Beyond Bush Venison

Venison Market Analysis: 2021–2025

Amelia Nolte — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:06:01 +0000

Contributed by Zadia Lubbe – Beyond Bush Venison

The venison market between 2021 and 2025 reveals a sector undergoing a deep structural transition—one shaped not simply by biological cycles, but by the shifting economics of South Africa’s wildlife industry. For most species, carcass weights remained relatively stable through 2021 to 2024, creating the impression of a steady, predictable supply environment. Yet beneath this stability, powerful forces were already reshaping the market. By the time the sector entered 2025, these underlying pressures had become unmistakable.

Across all species, the average carcass weight declined sharply—by approximately 9%—from 2024 to 2025, signalling a material shift in the age profile of harvested animals. Hunters and landowners alike reported increasing difficulty in finding mature game, as the industry-wide shortage of wildlife began influencing venison supply. Animals were increasingly being harvested at younger ages, long before they reached their full biological mass. This contraction in carcass weight was not an isolated trend: it was the visible consequence of a deeper disruption in the balance between live-auction value and meat-market supply.

Through 2022, 2023 and 2024, the wildlife economy experienced a significant uplift as auction prices strengthened across virtually all plains species and many variants. What followed was a notable behavioural shift among landowners. With live-sale returns rising sharply, the incentive to harvest animals for venison weakened. Instead, breeders and wildlife managers diverted stock toward auctions, where even mid-tier species began generating stronger returns than their venison equivalents. As a result, culling volumes declined and fewer mature animals entered the venison supply chain.

This tightening of supply was then compounded by changes in international hunting behaviour. As auction prices rose and safari packages effectively held their price ceilings, visiting hunters were able to take fewer animals for the same spend, reducing the throughput of mature carcasses even further. The venison market entered 2025 with a combination of lower volumes, lighter carcasses and reduced age diversity—conditions that inevitably pressured both market value and industry confidence. Indeed, venison value contracted by more than 20% from 2024 to 2025, signalling a significant cooling after earlier years of gradual growth.

Pre-2024 data, however, paints a very different picture—one where venison and auctions still operated as two economically viable and complementary pathways, giving landowners real flexibility in how they utilised specific species. Zebra is an excellent example. With an average carcass weight of around 140 kg, venison returns of approximately R3 500 made harvesting a rational option on many properties. Meanwhile, pre-2024 auction prices hovered near R3 850 after capture costs, offering an alternative but not overwhelmingly superior avenue for income generation. The defining feature of this period was balance: landowners could comfortably choose between the two markets based on veld load, herd management objectives and seasonal demand.

Giraffe reflected this same dual-pathway flexibility. Venison values of roughly R13 500 per carcass, supported by an average carcass weight of 540 kg, provided a strong incentive to harvest mature animals, while auction returns after capture costs of approximately R12 600 offered a credible alternative. Because neither pathway dominated decisively, landowners were able to align utilisation decisions with ecological and commercial priorities. Prior to 2024, both venison-based utilisation and auction-based realisation were economically defensible, enabling a diversified and resilient management strategy.

As the industry moved into 2024—and especially 2025—this balance collapsed. Auction prices accelerated sharply across multiple categories, while carcass weights and venison throughput deteriorated. What had once been a genuine choice became an increasingly one-sided equation: selling live animals yielded far superior returns, while harvesting for venison delivered diminishing value. This drove an industry-wide pivot away from venison and toward auctions, which—while economically rational—left the venison sector with reduced supply, reduced maturity and contracting output.

Red Meat Inflation and the Resulting Demand Pressure on Venison

The sharp escalation in beef prices from 2024 into 2025 materially altered demand dynamics across the broader red meat sector. As beef prices rose—driven by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), constrained herd numbers and rising production costs—processors and consumers increasingly sought cost-effective alternatives to traditional beef inputs. In this environment, Venison trimmings emerged as a natural substitute, particularly in secondary processing, manufacturing and value-added product categories.

Unlike premium whole-muscle cuts, trimming markets are highly price-sensitive. As beef trimming prices increased, demand shifted toward venison trimmings, which historically offered a more affordable red protein with acceptable functional and sensory characteristics. From a demand perspective, rising beef prices therefore strengthened interest in venison. The venison market entered 2025 with a structurally supportive demand environment driven by red meat inflation.

However, this demand increase coincided with a pronounced contraction in venison supply. From as early as 2024, reduced harvesting volumes—driven by elevated auction prices and declining availability of mature animals—began limiting venison throughput. By 2025, lower carcass weights, reduced age diversity and fewer animals entering the meat channel significantly constrained the availability of venison. As a result, the industry faced a classic supply–demand imbalance: demand strengthened precisely as supply deteriorated.

