How Much to Process a Deer? • Support Wild

Processing a deer is the process of preparing and preserving the meat after hunting. It requires a bit of knowledge and skill, as well as the right tools and equipment.

Proper processing is essential for the safety, quality, and taste of the meat, and can greatly impact the overall enjoyment of the hunt.

In this article, we will outline the steps involved in processing a deer, from preparation and equipment to breaking down the deer and further processing. We will also provide tips and techniques for maximizing the yield and flavor of the meat.

Preparation and Equipment

Before you begin processing the deer, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and supplies. This includes:

Knives:

You will need a variety of knives for different tasks, such as a boning knife for removing the meat from the bone, a skinning knife for removing the hide, and a general-purpose knife for cutting and trimming. It’s a good idea to have multiple sizes and shapes of knives on hand to suit different tasks.

Saws:

A handsaw or bone saw can be useful for cutting through bones and tougher tissue.

Game hoist or butchering stand:

A hoist or stand allows you to suspend the deer at a comfortable working height and makes it easier to access all areas of the animal. It’s important to hang the deer by the hind legs to keep the weight off the front legs and spine.

Other supplies:

You will also need a few other items, such as gloves, a sharpening stone, a cutting board, and a clean surface to work on.

Once you have your equipment ready, it’s time to prep the deer for processing. The first step is field dressing, which involves removing the internal organs and any damaged or contaminated meat.

This can be done in the field or at home, depending on your preference and the available facilities.

To field dress the deer, follow these steps:

Using a sharp knife, make a small incision in the abdomen just below the ribcage.
Carefully cut through the abdominal muscles, being careful not to puncture the intestines.
Reach in and gently remove the internal organs, including the liver, heart, and lungs. Set these aside to be cleaned and prepared separately if desired.
Cut off the anus and genitalia, as well as any damaged or contaminated meat.
Rinse the cavity with clean water to remove any blood or debris.

After field dressing, the next step is to remove the hide. This can be done with a skinning knife or a sharp pair of scissors. Follow these steps to remove the hide:

Make a small incision at the base of the tail.
Cut down the back of the legs and along the underside of the deer, separating the skin from the meat as you go.
Continue cutting around the neck and head, being careful to avoid cutting into the meat or damaging the hide.
Once the hide is fully separated, remove it from the deer by pulling it down over the head and front legs.
Discard the hide or save it to be tanned if desired.

Breaking down the deer

Now that the deer is field dressed and the hide has been removed, it’s time to break it down into different cuts of meat. This process involves cutting and separating the various muscles and bones to create individual cuts that can be cooked and eaten.

There are many different cuts of meat that can be obtained from a deer, including:

Loin:

This is a lean, tender cut of meat that can be found along the spine on either side of the animal. It includes the backstraps and tenderloins.

Shoulder:

The shoulder is a larger, tougher cut of meat that is great for slow cooking methods such as roasting or braising. It includes the front legs and neck.

Ribs:

The ribs can be cut into individual ribs or left attached to the spine for roasting or grilling.

Sausage:

The trimmings and less desirable cuts of meat can be ground and used for sausage-making.

When cutting and separating the different cuts, it’s important to use sharp knives and take care not to damage or contaminate the meat. Follow these tips for efficient and safe cutting:

Use the right knife for the job:

A boning knife is great for removing meat from the bone, while a general-purpose knife is good for trimming and cutting.

Use the natural lines and joints of the deer to guide your cuts:

This will make it easier to separate the different cuts and minimize waste.

Cut away from yourself:

This helps to prevent accidents and keep the knife under control.

Keep the knife sharp:

A sharp knife is safer and more efficient to use than a dull one. Use a sharpening stone or honing rod to maintain the edge of your knives.

Once you have separated the different cuts of meat, you’ll need to decide how to store and preserve them. There are several options to consider:

Freezing:

The most common method of preserving deer meat is freezing. Wrapping the meat in plastic wrap or butcher paper and placing it in a vacuum-sealed bag can help to prevent freezer burn and extend the shelf life of the meat.

Curing:

Curing involves adding salt and other seasonings to the meat and allowing it to dry. This can be done with whole cuts of meat, such as ham or bacon, or with ground meat for sausage-making.

Drying:

Drying involves removing the moisture from the meat to create a shelf-stable product. This can be done with whole cuts of meat or with ground meat for jerky-making.

Further Processing and Cooking

In addition to basic cutting and preserving, there are many options for further processing deer meat. This can include grinding it for use in burgers or meatballs, making sausage or jerky, or curing it for use in ham or bacon.

When cooking deer meat, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the different cuts. For example, the loin and tenderloin are lean and tender cuts that are best suited for grilling or pan-searing, while the shoulder and ribs are tougher cuts that are better suited for slow cooking methods such as roasting or braising.

Here are a few tips for preparing and cooking deer meat:

Trim excess fat and sinew:

Trimming excess fat and sinew can help to improve the flavor and texture of the meat.

Don’t overcook it:

Deer meat is leaner than beef, so it can easily dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat reaches at least 145F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium.

Marinate to tenderize:

If you’re cooking a tougher cut of deer meat, consider marinating it to help tenderize the meat. A simple marinade of oil, vinegar, and seasonings can work wonders.

Add moisture:

To help prevent the meat from drying out, consider adding moisture during cooking. This can be done by basting the meat with a liquid such as broth or wine, or by covering it with foil or a lid to create a steamy environment.

Conclusion

Processing a deer is a rewarding and practical skill that allows you to make the most of your hunting efforts. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and efficiently turn your deer into a variety of delicious cuts of meat that can be enjoyed in many different dishes.

Remember to be mindful of safety and animal welfare when hunting and processing your own deer. Proper handling and care of the animal is essential to ensure the quality and taste of the meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I process a deer at home?

Yes, you can process a deer at home as long as you have the necessary equipment and facilities. This may include a game hoist or butchering stand, a clean surface to work on, and access to running water.

It’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines when processing the deer, including keeping the meat chilled and handling it carefully to prevent contamination.

What is the best way to store deer meat?

The best way to store deer meat is to wrap it in plastic wrap or butcher paper and place it in a vacuum-sealed bag. This can help to prevent freezer burn and extend the shelf life of the meat.

Alternatively, you can store the meat in a covered container in the refrigerator or cure it for use in ham or bacon.

How do I know when the deer meat is cooked to the right temperature?

The internal temperature of deer meat should reach at least 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium. To accurately measure the temperature, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone.

Can I use the trimmings and less desirable cuts of deer meat for sausage-making?

Yes, the trimmings and less desirable cuts of deer meat can be ground and used for sausage-making. This is a great way to make use of all parts of the animal and add flavor to the meat.

Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when grinding and handling the meat.

Can I make jerky from deer meat?

Yes, you can make jerky from deer meat by slicing the meat into thin strips and dehydrating it. This can be done in a dehydrator, oven, or smoker, depending on your preference and equipment.

Just be sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing the jerky and storing it.