Academy Sports markets the Game Winner brand specifically to hunters and anglers needing affordable gear for processing game. Their 6-tray dehydrator targets the post-hunt crowd wanting to convert venison or waterfowl into jerky without investing in commercial equipment.
Priced aggressively at $50-$70, the Game Winner competes with the Nesco FD-60 and Presto Dehydro in the entry-level category. After testing with both beef and venison, the unit proves capable but unremarkable—a serviceable tool for occasional hunters that lacks the durability for serious meat processing.
Design and Capacity
The Game Winner uses a vertical stack design with six transparent plastic trays and a top-mounted heating element. The unit measures 13.5 x 13.5 x 10 inches and weighs 7.5 pounds—portable enough for camp use with generator power but substantial enough for home countertop operation.
Six trays provide approximately 5.5 square feet of drying space, accommodating roughly 3-4 pounds of sliced meat per batch. The 550-watt heating element exceeds the 350-500W typical in this price range, suggesting Academy Sports understands hunters need to process dense protein efficiently.
Power: 550 watts (higher than competitors). Capacity: 6 trays. Temperature: Adjustable 95°F-160°F. Tray size: 13″ diameter. Weight: 7.5 lbs. Includes: Jerky seasoning packet and gun cleaning patches (hunter-focused extras).
The unit includes a jerky seasoning packet—an odd but welcome inclusion that signals Academy Sports’ target demographic. However, the basic dial thermostat lacks the precision of digital units, and no timer means manual monitoring throughout the 6-8 hour drying cycle.
Hunting-Specific Performance
Testing focused on the use case Academy Sports designed this for: processing wild game into jerky.
Venison Jerky: Using 3 pounds of sliced whitetail hindquarter marinated in the included seasoning packet, the Game Winner maintained 160°F and produced edible jerky in 7 hours. The 550-watt element handled the dense meat adequately, though drying times ran 1 hour longer than the Nesco Gardenmaster with its superior airflow design.
Waterfowl: Duck and goose breast strips dried successfully, though the high fat content of waterfowl created significant drip issues. The base unit lacks a drip pan, requiring aluminum foil lining to prevent grease fires—a concerning omission for fatty game meats.
Wild game with high intramuscular fat (waterfowl, bear, pork) creates fire hazards in dehydrators without drip management. The Game Winner lacks a dedicated drip tray. Always line the bottom with foil when processing fatty meats, and never leave the unit unattended.
Evenness: Bottom trays dried 20-30% faster than top trays due to vertical airflow limitations. Tray rotation every 2 hours proved necessary for consistent results—an inconvenience during all-day processing sessions when you’re trying to batch multiple loads.
Limitations for Game Processing
While functional, the Game Winner reveals compromises that frustrate serious hunters:
Plastic Construction: After processing three deer (approximately 15 batches), trays showed significant warping and staining. The plastic construction absorbs game odors permanently—a problem when switching between strongly flavored waterfowl and mild venison.
No Expansion: Six trays is the maximum. For hunters processing entire deer or elk, this creates a bottleneck. The Nesco FD-60 expands to 12 trays for similar money, doubling capacity without buying a second unit.
Limited Warranty: Academy Sports offers a 1-year warranty but requires in-store returns for exchange. Hunters in remote areas may face long drives to the nearest Academy location for service.
Better Alternatives for Hunters
Before purchasing the Game Winner at Academy Sports, consider these superior options for similar investment:
For $15 More: The Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster ($65-$75) offers expandable capacity to 12 trays and Converga-Flow technology that eliminates the tray rotation requirement. Available everywhere, not just Academy Sports.
For $30 More: The LEM 5-Tray ($90-$100) provides hunting-specific engineering with meat-focused airflow and stainless steel construction that withstands game processing without odor retention.
| Feature | Game Winner | Nesco FD-60 | LEM 5-Tray |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $50-$70 | $65-$75 | $90-$100 |
| Power | 550W | 500W | 500W |
| Expandable | No | Yes (to 12) | No |
| Construction | Plastic | Plastic | Partial Stainless |
| Hunting Focus | Seasoning included | General purpose | Meat-optimized |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Game Winner is Academy Sports’ house brand. You cannot purchase this specific model at other retailers, though functionally identical units may appear under different import brand names on Amazon. This exclusivity limits price comparison and warranty service to Academy Sports locations.
Bear meat requires special handling due to trichinosis risk. The Game Winner reaches 160°F, adequate for safety if pre-cooking to 160°F internal temperature is practiced. However, bear fat creates severe drip hazards in this unit’s open-base design. For bear processing, invest in a dehydrator with enclosed drip management like the Weston or LEM models.
Plastic trays absorb strong game odors permanently. Soak in baking soda solution (1/4 cup per gallon) for 24 hours, then wash with vinegar and dish soap. Sun-drying helps eliminate residual smells. For persistent odors, replacement trays cost $12-$15 each—factor this into long-term ownership costs if processing strong-flavored game regularly.
At 7.5 pounds and compact dimensions, the Game Winner travels well to hunting camps. It runs on standard 120V power, suitable for generator operation. However, the plastic construction withstands rough camp handling poorly compared to metal units. For remote camp use, the Nesco FD-60 offers more durable construction and replacement parts availability if damage occurs.
Absolutely. The included seasoning packet simply provides a starter option—commercial seasonings from LEM, Backwoods, or High Mountain work perfectly. The dehydrator itself imposes no limitations on seasoning types. For best results, marinate sliced meat overnight regardless of seasoning brand used.
Bottom Line
The Game Winner dehydrator serves casual hunters wanting to process one or two deer annually without major investment. The 550-watt element handles game meat adequately, and the included seasoning packet provides a starting point for beginners.
However, the non-expandable design, plastic odor retention, and lack of drip management create frustrations for serious processors. For $15-$25 more, the Nesco FD-60 offers expandable capacity and better airflow, while the LEM 5-Tray provides hunting-specific durability.
Buy the Game Winner only if you’re already shopping at Academy Sports and found it on sale under $55. Otherwise, order the Nesco for superior versatility or the LEM for meat-specific engineering.
Game Winner 6-Tray Dehydrator
Pros
- 550W power (above average)
- 6 tray capacity
- Includes jerky seasoning
- Affordable price
Cons
- Plastic construction absorbs odors
- No expansion capability
- No drip pan (fire hazard)
- Academy Sports exclusive (limited support)
