Keeping boned out meat cool.

[Darin]

If a meat hall isn't in the budget how do you all keep boned out meat cool? Would it be best to leave the meat on the bone for eaisier hanging and then bone out before the hike?

 

[Schism]

If you are still in the backcountry, separating the meat from the hide and the bone is essential in getting it cooled down the fastest. Use breathable game bags like the Alaska Game bags and hang the meat to allow air to circulate around it. Low areas in the shade near moving water are the best areas to hang meat that is waiting to be packed out.

-Schism

 

[bullelk]

What Schism said. Meat tends to spoil from the bone outward. Some guys put it in garbage bags and submerge it to cool, then hang it up to dry. I would only do this as a very last resort. Getting it into a cool, shady draw where air can circulate around the game bags will work on a very hot day.

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

+1 Schism.

Once you got it to the truck, bring some big coolers and keep plenty of ice in them for any long drives home. Just keep the meat in the game bags and pour the ice on all sides. Keep draining the meltwater and filling with ice as you go.

 

[Darin]

Thanks for the advice. I was worried the meat would collect in the bottom of the game bag. Do you guys just make sure all pieces are getting air?

 

[Stringmusic]

Hang your quarters in game bags in the shade. If your talking elk, I would take two extra game bags for all the other pieces. Less meat in the bag will cool faster.

 

[goducksbv]

GOTE Gear has some reusable game bags that are very breathable. They have a hanging strap and the bone-out bag comes with a strap that can be used in the middle of the bag to separate the meat into two halves... Check them out

 

[coyhuntermn]

I would second the game bags but here is the key that I have found. Run a rope across a creek strong enough to hold all the meat. I tie a knot in the game bag and then slip a S hook under the knot and then hook it on the rope for easy on and off. Now here is the key take a 5x8 tarp and stretch it over the top to keep the sun off and TRAP the COLD AIR from the creek. I have hung meat for 3 days before cutting it up in camp with no issues. I hunt southern CO so 70-80 degree sunny days are the norm. This works so well I will keep camp near a creek as a priority driving farther if needed.

 

[T43]

I have been wondering if packing ice in on a return trip would be worth the trouble if more than two troops to the truck are required.

 

[plentycoupe]

the meat will pile into the bottom of the game bag Darin. Just keep adjusting as often as you can. You can easily reposition the pieces of meat in the bag, or hand the bag by the middle or other end or a numer of things.

You don't have to hand the bags at all providing you can keep the others critters off of them. You can pile brush or sticks or anything that you can lay the bags on to get air flow all around them. Try not to lay the bag on a solide surface though.

The key is keeping it cool and dry and removing ALL contaminated meat from the good stuff. Citric acid sprayed on the surface will help in keeping bacteria from starting to grow.

Check out pristine ventures website. Larry Bartlet is pretty good at showing how to keep game meat from spoiling.

 

[Kevin Root]

I really like the Ultra Light, Big game bags by Caribou. They might be a bit more in cost than some of the other bags out there but they are awesome. They really clean up well and are like new when you are done and ready for your next hunt.

http://www.biggamebags.com/

Here is a write up also as well on bag comparison on their site as well and also the tip on citric acid and such for game care.

http://www.biggamebags.com/Game_Bag_Comparison.html

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I've also built a little bridge across a stream before in the shade with sticks and laid the game bags a crossed that and it worked very well. But not for to long the coyotes can get to it, but if making multiple trips the same day it works great.