Home Game Processing: The Ultimate Hunting DIY Adventure

Did you know one of the fastest-growing trends in the hunting world is home game processing? That’s right—more hunters are rolling up their sleeves and taking control of their meals, skipping the processor and going full DIY. It’s like the ultimate hunter’s kitchen challenge!

For seasoned hunters, it’s a natural evolution—why let someone else take the glory (and the game meat) when you can handle it yourself? But, if you’ve always dropped your deer off at the processor, you might be feeling a little nervous. Don’t sweat it—turn it into a fun adventure! Think of it like crafting your very own meat masterpiece.

With a few tools, a little practice, and maybe a couple of YouTube videos for guidance, you’ll be the proud owner of custom cuts, homemade sausages, and premium jerky—and you’ll have the satisfaction of saying, “I did that!” Plus, you’ll never have to rely on anyone else again to get your game from field to table. How cool is that?

Ready to level up your hunting game? Get your apron on and start processing—it's your meat, your way!

Advantages of Processing Your Own Game

Processing your own game meat has several key advantages that can make the experience rewarding and even enjoyable:

You Know You're Getting Your Own Meat Back

One of the biggest benefits is the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly where your meat comes from. By processing it yourself, you can be sure that the meat has been handled properly throughout the entire process. No concerns about mix-ups or contamination—you’ve done it all yourself.

Control Over Seasoning

When you process your own game, you have complete control over the seasoning and flavoring of the meat. Want a unique rub for your steaks or a special spice blend for your sausages? You can make it just the way you like it.

Processing Your Own Meat is Fun!

There’s a sense of satisfaction that comes with processing your own meat. Whether it’s the thrill of breaking down a big game animal or the creativity of crafting your own jerky, it’s a hands-on process that lets you connect deeply with the food you’re putting on your table.

Homemade Jerky

Making jerky from your own game meat is a rewarding process. The key to great jerky starts as soon as the animal hits the ground. Cooling the meat quickly is crucial as it preserves the quality. Promptly field dressing and removing the fur or feathers help speed up the cooling process, which is essential to avoid spoilage.

Aging Game Meat

If you have a space where you can control the temperature, aging your meat is a great move. Hanging your game at the ideal temperature (between 0°C and 1°C) with proper airflow will allow enzymes to tenderize the meat and create a pellicle, making cleaning and trimming easier. Ideally, don’t age the meat for more than 14 days.