How to Preserve Deer Meat in the Field

After successfully hunting deer, you can save the meat for several weeks using the proper method.

Many hunters enjoy searching the forest for animals such as bear, rabbit, quail and deer. Deer, as with many wild animals, can be hunted as a trophy animal for mounting, as well as for its meat. If you are on an extended hunting trip, and do not want to return indoors immediately with your catch, you can preserve the meat. Deer meat preservation may also be helpful if you become lost in the woods for an extended period of time. Meat is preserved in several ways, such as drying and smoking.

Instructions

Smoking Deer Meat

1. Dig a small hole in the ground, and fill it with kindling, such as hardwood branches and leaves. Choose wood that is slightly green.

2. Start a fire in the fire pit. Stick three large branches or poles into the ground around the fire, in a triangular shape. Hang two snapped-together ponchos, or other covering, from the poles, forming a tent-like structure.

3. Tie two poles or branches to the three poles that are in the ground. Set these poles horizontally, directly over the fire.

4. Cut the deer meat into slices that are no greater than six centimeters thick. Drape the meat over the horizontal poles. Do not let the meat slices touch one another.

5. Keep the covering to the tent shut overnight for meat that lasts up to a week. If you smoke meat for two days straight, it lasts between two and four weeks. The meat can be eaten without cooking it further.

Drying Deer Meat

1. Cut the deer meat into 6-millimeter strips.

2. Hang the strips over a branch or other area that receives a large amount of sunlight and air. Choose a location that animals are not able to reach.

3. Cover the deer meat with a light cloth to keep pests away.

4. Dry the meat until it feels warm and has a crispy texture.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are hunting in a very cold location, you may bury the meat, causing it to freeze.

• Mix salt and water together to make a saltwater solution. Immerse the deer meat in the solution until you want to cook it.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.

References

• Aircav.com: Smoking meat