Elk Sausage

Ingredients

• 4 to 6 pounds elk meat, well-trimmed (or other venison)
• 2 to 3 pounds pork fat, well-trimmed (2-1 ratio meat to fat)
• 1 tablespoon dry thyme
• 1 tablespoon dry oregano
• 1 tablespoon dry sage
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup crushed red chili pepper flakes, (optional)
• 1 to 2 cups roasted, peeled, and diced green chili peppers (optional)
• Sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• Additional garlic (optional)
• 10 to 15 feet sausage casing
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (for breakfast sausage - optional)