That time of year again

[Auggie]

   The time of year has arrived where many of you may have trophy animals of all size and species being taken. If anybody has questions on field care or any others let me know.

[thunderpout]

Auggie.... whats your take on how quick you butcher a deer?  We always get ours done as soon as they cool down... I know some folks that hang their deer for a while after, if its cool enough...  that and whats the best way to hang em... head up or head down?  Like alot of things, I always seem to get two different answers on these questions........

[Auggie]

    I like to skin my deer as soon as possible. Especially if it is going to be mounted. The longer it hangs or rides around in back of a truck the worse off that hide is. The side facing down holds heat in allowing bacteria to grow and potentially break down the hide. The hide also needs to cool before being wrapped up and frozen. If it is cool enough out I recommend getting it off and cooling it well in a position that any fluids can drain off the hide before freezing it. Or if you have the knowledge to split flesh and salt it would be even better. My other reason is it just skins easier.
    Now when it comes to the meat, if the weather is cool, I don't mind letting it hang for a couple days. At least 24 hours to give that meat a good chance to cool. If it is to warm I quarter and refrigerate. When it comes to hanging I prefer to hang them head down. For one I feel they are easier to skin this way. Second, if you are going to mount, hanging by the neck can damage the hide (hair and skin side both). And the third reason is that according to an old indian acquaintance when you hang an animal by its head the fluids from the brain drain down into the meat and it will give it a more gamey taste. Might be  but in my experience deer killed the same day hung in the opposite positions tasted different. Head down being better. That is my 2 cents.

[Super Star!]

Old indian friend.. were you talking to your self in the mirror again..

[LLtaxidermy]

I believe it is true what your old indian friend says. I've seen deer hung both ways side by side and the head up deer gets a slightly grey tint to the meat. Supposedly from the fluid in the brain.

[thunderpout]

Thanx guys....