How Cold?
 

Just wondering, how cold should it be to kill a deer and clean it and leave it hanging either overnight or during the day?

RYAN SMITH

RE: How Cold?
 

Shot them in any weather, you can always pack them in ice. As for leaving them out, I only leave them out when the temp. is at least close to what my frig. is set on. Up to about 40 I would say is O.K.. If its two hot I quarter mine and bag them and let them age in a spare frig.. I age them for at least 5 days before I finish butcher them. Ill do the same if it stays below freezing all day.

Lifes a garden, dig it.

RE: How Cold?
 

Here I wash them out as best I can. If its warm I dust the nose, body cavity with black pepper to keep flys out, put a sock on them and hang them high in the shade till I can take them home. If a locker is close they go there. If I am ready the ice goes in and I cover it and take it home. Oh when hanging the deer I use a green stick or somthing to hole the cavity open.
Watch where you aim, clean well, good processing ='s good eating.
Rick

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.

RE: How Cold?
 

Bacteria cant grow at 40 degrees or lower. So, if you need to hang it out this would be a good messurment. The black powder idea is a good one.

KEEP HUNTING THE GREAT OUTDOORS & GOD ALIVE, PASS IT ON!

RE: How Cold?
 

As long as the day time temps are not above 45 and the night is not below 20 I leave them hang as long as 7-10 days, if it is going to stay above 45 I butcher asap.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club