How Long Do You Let a Deer Hang Before Processing?
#3
RE: How Long Do You Let a Deer Hang Before Processing?
Usually 1 day. That's mostly because the family doesn't want it in theoutbuildingmore than that. So it's kill on friday, let it cool overnight (been in the 30's here), process on Saturday
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The forests and farmland of Ohio
Posts: 625
RE: How Long Do You Let a Deer Hang Before Processing?
The most I've let mine hang is 6 days but that was the only time I had access to a walk in cooler so I could control temps. Usually though I have them cut up withing 2 days due to not being able to control temps and humidity.
#9
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location:
Posts: 819
RE: How Long Do You Let a Deer Hang Before Processing?
The university of Georgia did a study years ago and they determined through extensive testing that it is best left for 10 days at 40 degrees. If its warmer, leave it hang shorter, colder and it needs to be hung longer. Of course as it approaches freezing the process almost stops or slows considerably.
If you do process sooner you should let it thaw and sit in the fridge for several days to let the microbes break down the muscle tissue for tender eating.
If you do process sooner you should let it thaw and sit in the fridge for several days to let the microbes break down the muscle tissue for tender eating.
#10
RE: How Long Do You Let a Deer Hang Before Processing?
Mine typically hang afew days....then go on ice a few more until I have time to work them up to go in the freezer. This year my sons buck was killed last monday - hung till Saturday then went on ice. I cut him up last night (9 days total). In 20yrs of doing it this way, I've always had good meat - never an issue.
I have a friend that lets his meat hang a LOOONNNNGGG time, weeks if its cold enough.
I have a friend that lets his meat hang a LOOONNNNGGG time, weeks if its cold enough.