Table of Contents
Can you process your own deer meat?
Cutting Up Your Deer Being able to cut up your own meat saves you a lot of that cost. Butchering your deer at this stage can be as complex as you want to make it. Mark each package with the date and type of meat so you know exactly when the meat was processed and to keep it separate from other meat in your freezer.
Is it cheaper to process your own deer?
Processing: Basic deer processing typically costs $75 to $120, but it varies with each processor. If you order jerky and sausage, the cost will increase, generally at per-pound rates. Don’t be afraid to ask your processor for an estimate before making your final decision.
Should I process my own deer?
The reasons to process your own venison are many. I certainly could have used one of the many processors around Auburn, but there are a couple of major reasons I decided to do it myself. The first is simple – saving money! Venison processing also allows you much more flexibility when the time to cook arrives.
How long should you hang a deer before butchering it?
You should let your deer hang for 2 to 4 days at minimum before processing to avoid this. For the best tasting deer meat Mississippi State University recommends 14 to 18 days of hanging time. A general rule of thumb is, the older the deer, the longer the hang time.
What equipment do I need to butcher a deer?
A quality set of sharp knives is most important. Choose a set with different blades, but be sure you have at least one long, flexible fillet knife for most of the work. Other helpful tools include a skinning knife, bone saw, and ribcage splitter. Choose knives with rubber nonslip handles.
Do you have to skin a deer before taking it to a processor?
Sportsmanship includes the responsible care and use of meat obtained while hunting. Some hunters have a meat pole or skinning shed where they hang their deer to remove the entrails. That’s great, but most hunters field-dress their deer on the ground prior to bringing them home or taking them to the meat processor.
Can you butcher a deer right away?
you can let them hang if the temp. is just above freezing 35-40 if you have a cool dry place . young deer 2-3 days old bucks 4-5 days BUT THE TEMP HAS TO BE RIGHT! or YOU CAN TAKE IT TO SOMEONE WHO HAS A COOLER. some will skin it out and hang them for you or do the butchering job also.
Do you tip a deer butcher?
They are owners of a cash business. No tip required.
Will a deer processor gut deer?
Get a clean shot. But the biggest problem that deer processors contend with are gut-shot deer and ham-shot deer. Not only does this waste a lot of meat for you, the feces contamination factor is greater.
Is deer meat healthy for you?
Venison’s health benefits are many. For starters, it’s one of the leanest, heart-healthiest meats available — low in fat, high in protein and packed with zinc, haem iron, and vitamin B. It’s also economical. “If you get two deer a year, you have enough food for the entire year,” Czerwony says.
How do you prepare a deer for processing?
Use clean water, premoistened wipes, or alcohol swabs to clean the knife frequently or between cuts to avoid dragging bacteria into the meat. Place the deer on its back, elevate its front legs, and spread its hind legs. Support the carcass in this position with rocks or sticks.
Is deer Processing a good business?
In rural communities throughout America, deer processing provides a lucrative, seasonal income for entrepreneurs with the right skills and equipment. With good processors earning $75+ per deer, you’ll need to create a professional business strategy to turn your hard work into bottom line profits.
What do you mix with deer meat when grinding?
Deer meat is very versatile, and you can mix almost anything you prefer after grinding. We prefer a simple cheese and venison hamburger. However, you can add mustard, ketchup, bacon, pork belly, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even barbecue sauce.
Is processing a deer hard?
Butchering and deer processing seems like a daunting task. But it isn’t as difficult as you think. You already field dress your harvest, butchering it just the next natural step. You can save a lot of money from hiring a professional butcher when you butcher a deer at home.
Can you butcher a deer in the field?
Processing. While processing is possible on the ground, it’s easier to skin and debone a hanging carcass. Hanging the carcass will also keep the meat cleaner.
Is 50 degrees too warm to hang a deer?
Not long. The enzymatic action that occurs when “aging” meat happens in a tightly controlled temperature range, typically about 33-42 degrees. Any colder and the meat freezes which halts the enzymes from working. Any warmer and the meat will spoil.
How long can you let a deer hang in 40 degree weather?
It was as solid as a rock and had no way to thaw it out. I know some beef is hanging for 40 days in a properly chilled coolers. If you are below 40 degrees you are fine IMHO for as long as you might want. Had a buddy hang one for several weeks at about 32 degrees and it was just fine.
