So to answer the burning question of whether deer, or members of the deer family are Kosher or not the answer is...... sorta', kinda' but not likely. Not being Jewish myself, it has never posed a problem but hey, it crosses one's mind on occasion, right?
The animal and its products are, in fact, Kosher. The rule is: any land animal that chews its cud and has cloven hoofs is Kosher. So any member of the deer family is A-OK for Jewish people to eat without fear of a smiting, or being 'smote' which while I am not entirely sure what it is simply cannot be good. Also good to know for us non- Jewish folks sitting close to Jewish people eating a big ole' helping of venison 'cause really, how far does a smiting reach and could we possibly get some on us in the event....?
But wait: just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water for another big helping of moose, something else gets in the way. There are other aspects in Kashrut law that could bite one in the heinie, so to speak. The method of animal slaughter is also quite specific and very much a requirement; that method is to slice the neck through the major blood pathways with a single, painless cut. The animal dies quickly without pain or shock, both of which must be avoided. And therein lies the problem: most members of the deer family that end up available as meat are shot, which is absolutely outside the bounds of OK! So, while the animal itself is Kosher and fine to consume, one cannot consume an animal that was not killed properly!
Oy Vei, look at all the rules! It really is tough to be Jewish I guess.
Next time on "Name that religion", a quick look into why Jehovah's Witnesses will not accept any blood products, including a transfusion.
Brian