I process my own that way I know its been taken care of properly and not mixed up with someone elses deer that may not have been. Besides its cheaper and I enjoy it I get a couple of friends to help me wrap it while I butcher it and well throw some on the grill and have a few drinks afterwards its a good time.
I do all of my own also. As stated before, I know that what goes in my freezer is what I acually killed and I know how it was handled. It also cuts the cost down a lot when you're talking about 6 to 8 deer per season. This year I may take one to a Mennoninte processor in Arkansas though. They make the absolute, hands-down best jalapeno-cheddar summer sausage in the world.
Same here. Been processing my own out of quality and cost. Plus, the butcher I was using screwed me over 2x. First time didn't give me the deer back in the way I ordered it. Second time I dropped off a 2yo doe for the entire thing to be made into bologna and got back 3 sticks. Learned to do my own and haven't looked back. Getting together with buddies is a side bonus. We each help with one another's deer. The process goes faster and we can talk about the hunt while doing it.
We process our deer 100% of the time. There's usually 3 or 4 of us, and knock them out pretty quickly.
Yeah my wife helps with the processing. It also is cool to see the neighbors reactions. Plus is alot cheaper and love the taste of fresh venison.
I have always dropped mine off, this year will be the same. My family has only ever used 1 processor for all our livestock and game animals. However, this is something I want to learn for next year.
I hope to process one doe this year and see how it goes. The rest will be sent to the butcher. If I like it and it goes well the next year I will plan on doing more. This is actually something that I have been looking foward to alot this season. It just seems like an enjoyable process and a great way to cap off the hunt. Any tips for a newbie on this guys???
Keep things sterlized. If possible let hang overnight. If you make a wrong cut don't worry it can go in the burger pile. Have fun
I cut up my own. It can be a handful for one person, but I have a decent system and do it over the course of a week.
I used to... it's simply not worth my time these days. I take mine to the local processor, and I absolutely know for certain I get my own deer back. The owner and everyone there knows me so well after dropping off six or seven a year for the past 10+ years that it's like walking into "Cheers"... I open the door, and it's "Greeeeg!!!"
Been processing my deer with my in laws, as i hunt with my father in law. good family fun, and you can cut it as you want.
I do all of mine myself. No reason not too. Hey littlechief, were in AR is this mennonite butcher you use for the sausage. Might try to drop one of mine off this year.
