Mix together the stock, wine, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, garlic cloves, pepper, lemon zest, and remaining teaspoon of salt. Deglaze the pan you seared the shanks in with liquid and then pour the liquid over the shanks.
Season the shanks generously with salt and pepper up to two days in advance. Pre-heat an oven between 250 to 300 degrees. Keep in mind that the lower the heat setting, the longer it will take to tenderize. However, a low temperature will ensure juiciness, whereas high temperatures can dry out the meat.
Too many hunters throw their shank meat in the grind pile or to the dogs. Instead, maybe try braising them whole in with herbs, onion, and red wine. When given time, this method will transform shanks into a fork-tender piece of meat. It’s one of the most satisfying meals to eat on a cold winter day.
Roasted in the oven and simmered in liquid, venison shanks make exceptional stocks and broths. But when braised osso bucco-style, the delicate, moist meat will impress even the most game-wary eater. The process takes a few hours, but it can be prepared a day or two in advance and frozen.