how long do you keep deer in the freezer
10-18-2007, 10:12 PM
#23
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Northern MN
Posts: 20
RE: how long do you keep deer in the freezer
ORIGINAL: W9AR
1 year with butcher paper.
2 years with freezer zip lock bags.
3+ years with vacuum sealed bags.
My son just went on a camping trip and took along some vacuum sealed bear roast and said it tasted fine. It was from 2003.
1 year with butcher paper.
2 years with freezer zip lock bags.
3+ years with vacuum sealed bags.
My son just went on a camping trip and took along some vacuum sealed bear roast and said it tasted fine. It was from 2003.
You forgot:
4+ years give it to the in-laws
I usually only keep stuff around for 2yrs. I usually give last years stuff away when I start re-stocking the freezer in the fall.
10-19-2007, 04:54 AM
#24
Dominant Buck
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Ramsey , Indiana
Posts: 22,545
RE: how long do you keep deer in the freezer
The deciding factor is whether or not the meat gets exposure to freezing air, freezer burn and oxidation will spoil any meat. I give mine a coat of vegetable oil , then a tightly wrapped two layer blanket of plastic wrap, secured by a carefully applied layer of aluminum foil. I've pulled two year old venison from the freezer that didn't taste or feel any different than freshly cut meat. Prep is everything.
09-21-2009, 01:07 PM
#26
Typical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 753
This is a good thread and I will take everyone's advice about wrapping it in plastic and butcher paper, etc. for this season. But last season I shot a deer and just put it in ziplock freezer bags without cutting out the bones, etc. I was consciencious about squeezing out as much air as possible, but didn't use butcher paper or plastic wrap. I just realized I didn't use it all (a ham and a shoulder are left). It's in a good upright freezer that hasn't been opened in probably 6 months. Do you think it's still good?
09-21-2009, 03:14 PM
#29
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location:
Posts: 509
I don't care how long it's "good" Any left of the "old' Gets tossed when the new arrives. So a year tops.
I donate a lot of venison.....so I see how much is left before the season starts.....and donate any excess at that time. Nothing will be in our freezer more than a year, this way (actually a few months less). It's all dated, too.
I was consciencious about squeezing out as much air as possible, but didn't use butcher paper or plastic wrap.
