Mule Deer (Game Meat) Chili

Oh, what a treat this is!  The meat is super tender and the flavors are outstanding. Yes, it takes a bit to make it, but every minute is 100% worth it.  So yummy! Enjoy!

Ingredients:
-4 Tbs butter
-1 small red onion, finely chopped
-6 garlic cloves, minced
-4 Tbs packed brown sugar
-3 cups cooking red wine
-4 cups chicken broth
-4 Tbs red wine vinegar
-4 Tbs tomato paste
-1 tsp ground cumin
-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
-1/2 tsp chili powder
-1tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1 lb bacon, chopped
-3.5 lbs mule deer or any game meat, cut into chunks
-2 (15 oz each) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
Directions:
In a large pot, melt the butter.  Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the brown sugar, mix well and cook for a couple of minutes. Stir in the red wine, broth, vinegar, tomato paste, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir.  Bring that wonderful mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 35 minutes (the mixture will reduce by half).
While that's simmering, in another large pan (I like to use my wok for this), cook the bacon. Once nice and done, add the mule deer chunks. Cook for 15 minutes or until deer is nice and brown. There will be a lot of liquid and that's ok.
Once the sauce mixture is done simmering, add the bacon and meat mixture with all the juices rendered.  Also, stir in the beans.
Give everything a nice big stir and simmer the whole thing, uncovered, for another 25 minutes.  The liquid will again reduce by half and everything will be happily blended together in an amazing symphony of flavors.
Ladle into bowls and enjoy! YUM!