This imbalance had important implications for price formation within the venison market. While realised venison values declined in aggregate during 2025 due to lower volumes and lighter carcasses, underlying demand for specific components—particularly trimmings—outpaced available supply. In economic terms, venison prices had not yet fully adjusted to reflect this new scarcity. The market was absorbing supply-side contraction faster than it was recalibrating price signals.

In a normalising market environment, sustained demand pressure combined with constrained supply would necessitate upward price adjustment in venison, particularly for trimming categories that directly compete with beef inputs. The reluctance or delay in price realignment during 2025 can be attributed to transitional market behaviour, fragmented supply, and lingering perceptions of venison as a secondary protein rather than a structurally scarce one.

Conclusion:

The implication is clear: as long as beef prices remain elevated and venison supply remains constrained, the economic case for higher venison pricing strengthens. Without price correction, the venison market risks chronic undersupply, reduced processor participation, and continued erosion of value chain confidence. Adjusting venison prices to reflect true scarcity is not only economically rational but also necessary to restore balance between demand, supply, and sustainable utilisation.

In this context, the venison market’s challenge is no longer one of demand creation but of aligning price, supply, and utilisation strategies in a red meat environment where alternative proteins are increasingly sought after yet biologically limited in their capacity to expand output rapidly.

FMD Impact on Game Meat in South Africa

Amelia Nolte — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 14:05:38 +0000

Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats. From time to time, FMD outbreaks in South Africa raise questions among consumers about the safety and availability of game meat, including venison.

Understanding how FMD is managed — and what it means for consumers — helps build confidence in responsibly sourced, legally processed game meat.

Does FMD Affect the Safety of Game Meat?

One of the most important points to understand is that FMD poses a very low risk to humans. The disease is not commonly transmitted to people, and properly handled, inspected, and processed meat is considered safe for consumption.

All legally sold game meat in South Africa must pass through approved health and safety facilities and strict bio-security controls, ensuring food safety standards are met at every stage.

How FMD Can Impact the Game Meat Industry

Market Access and Availability

During FMD outbreaks, South Africa may face export restrictions to countries that are officially FMD-free. While most game meat is consumed locally, these restrictions can still influence supply chains and pricing within the domestic market.

Farming and Production Challenges

To control the spread of the disease, movement restrictions and quarantine measures may be introduced. These precautions can temporarily slow down production on affected farms.
Importantly, there have been no confirmed reports of FMD in game animals in Limpopo Province, based on current industry knowledge.

Processing and Distribution Delays

In certain cases, abattoirs or health and safety facilities may operate under stricter controls during outbreaks. This can result in delays but does not compromise food safety.

What the Industry Does to Manage FMD

The South African game meat industry works closely with veterinarians and regulatory authorities to manage disease risks effectively.

Strict Biosecurity Measures

Controlled animal movement between farms
Hygiene and disinfection protocols for vehicles and equipment
Monitoring animal health before processing

Surveillance and Early Detection

Regular inspections and reporting systems help identify any potential risks early, allowing swift action to limit spread.

Consumer Education

Clear communication about meat safety, handling, and sourcing helps prevent unnecessary fear and misinformation.

Is It Safe to Continue Buying and Enjoying Venison?

Yes. When sourced from reputable suppliers, venison remains:

Safe to eat
Naturally lean and nutritious
Responsibly harvested and processed

Choosing trusted suppliers who follow legal and ethical standards ensures peace of mind for consumers and supports sustainable game farming practices in South Africa.

A Responsible and Resilient Industry

Managing diseases like FMD is a shared responsibility between farmers, processors, regulators, and consumers. Through proactive biosecurity, strong oversight, and transparent communication, the South African game meat industry continues to protect animal health, public safety, and product quality.

Want to Know More?

If you have questions about venison sourcing, processing, or safety standards, feel free to contact us — we believe informed customers make confident choices.

FAQs

Is venison safe to eat during an FMD outbreak?

Yes. FMD poses a very low risk to humans, and legally processed venison is inspected and safe for consumption.

Can humans get Foot-and-Mouth Disease from meat?

Transmission to humans is extremely rare. Proper handling and cooking further reduce any risk.

Are game animals in Limpopo affected by FMD?

Based on current industry knowledge, there have been no reported cases of FMD in game animals in Limpopo Province.

Does FMD affect venison availability?

FMD may cause temporary supply or export restrictions, but responsibly sourced local venison remains available.

How can consumers ensure they buy safe venison?

Buy from reputable suppliers that use registered abattoirs and health and safety facilities, and comply with veterinary and food safety regulations.

