 120°F. This should take about an hour.

Step 3: Searing the Meat
Sear the meat on all sides for a minute or two.You can either do this on in a cast iron skillet on the stove or on the grill.

Step 4: Rest the Venison
Let the venison rest for about 20 minutes, then serve.

How Not to Overcook Venison?
Use a temperature probe to monitor the temperature. Then you can stop cooking the meat as soon as it reaches temp.
If you don’t have internal temperature probes, check the temperature frequently.

What Is Silver Skin?
Silver skin is the white connective tissue layer you might see. It is often found on venison.
It is an inedible membrane that can prevent the marinade from penetrating the meat.
When you remove it from the meat, you’re making it easier to marinate the meat.
It can also prevent the meat from curling while cooking.
Should You Cut Off Silver Skin?
You should cut off silver skin if you see any.
Cutting it off allows flavors to permeate the meat. This layer of connective tissue is also inedible. That means you would have to cut it off before eating it, anyway.

What to Serve With Smoked Venison
This gamey meat pairs well with California red wine and savory side dishes. Try some of the following:
Substitutions and Variations for Venison Roast
It can be hard to come across venison for some people, even hunters.
You can follow this recipe using a beef roast if you’d like.
We strongly encourage you to save this recipe until you can get a venison roast.

How to Store and Use Leftover Venison Roast
Store leftover venison roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze it in a freezer-proof container for longer.
Reheat leftover venison in the microwave. You can also use an air fryer, stove, oven, or even a grill.
Chop up the venison and toss it in a soup or salad. Serve a slice of it with your favorite side dishes. Or just grab a cold piece of the tender meat for a late-night snack!

Smoked Venison
Equipment
- 1 Pellet smoker
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp BBQ rub
- 1.8 pounds of Venison rump
For the Brine:
- 2 L water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Venison
- Slice off any silver skin.
- Mix the brine ingredients. Soak the venison in the brine solution for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.
- Apply the meat rub. You can use some mustard to bind the seasoning to the meat.
Step 2: Smoke the Venison
- Preheat the pellet grill to 250°F. Place the meat on the grill grates in indirect heat.
- Smoke the venison until the internal temperature is 120°F. This should take about an hour.
Step 3: Searing the Meat
- Sear the meat on all sides for a minute or two.
- You can do this on your grill grates by opening up the flame cover. Be careful not to overcook the meat.
- You can also do this step in a cast iron skillet on the stove.
Step 4: Rest the Venison
- Let the venison rest for about 20 minutes until the internal temperature is 130°F for medium rare.
This venison roast recipe will impress anybody, even if they don’t like wild meat.
They’ll love the delicious flavor and texture.
You can smoke it until you have a tender venison roast to share with your loved ones. Your taste buds will thank you!
Smoke On!
Charlie

Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
this recipe worked so well for the piece of venison my brother gave me!! Super juicy and tender, we even made your smoked bacon mac and cheese to go with it!