I only keep it for one year. That's just my opionion. What I will do is if I have any left in the freezer from the year before I will add to my scraps from this year to make sausage or meat sticks. That way nothing goes to waste. I do not beleive in throwing good game away. I have had it after one one year in the freezer and I saw no big differance as long it was packaged properly. Happy Hunting!