Thanks for all the kind words people. The heart is not inheritantly a tough meat to start with, but she cooks it in a pressure cooker with spices & pickling agents. It comes out as tender as any beef prime rib served anywhere. As far as the Chronic Wasting concerns, there were a few cases in state, mainly west of us, in years past. Having said that : Sick deer usually show obvious signs that things aren't right.
The entire issue & concern seems to have really declined, at least in our area.
The possible danger to humans from animals infected lies if you come in contact with the brain or spinal column / fluid when field dressing / butchering. The game dept even stated that though they wouldn't recommend it, there has never been a known case of anyone being effected in consuming cooked venison, including the heart & liver even from infected deer. Obviously, no prudent person would knowingly do that. There is no evidence that CWD effects humans at all. I have been eating venison for 45 years, including livers, hearts and my beloved char grilled loin steaks cooked medium rare, and I shall continue to until it kills me.
