I have a buddy that has just started to use a smoker and just made some venison snack sticks. The flavor is great but the casing is loose from the meat. When I have had them made before the casing seemed to be tight to the meat. The loose casing seems to make it hard to bite off a piece. The casing is brown I don't what type. Does anybody know why they turned out with loose casing.

Soak them in ice water when you are done smoking

Most likely under stuffing the casings, or improper cooling after smoking.

It could also be a problem with casing prep depending on type, some will need soaking prior to use.

Could all the grease leaked out while smoking

They are probably edible collagen casings. They cant be dunked in ice water without damaging the casings. Try a water pan in the smoker during the cook. Consistent heat is also important. Mine always shriveled up some too but the case usually clung to the meat and they snapped when I bite through them.

I just made my first batch of snack stick using the son's new smoker yesterday. Mix of 60% venison 40% pork and I didn't use any casing. Shot them threw 3/4 stuffer tub right on to smoker racks. The first batch sticks came out tasting fine. A bit darker color than I'd liked with even few looked burnt. Second batch ran a bit cooler still came out darker than I'd have liked but better. After talking with my brother in law who has made them several years now. He said not to worry so much about time in smoker go more by how they look?? Says when they start to wrinkle pull them. Said when the grease starts to come out they start to wrinkle. Not long after they start to wrinkle they get dark like mine did. Like I said my sticks still taste fine, are a bit drier just don't look pretty like his do.
He said he tried casing in the past but didn't care for it on the snack sticks. Said he thought it made them tough. Does use it for his hot dogs which are of course bigger around.

Mac

Sounds good!!!