should have been really tender.I have never had any that was tough ; even on an old buck.
I don't know why they would have been tough.I usually just season,flour and pan fry.they are finger licking good.

I season with lowyers seasoning,garlic,pepper,cavanders,place in ziplock,pour 4 or 5 tablespoons of zesty Italian salad dressing ,let set overnite,flour and fry.that is the way I cook all my fry meat.if it is an old buck I will add a little tenderizer and pound befor putting in the ziplock.