Doemasters

I ran into a buddy of mine Monday. He neck shot a doe Friday afternoon for meat to give to a guy he works with. His co-worker is off this week. My first question is is the meat still good? It's been in heavy ice since Friday evening. Also, how long can you leave meat on ice before processing to freeze?

Doemasters

Can someone please help me out....

burniegoeasily

I hang, or age my meat at least a week before I butcher it. If it is on ice, i would assume it is cooler than 40 degrees, it will be fine for up to a week. I will hang my deer out in my shop for a week, as long as the temp doesnt get above 40, I like about 35 degrees. If it does get hotter, i quarter it, and put it all in a fridge I modified to hand deer in. Agian, I wont touch it for a week. The only thing you want to watch out for, while ageing/storing, is either freezing it or letting it get too hot before processing.

little-d

i have been doing my own meat processing for over 25 years and have never had any problem with getting sick or meat going bad,with that said i will leave de-boned deer meat in a good cooler for up to 14 days but 7 to 10 is best,but you must keep the water drained off i just leave the drain plug open.There must be ice on the bottom of meat on the sides and on top. To help with the cost of ice i buy balloons and filled them with water and put them in the freezer,but don't touch them untill they are froze solid.