Many people put up their bbq grills and equipment right after the Labor Day holiday and don’t take it out until Easter the following year. If this is you, stop it! You’re missing out on some of the best bbq’ing around.

Fall and Winter offer backyard grillers some of the most favorable weather to grill outdoors. Insects are at a minimum and the heat off the grill will not help cook your bones along with the hot Summer sun! It’s nice to be able to relax and cook the way you want without sweating all over the bbq.

Any food you grill during the Summer only gets better in the Fall and Winter. It’s also the perfect time to try your hand at grilling Wild Game. Many hunters have some meat in the freezer from Fall hunts plus there are a lot of grocers now carrying Wild Game. Keep in mind that most Wild Game has less fat than beef, chicken or pork so it will need special attention. Mainly, that you should cook it slower and be sure not to overcook it. It should have a warm pink center.

There are a few things you will need to keep in mind before heading out in the Winter to bbq. For starters, it will take longer for your grill or smoker to heat up. So plan accordingly.

Cold Winter winds can sap the heat right out of an electric smoker. Make sure you have an insulation blanket handy. You can find these at most places that carry electric smoker or online at retailers like Cabelas. The blanket will keep your smoker warm and will allow your meat to cook evenly. Don’t use anything flamable to insulate your smoker and do not use normal insulation! That should go without saying, but you know someone is likely to try it.

Try and move your grill or smoker out of the wind. This is especially true if you have one of those flimsy metal or cast aluminum units. It can be difficult to keep these hot and cooking properly in a stiff Winter wind. You’ll probably find yourself needing to add extra wood or chacoal to keep it hot.

Another thing to keep in mind is the area around your grill or smoker. During the Summer, the vegetation was lush and green. Now it’s dormant, brown and brittle. Just right to ignite with a spark from your grill or smoker. If you have any doubts, hose downt the immediate area around your cooking area.

Now go that grill fired up. You’ve been missing out on some of the best grilling of the year. In fact, you should try and grill and smoke some of your Holiday meals. A Ham right out of the smoker will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. Not to mention what a smoked Turkey will do!