RE: Vacuum sealer bags
We use the Reynolds Handi Vac. It doesn't have quite the power of a Food Saver, so it takes a bit longer to remove the air, but it does a fine job if you have the patience. The bags seem to be cheaper than the Food Saver ones as well, and more importantly, are resealable. Resealable bags don't make a big difference for something like venison steaks where you will be eating them all at once, but they are fantastic for smoked bacon, lunch meats, and other foods where you don't use the whole bag at once.