Health & Safety Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or veterinary advice. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) poses a very low risk to humans. Legally sourced and properly processed game meat remains safe for consumption when handled and cooked according to food safety guidelines. Consumers with specific health concerns should consult a qualified medical professional or local health authority.

Behind the Scenes Processing

Amelia Nolte — Thu, 29 May 2025 16:26:17 +0000

At Beyond Bush Venison, every step of our process is driven by a commitment to quality, safety, sustainability, and full traceability. From the moment a carcass arrives to the final packaging, we follow strict protocols to ensure our venison products are not only delicious but also ethically sourced, meticulously handled, and safe for consumption.

Traceability You Can Trust

Transparency is the backbone of our business. Each carcass received or collected is labelled with a unique traceability code. Our state-of-the-art Abaserve track and trace system ensures 100% traceability, allowing us to trace every product back to:

The exact date the game was harvested
The species of game
The farm and area it came from

This system not only ensures food safety but also builds confidence in the ethical sourcing of our products.

Committed to Food Safety

Before any carcass is allowed into our cold storage, it undergoes a thorough inspection to confirm it’s fit for human consumption. Our cold room is maintained at a precise 0 to 2°C, the ideal temperature to preserve freshness.

For additional protection:

Milton spray is applied to all carcasses to prevent bacterial growth.
Bullet entry wounds are cleaned, trimmed, and sanitised.
During processing, each batch is subjected to rigorous quality control, including detailed cleaning and inspection.

In May 2024, we introduced a metal detection system that scans all deboned meat for non-ferrous and ferrous metals as small as 5mm—an extra layer of safety that ensures our products meet the highest standards.

Sustainable Freezing Process

Our facility operates on an 80% off-grid solar power system, eliminating the risk of load shedding or temperature inconsistencies. Thanks to this reliable setup:

Our products are frozen within 12 to 18 hours after packaging.
Cold chain integrity is preserved from start to finish.
The consistent freezing process extends shelf life while maintaining optimal flavour and texture.

Precision Cutting and Portioning

We take pride in how we prepare our meat. Carcasses are expertly butchered into primal and sub-primal cuts, then further processed into premium products such as:

Steaks
Venison mince
Specialty sausages

We use only the finest spices from Crown National, chosen specifically to enhance the natural flavour of venison. Each product is seasoned with care to create a unique and satisfying taste experience.

Thoughtful Packing and Labelling

Our packaging is tailored to each product’s weight, size, and type to ensure:

Protection during transport and storage
Clear labelling for traceability, packed date, best-before date (BBD), and species
Ingredient and allergen listings for full transparency

All our products are frozen, significantly slowing down microbial activity and enzyme action. This helps maintain freshness and extend shelf life, allowing you to enjoy top-quality venison whenever you need it.

Beyond Bush Venison is more than just a meat supplier. We’re a team of passionate professionals dedicated to bringing you ethically sourced, carefully processed, and traceable venison—delivered with integrity from start to finish.

Why Venison is the Future of Sustainable Meat in South Africa

Amelia Nolte — Sun, 06 Apr 2025 17:48:58 +0000

Introduction

As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, sustainable meat options like venison are gaining popularity. South Africa’s game meat industry plays a crucial role in ethical meat production, offering a healthier alternative to traditional livestock farming. With high protein content, low-fat, and no added hormones, venison is not just a delicacy but a responsible food choice.

The Rise of Venison in South Africa

South Africa has long been a leader in game meat production, with venison exports increasing over the years. The demand for free-range, ethically sourced meat is growing among local consumers and international markets.

Annual Game Meat Contribution: Over R9.1 billion to South Africa’s GDP.
Potential for Growth: Estimated 60,000 tonnes of venison could be exported annually, valued at around R4 billion.
Regulated Industry: Governed by the Meat Safety Act 40 of 2000, ensuring quality and hygiene in processing.

Health Benefits of Venison Meat

More consumers are seeking nutrient-rich, lean meats, making venison a top choice for a healthy diet.

Low in Fat – Naturally lean, making it a heart-friendly option.
High in Protein – Essential for muscle growth and overall wellness.
No Hormones or Antibiotics – Unlike commercially farmed meats, venison is free from artificial additives.
Rich in Iron & Omega-3 – Helps improve energy levels and supports brain function.

Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing

The game meat industry in South Africa promotes sustainable hunting practices, ensuring wildlife populations are managed responsibly.

Low Carbon Footprint – Game animals graze naturally, reducing the environmental impact compared to industrial livestock farming.
Biodiversity Conservation – Supports wildlife reserves and ethical hunting initiatives.
Minimal Waste – Every part of the animal is utilised, from meat to hides.

