after the kill...
08-15-2011, 04:24 AM
#11
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Tug Hill NY
Posts: 420
Depending on where you are in Canada, even a moose needs to be brought out whole! Quite and undertaking ( I am sure there are exceptions to this in many of the western provinces) whole that is, after being gutted.
Those areas that dont require it coming out whole, all useable meat must come out. Bears field dress pretty much just like a deer. In principle except for the size, moose also- you will need block and tackle and axes though! I agree with everyone else: start with deer, learn the basics. A moose can spoil in a day in warm weather- a horrible shame to be avoided. You are likely to encounter a bear while deer hunting as a bonus. Bear is fine eating also, if treated properly. Gut as soon as possible, cool, and keep clean. Treat it like real meat, not a cast off as many do.
Those areas that dont require it coming out whole, all useable meat must come out. Bears field dress pretty much just like a deer. In principle except for the size, moose also- you will need block and tackle and axes though! I agree with everyone else: start with deer, learn the basics. A moose can spoil in a day in warm weather- a horrible shame to be avoided. You are likely to encounter a bear while deer hunting as a bonus. Bear is fine eating also, if treated properly. Gut as soon as possible, cool, and keep clean. Treat it like real meat, not a cast off as many do.
08-15-2011, 06:18 AM
#12
Spike
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 17
You are dong the right thing thinking about this in advance instead of fretting over it after the game is on the ground.
The Advice given so far is very sound. I would also recommend something smaller for your First big game animal also.
The only thing I would add to the advice given would be to look at the closest town to your planned hunting area for a local butcher/game processer. I don't know Canada, but you can contact the local Chamber of Commerce (or your version of that organization) and ask for a list of them. Use the internet, phone book, or if close enough take drive there and look for one. As mentioned Elk and Moose are Big critters and those quarters will hold a lot of heat. Getting the meat properly cooled and cared for will make a huge difference in the end product you put on the table.
The Advice given so far is very sound. I would also recommend something smaller for your First big game animal also.
The only thing I would add to the advice given would be to look at the closest town to your planned hunting area for a local butcher/game processer. I don't know Canada, but you can contact the local Chamber of Commerce (or your version of that organization) and ask for a list of them. Use the internet, phone book, or if close enough take drive there and look for one. As mentioned Elk and Moose are Big critters and those quarters will hold a lot of heat. Getting the meat properly cooled and cared for will make a huge difference in the end product you put on the table.
