Gear Up for the World Deer Expo: Elevate Your Wild Game Processing with Pop’s!
The biggest weekend of the summer for hunters and outdoorsmen is almost here. The 43rd Annual World Deer Expo is returning to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) in Birmingham, Alabama, from July 17–19, 2026.
Whether you are checking out the massive big buck competition, testing your skills at the 3-D archery tournament, or grabbing tickets to the brand-new Field & Stage Music Fest, there is plenty to see. But while you are upgrading your hunting gear and looking ahead to deer season, don’t forget the most important part of a successful hunt: how you cook it up!
At Pop’s BBQ Pit, we are getting ready for the expo by showcasing our signature Wild Game Collection. If you want to transform your venison, wild boar, or waterfowl from simple freezer meat into legendary family meals, we have exactly what you need.
Discover the Pop’s Wild Game Collection
Wild game has a rich, deep flavor that deserves seasonings made to complement it, not mask it. Our family-run business crafts small-batch blends specifically balanced to bring out the best in your harvest without any of the heavy artificial junk.
Our specialized collection includes:
The Wild Game Rub: A robust blend of savory herbs and coarse spices that locks in moisture and pairs perfectly with venison backstraps.
Old-Fashioned Relishes & Pickles: Our famous pear relish and crisp homemade pickles offer the exact sweet, tangy crunch needed to balance the rich flavor of wild game meats.
Small-Batch BBQ Sauces: Unique sauces that cling to slow-cooked meats and pulled wild pork.
Save Big and Cook Better with Product Bundles
The smartest way to stock your camp kitchen or home pantry before deer season begins is to buy our products together. Instead of grabbing just one bottle of sauce, we highly encourage exploring our curated product bundles.
Grouping our items into flavor packages makes it incredibly easy to build a complete meal from scratch. Plus, bundling saves you money compared to buying individual bottles!
Here are the ultimate flavor combinations to try:
The Complete Camp Master Bundle
Everything you need for a week in the woods. This bundle pairs our heavy-hitting Wild Game Rub with our signature sweet BBQ sauce and a jar of our crisp pickles to cleanse the palate between bites.
The Sweet & Savory Relish Bundle
The ultimate pairing for slow-cooked roasts and wild game burgers. It combines our savory seasonings with our legendary old-fashioned pear relish. The natural sweetness of the relish creates an unbelievable flavor profile when topped on rich venison.
Stock Up Early: Don’t wait until opening day of hunting season to realize your spice cabinet is bare. Grab a bundle today, try out some recipes this summer, and be fully prepared when it’s time to process your harvest!
Head over to our online store to check out the full Wild Game Collection, pick out your favorite product bundle, and let’s make this upcoming season the most flavorful one yet. See you in Birmingham!
This simple recipe turns a standard venison backstrap or loin roast into something truly special. The secret is the contrast: our bold, savory Wild Game Rub creates a beautiful crust on the meat, while the sweet, tangy crunch of Granny’s Pear Relish cuts right through the rich flavor of the venison.
Here is how to make it perfectly at camp or home without overcomplicating things.
Seared Venison Backstrap with Pear Relish Glaze
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
1 to 1.5 lbs venison backstrap (cleaned and trimmed)
2 tbsp Pop’s Wild Game Rub
2 tbsp butter (or bacon grease)
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup Grannys Pear Relish
The Method
The Finishing Touch: Arrange the warm venison slices on your plate and spoon a generous amount of Granny’s Pear Relish right over the top, or serve it on the side as a dipping relish. The cool, sweet pear flavor alongside the hot, savory meat is an incredible match.
To balance the rich, savory crunch of the seared venison and the sweet, tangy bite of the pear relish, you want simple side dishes that ground the meal. Lean meats like venison pair beautifully with earthy root vegetables, creamy textures, or cast-iron classics that fit right in at camp or the family dinner table.
Here are three simple sides that let the main course shine:
1. Smoked Gouda Skillet Grits
Nothing handles savory meat juices and sweet relish better than a warm bowl of creamy grits.
Why it works: The smooth, rich texture balances the lean meat, and a touch of smoky cheese echoes the outdoor, pitmaster flavor profile.
Quick prep: Cook quick-cooking coarse grits according to the package, then fold in a splash of heavy cream, a tablespoon of butter, and a cup of shredded smoked Gouda cheese right at the end.
2. Cast-Iron Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cooking these in a hot skillet gives them crispy edges while keeping the insides tender and sweet.
Why it works: The natural, earthy sweetness of the potato pairs naturally with venison and complements the fruitiness of the pear relish.
Quick prep: Chop sweet potatoes into small cubes. Toss them in olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a light dusting of Pop’s Wild Game Rub. Roast them in a hot skillet or oven at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
3. Crisp Garlic & Bacon Green Beans
A bright, green side dish adds a fresh contrast to the heavy meat and sweet relish.
Why it works: The savory bacon grease anchors the beans, while the snap of the fresh vegetable cuts through the richness of the plate.
Quick prep: Fry a couple of slices of bacon in your skillet and remove them, leaving the grease behind. Toss in fresh green beans and minced garlic, sautéing for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp. Crumble the bacon back over the top before serving.
The Perfect Plate: Try placing a scoop of the cheesy grits down first, fanning the sliced venison medallions over the top, crowning it with the pear relish, and piling the green beans right alongside.