Venison Products in Demand

South African consumers and businesses are increasingly incorporating venison products into their menus and retail shelves. Popular options include:

Venison Loin Backstrap Steak – A premium, tender cut ideal for grilling.
Venison Burger Patties – A leaner alternative to beef burgers.
Ouma’s Venison Boerewors – A favourite for traditional South African braais.
Venison Biltong & Droëwors – High-protein snacks perfect for health-conscious eaters.

Opportunities for Businesses

For restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers, venison presents a unique selling point in the sustainable food market.

Retail & Butcheries: Growing demand for organic, free-range meats.
Fine Dining & Game Lodges: High-end establishments featuring premium game cuts.
Export Markets: Expanding venison exports to the EU and global markets.

Final Thoughts

As the demand for sustainable, ethical, and healthy meat alternatives rises, venison stands out as the future of the South African meat industry. Whether you are a consumer looking for healthier protein or a business exploring ethical meat sourcing, venison offers unparalleled benefits.

Are you interested in sourcing or supplying venison?

Game and Venison Meat for the Modern Consumer

Amelia Nolte — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 14:56:10 +0000

In recent years, the growing interest in Venison meat for the modern consumer in South Africa has sparked a significant shift in how these products are perceived and marketed. Beyond Bush is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the sustainable and ethical sourcing of game meat from Southern Africa. Our perspective emphasises the unique attributes of game and venison, particularly in terms of production methods, health benefits, and traceability, which resonate with the modern consumer’s values.

Sustainable Production Methods

One of the key considerations for today’s consumers is the method of production. Unlike conventional livestock farming, game meat is typically sourced from wild or free-range animals. This aligns with the growing demand for ethical and sustainable food options. Beyond Bush champions the use of wild game, which is harvested in its natural habitat, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In contrast, intensive production methods often come with environmental concerns and animal welfare issues. Game meat offers a compelling alternative, as it is not subject to the same levels of stress and confinement that characterise factory farming. By supporting sustainable hunting practices, we advocate for a system that respects wildlife and encourages responsible land stewardship.

Health Benefits

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking for meat that is not only nutritious but also free from harmful additives. Game and venison are leaner than traditional meats, with a favourable fatty acid composition that includes higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These meats are also generally lower in saturated fats and calories, making them an appealing option for those seeking healthier alternatives.

At Beyond Bush, we emphasise the natural diet of wild game, which contributes to its superior nutritional profile. Animals that roam freely tend to develop leaner muscle mass and higher-quality meat, reflecting the benefits of their natural lifestyle. This appeal to health-conscious consumers is further enhanced by the absence of antibiotics and hormones commonly found in intensively farmed meats.

Traceability and Transparency

In an age where consumers are increasingly concerned about the origins of their food, traceability has become a paramount issue. Beyond Bush is committed to transparency in the supply chain, ensuring that every cut of game meat and venison can be traced back to its source. We collaborate with local hunters and sustainable producers in southern Africa to provide consumers with detailed information about the animals they consume, including harvesting practices and environmental impact.

This level of transparency not only builds consumer trust but also fosters a sense of connection between the eater and the land. By knowing the story behind their food, consumers can make informed choices that align with their values.

Conclusion

As the demand for game meat and venison continues to rise, Beyond Bush remains dedicated to promoting the benefits of these products. By highlighting sustainable production methods, health advantages, and traceability, we aim to educate consumers about the virtues of game meat. This aligns with a broader movement towards more responsible, ethical, and health-conscious eating.

As we move forward, we invite consumers to join us in exploring the rich flavours and stories behind game and venison, celebrating the unique offerings from Southern Africa and beyond.

Ensuring Legal Compliance and Growth in the Game Meat Industry

Amelia Nolte — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 10:59:24 +0000

The future growth of the venison and game meat industry faces significant challenges due to the sale of meat not meeting legal specifications and health regulations. While the demand for game meat continues to rise, especially among health-conscious consumers, much of the meat remains unregulated and untraceable.

Compliance with Regulations

According to Charl de Villiers, chairperson of Game Abattoirs and Meat Establishments of South Africa, the regulations for venison are as strict as those for any other commercially available meat in the country. These regulations ensure that:

Game carcasses must be processed by certified abattoirs.
Bacteria levels need to be closely monitored.
The meat must have full traceability from farm to market.

Yet, there is a growing issue of illegal game meat sales. Hunters and game farmers are selling venison privately through social media platforms, bypassing the proper channels. This has led to on-farm slaughters, with animals being skinned and sold to butcheries without adhering to health protocols.

