I have a question for those of you who rely on commercial deer processing. What is a reasonable amount to pay for processing a field dressed deer? How do you go about finding the deer processors in your area? How do you know if the processor is skimming some of the deer meat for himself (sounds like a common problem from the comments on the board)?

I live in Frederick MD, so if you know of a good processor in the area, please let me know. I am a beginner, haven't had any luck yet, but have high hopes for the last few weeks! Thanks.

You're going to pay an arm and a leg in Fred Rick...For some reason. This is why I learned to process my own. Used to be, back in the good ole days in PA I'd pay $25 cut wrapped and carcass disposal was up to the processor who sent it to that rendering plant. When I moved to Frederick I almost died of "sticker shock" $60, last I checked and never ever paid...I do em myself.

~Will Hunt For Food~

Rick C.,

Tim Pry at 301-834-8752 is the BEST! All cuts are boned out and vacuum packed. Cost depends on size of deer. Expect to pay between $65-80.

Shuffs Meats on 15 N will also process deer and have a fair reputation. Don't know what they charge.

As Cyclone pointed out nothing is as cheap as doing it yourself. It is all relevant to how much time you have, and the place and space to do the job.
HTH

I live in Southern Illinois and if you take it to the processors already skinned and even deboned just the meat it is usually around $60 if you just take it in field dressed and thats it you will pay over $100.

Here in Missouri, it runs between $45-$75. Depending on the size of the Deer, and how you get it processed.
I get mine cut into Hams (Round Steaks) Tenderloins (Removed and left whole) and Backstraps into (Boneless T-Bone Steaks)
Shouldera and Rib and Neck Meat into (Hamburger)

It aint Braggin if you back it up...

Rick; I am a firm believer in getting references on meat processors. So by asking here you are off to a good start. Ask around with fellow hunters in your area and find out whom they recommend. As Cyclone posted the cheapest way to go about it is to do it yourself. We usually do our own unless something comes up then we take it to a reputable processor. We pay around $65.00 for ground, all deboned cuts,steaks,chops,ten

nderloins and roasts, it costs extra for the specialty items like sausages, hams etc.We made the mistake of using a meat processor that we knew nothing about without references and got hosed( for lack of a better word). Best of luck in your hunting.

well rick,
I can tell you i process deer here in indiana and if you skin it i charge $55.00 that is all deboned cuts and ground deer in whatever configueration you want it. all smoked and fresh sausage are extra as for "taking the hunters meat" i did 240 deer so far this year and i can give you 240 references to call, i have a lot of hunters who say this same thing to me about another locale place that process deer and this is the same thing i tell my hunters, you should get back roughly 30-40 % on boneless deer and 50-55 % on bone in, these yeilds go down as other factors come into play, such as how long did you hang it where did you shoot it, how many times did you shoot it? did you leave the bladder and part of the crap in the hind end most hunters do not realize how much waste is on a deer but as i tell all my hunters come by and watch your deer go thru if you think there may be a problem, hell i haven't even had time to work up my own meat (3 deer so far 1 was a 200 pound 7 point) hope this helps...............DAB

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On my small 100 pound Deer this year. I had 2/3 cut into Bone in Steaks, The other 1/3 Boneless Cuts.
I got 56 pound of Meat back... I heard 60% of the Meat on the Deer is the Hindquarters (Hams)... <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

It aint Braggin if you back it up...

A good butcher is worth his wt in gold. I lost mine this year. They stoped doing wild game for some reason. I have tryed to get him to do it on the side but he wont. No reason given.
He did my deer for $50 including what ever I wanted done. I took my deer in cleaned and ready to cut.
I dont know about the guy I am using right now. He came recomended and has about 25 years of exp. but just kind of funny about answers.
I posted on doing my own and I am going to look at supplies to see if I can next year.
Take care and Merry Christmas
Rick

Lifes not about knowing the answers, its about asking the questions.