I am looking to get a freezer to keep in the garage for storing venison. Any input on frost free vs. manual defrost? I have been told meat lasts much longer in a manual defrost b/c the temps rise to high in frost free causing a slight amt of defrost on the meat and then refreezing. I think i will need an upright for space purposes.

Also, any comments on how long venision can be stored without degradation of taste and nutritional value? One guy told me the nutrition is gone after 6-8 months, though the meat will taste fine.

How do you keep you extra meat?