Post-Hunting Session: Best Practices for Transporting Your Harvested Deer

Bringing home a freshly harvested deer is what every hunter loves about. The thrill of the hunt, the skill, and patience required all culminate in that triumphant feeling of success. But once you’ve bagged your trophy, how do you ensure everything goes smoothly while preserving game meat so it stays fresh and pristine during transport?

In this post-hunting guide, we’ll dive into some best practices for transporting your harvested deer to maximize its quality and taste. From field dressing techniques to legal compliance, we’ve got you covered.

Know How to Field Dress Properly

Field dressing is a must-have skill for preserving the quality of the meat and ensuring its safe transport. The first step is to choose a clean and flat surface, preferably elevated, where you can lay the deer down. Start by making an incision along the deer’s belly from its chest to its pelvic bone. Next, carefully remove the internal organs while being mindful of any bile or feces that could contaminate the meat. Once you’ve removed all the organs, take a moment to rinse out the cavity with cold water if available. After rinsing, pat dry using paper towels or a clean cloth.

Keep It Clean and Cool

Keeping it clean and cool not only ensures the quality of the meat but also helps prevent spoilage. That’s why, once you have field dressed the deer, you’ve got to lay it on the tarp to keep it off the ground and protect it from dirt and debris. Next, …