One of the best parts about hunting is getting to consume the natural, sustainable protein we harvest. Going to the processor to pick up the packaged meat from our kill is a satisfying feeling. Even more satisfying, however, is the feeling of taking the animal from field-to-table yourself. There is something very rewarding in knowing how to prepare edible meat from wild game.<\/p>\n
The first deer I killed I had processed for me. I dropped it off and picked up a paper bag of packaged meat. It was convenient, but I felt removed from the process. A few months later, I found myself with a deer that died trying to hop my fence in the middle of August. After receiving a salvage tag from my local sheriff, I was up all night learning how to break down this whole animal. YouTube is our friend in times like these. Armed with a Sawzall, a hunting knife, and the Meateater Guide to Large Game<\/em>, I managed to make my way through the process, and it only took about eight hours.<\/p>\n What I learned is that while not an easy task, it is one that anyone could learn to do. With a few basic tools you could be saving $80 per deer and moving to the next level as a hunter. Another bonus of learning how to butcher is that on large game backpack hunts, the animal typically has to be boned out or quartered in the field before packing it out.<\/p>\n Things You Will Need<\/span>:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n