Hunting is an exhilarating activity, full of ups and downs. When you finally get a kill, you’ll be filled with a sense of satisfaction and pride. After all, hunting is no easy trip! You’ll also be gifted plenty of wild game meat. Chances are, though, you won’t be able to use the meat all at once, so you’ll have to find ways to store it.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Get the right tools
It’s vital that you have the right equipment in order to keep your wild game meat safe to eat. While some of the supplies may vary depending on the type of meat you are field dressing, in general, you can expect to use the following:
- Rubber gloves
- Sanitized knives
- Sanitized coolers (large enough to fit both the meat and the ice)
- Ice from potable water
Field dressing techniques
Exactly how you field dress your meat will depend on the type of meat it is. However, there are general techniques you can use no matter the wild game. For instance, trimming large muscle cuts into smaller pieces, and then packaging them individually, can help you transport them to a refrigerator or freezer. It will also help the temperature of the meat drop quicker. Meat should be cooled to below 40 degrees if you plan to freeze it.
Freezing techniques
Freezing your meat is the best way to preserve its quality over an extended period of time. But it must be done properly. In the previous section, we suggested cutting your meat into smaller pieces. This technique is beneficial because freezing smaller cuts can help preserve the quality and minimize exposure to air. Once cut, you should wrap your meat in clear plastic wrap and then wrap it again in freezer paper. Tape it shut and place it in the freezer. This will preserve it for at least one year. You can also vacuum-seal your meat, which will preserve it for up to two years.
If you’re planning a hunting trip in 2022 or 2023, contact Elk Ridge Outfitters. Our hunting seasons offer a 95% success rate. Call us at 406-220-2379 to book your trip today!
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