Bird Processing

[houtsdg]

Had a successful SD hunt over the weekend. OUtfitter cleaned our birds and we came home with 1/2 frozen (from Saturday) and 1/2 cold (Sunday). My questinon, we always salt-water soak them overnight before freezing -- I know the outfitter didn't. Should we soak them when we thaw them? Thaw, soak, and rethaw? Or do we need to soak them at all? Thanks!

[Pokey]

Just a question Why do you soak them in salt water?

[moosehunter21]

I just cut my meat off the breast bone of the grouse when I get home. Rinse off the feathers then paper towel dry and throw in a ziplock freezer bag.

[GSPsnFORDs]

I don't think you necessarily need to soak them but I typically soak game in salt water before freezing. Since your birds are half frozen I don't think it would hurt to thaw them, soak them and then refreeze them completely but then again I know it typically isn'ta common practice to freeze meat, thaw it, and then refreeze it. I guess I'm not being much help here. Sorry.

Pokey....soaking game in a salt water solution (doesn't need to be very strong) helps draw the blood out of the meat.

[Pokey]

GSPsnFords, Thanks for the info. I just never though about it for birds.At home in Texas I usually let deer meat soak in ice water for a couple of days draining water and adding more ice to remove blood, before freezing.