1) The price of $150 seems high. What do others pay for processing? I process my animals myself so can't provide information, but it seems like I've heard of this being done for about $60 in Oklahoma. I'll try to look up more information on this.

2) Even if you got all your game back, the processor didn't honor your request to provide you with specific cuts. Personally, it is very disappointing to imagine those backstraps winding up as either jerky or mere ground meat!!! You should call the processor to task on this failure to do what was agreed upon. Be advised that meat loses substantial weight when it is turned into jerky, as dehydrating the meat is an important part of the process.

3) Butchering your own meat is simple, and if you are willing to spend the time and trouble to butcher your meat you should not let the fact that you have never seen it done before deter you from doing this with your next deer. If you want to read a good description of this process, read "Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game" by John J. Mettler Jr. Order the book from Amazon (www.amazon.com) or look for it in the public library. The book gives very thorough description of the butchering process. Then again, you don't need this book to butcher the animal. Look for information on the web, there is plenty out there. You may even find a video tape, but again this is not necessary.