RE: what is the longest you would wait to skin a deer and get the meat off it
Depends on the weather. A couple years back I shot one in 8 degree weather. It froze into a block while hanging in the garage and stayed frozen solid for two weeks. Hence, I didn't even attempt to skin it for 14 days.
In 40 and less weather, I'll like to let them hang for five days to a week. Skin on.
RE: what is the longest you would wait to skin a deer and get the meat off it
It's been told to me by reliable sources that the quicker you get the hide of and the quicker you cool the meat the better eating it will be. I heed that information and skin my animal the same day regardless of temps.
From what I understand, the longer the hide stays on the animal, the more gamey it will taste.
RE: what is the longest you would wait to skin a deer and get the meat off it
Generally we hang our deer in our basement, where it stays relatively cool. I'll hang and skin them the day I get them and continue to butcher them in a day or two.
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The prey must have the predator, just as the predator needs the prey. One without the other is something less. The wolf without the deer becomes a dog. The deer without the wolf becomes a cow. And what does man become?
RE: what is the longest you would wait to skin a deer and get the meat off it
Quote:
ORIGINAL: Rob/PA Bowyer
It's been told to me by reliable sources that the quicker you get the hide of and the quicker you cool the meat the better eating it will be. I heed that information and skin my animal the same day regardless of temps.
From what I understand, the longer the hide stays on the animal, the more gamey it will taste.
This makes logical sense to me!!
I like to get them hung and quartered the same day and cut up and packaged within 2 days afterwards!!
RE: what is the longest you would wait to skin a deer and get the meat off it
If I could, I'd be willing to let one hang for a week. As long as the temps are below 50* for a high it would be fine. I've known people to leave them until the meat discolors, thenbutcher and cut away the discoloredsurface meat and keep the stuff under, not sure I'd go that far though.