Stable game meat supply keeps prices steady in Upper Austria

Game meat supplies in Upper Austria have remained stable despite a hot summer that affected wildlife, and significant price rises are not expected, ORF reported.

Hunters have reported underweight young roe deer and animals that died. But Arni Lummerstorfer, who runs the Schmankerlwirt inn in Vorderweißenbach, said there was enough game available to meet demand and potentially supply more.

Game dishes cost slightly more this year, but not because of a shortage. Lummerstorfer said prices typically rise by one or two euros a year as staffing, energy and other operating costs increase, while the cost of ingredients has remained stable.

The Arge Wildbret, a game-meat working group in Hofkirchen, also reported no change in prices. Wolfgang Hiesmayr said average animal weights were nearly 20 percent lower, but he believed the overall population remained at a normal level despite some animals dying.

Game meat is sold in supermarkets and directly by hunters and farm shops. Ready-to-cook cuts of roe deer are especially popular. Barbara Brandstetter, from Hofkirchen, said customers favour the saddle for quick frying, as well as ragout and haunch. Prices for these products have also remained stable.