This kind of illegal meat trade is harmful to the industry because it:

Undercuts legal producers who follow regulations at great cost.
Poses a public health risk due to unregulated handling.

Challenges and Opportunities for Venison

Venison has enormous growth potential within the game industry, but it remains underexploited. The demand for this meat extends beyond health-conscious consumers to include rural communities, where access to affordable, healthy protein could make a significant impact.

Jaco Sullivan, manager of Bongela Private Game Lodge, emphasizes that venison could be a solution to hunger in these areas, offering a new, sustainable source of protein.

The Impact of Illegal Meat Sales on the Industry

The sale of illegal game meat not only hampers the growth of the legal industry but also threatens the industry’s reputation. As De Villiers pointed out, certified farmers face a tough battle as they are forced to compete with cheaper, unregulated meat.

Supermarkets and retail chains are beginning to offer certified venison, which has helped drive sales. However, the illegal trade continues to create challenges in quantifying the true size and value of the venison market.

Need for Greater Compliance

In order to fully exploit the potential of the venison industry and ensure its long-term growth, stricter compliance and enforcement are essential. De Villiers noted that hunters and game farmers must understand the responsibility that comes with selling meat. While some argue for the continuation of traditional practices, ensuring the safety and quality of the product is vital for protecting consumers and the future of the industry.

Beyond Bush Venison is committed to adhering to these strict health and legal standards to provide consumers with high-quality, traceable game meat. By ensuring compliance, we aim to contribute to the sustainable growth of the industry while promoting a healthier and safer meat product for all.

Hearty Hungarian-style Venison Goulash Stew

Amelia Nolte — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:33:11 +0000

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Yield: serves 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Ingredients

Scale1x2x3x
3 lb venison chunks/cubes
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground caraway powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
4 cups venison broth (can sub with chicken or beef)
15 oz tomato puree
3 tablespoons paprika
16 oz mushrooms, cut into quarters
2–3 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a heavy pot over high heat, brown the venison with a little oil until the meat is brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium, and add more oil to the pot, then the onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the meat back to the pot, along with the salt, caraway, paprika, and oregano. Stir to combine.
Add the Worcestershire, balsamic, mushrooms, tomato puree and broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover, and cook for 4-5 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has reduced.

Venison Goulash

Amelia Nolte — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:26:25 +0000

Ingredients

1 lb. ground venison
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 bay leaf
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz.)
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz.)
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried basil
1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups unsalted beef stock
2 tbsp. soy sauce
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, to taste
¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded, plus extra

Preparation

In a 5-quart pan, heat enough oil to coat the bottom over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add ground venison to brown, breaking up large pieces with a wooden spoon—season with a pinch of salt.
Add onion, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds.
Stir in the remaining ingredients (except the seasoned salt and cheddar cheese). Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 25 minutes on low or until the macaroni becomes tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally and make sure you have enough liquid for the pasta to cook, adding more stock/water as needed. If the goulash is too loose in the end, allow it to cook partially uncovered for a few minutes.
Remove goulash from heat and season with seasoned salt and pepper. Stir in shredded cheese. Serve with extra cheese sprinkled on top.

Venison Sausage Egg Burritos

Amelia Nolte — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:04:41 +0000

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Makes

6 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound bulk lean venison breakfast sausage
3 large eggs
4 large egg whites
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed
Salsa, optional

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
In a small bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites until blended. In same pan, add eggs; cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Remove from pan; wipe skillet clean if necessary.
In skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach, tomatoes and garlic; cook and stir until spinach is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Stir in sausage and eggs; heat through. Sprinkle with pepper.
To serve, spoon 2/3 cup filling across center each tortilla. Fold bottom and sides of tortilla over filling and roll up. If desired, serve with salsa.

Nutrition Facts

1 burrito: 258 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 596mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Grandmother’s Toad in a Hole

Amelia Nolte — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:50:37 +0000

Total Time: Prep: 10 min. + standing Bake: 25 min.

Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients

3 large eggs
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

12 ounces uncooked venison breakfast sausage
3 tablespoons olive oil
Optional: Butter and maple syrup

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. In a small bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt. Whisk flour into egg mixture until blended. Let stand 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the sausage until done; cut each into 3 pieces.
Place oil in a 12-in. nonstick ovenproof skillet. Place in oven until hot, 3-4 minutes. Stir the batter and pour into the prepared skillet; top with sausage. Bake until golden brown and puffed, 20-25 minutes. Remove from skillet; cut into wedges. If desired, serve with butter and syrup.

Nutrition Facts

1 wedge: 336 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.