Tim
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2A Bourbon Hound 2024
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**** TL/DR version ****
How long can I keep a 1/4'd deer in a cooler....in 85* weather....before getting it processed?
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So, most of my deer hunting experience has been up north. November/December in Michigan meant that your barn typically served as the beer fridge and would keep the Thanksgiving turkey frozen for a couple days easily. 'Cause it was cold.
When we killed a deer it was field dressed...well, in the field. Then, if we couldn't get it cut up right away we'd hang it from a beam in the barn and hope it wasn't frozen solid by the time we got to it.
So fast forward to being on a hunting lease in SC where I'm looking at 85* in the stand this weekend. My typical plan is to ensure that either I or my buddy would be able to get it to his walk in cooler (he has a restaurant) or a processor right away to not risk letting it spoil. He's not around this weekend.
So here's my dilemma...I actually have a couple days to myself starting tomorrow. I plan to hit the range in the morning and hunt all afternoon and evening. Then, I'm going to camp at the lease and to a 3 Gun Match (Clinton, Upstate 3 Gun) on Saturday, then hunt again Saturday night.
On the off chance I whack one Friday afternoon/evening, can I keep the thing in a cooler until I can get to a processor/walk in cooler on Sunday?
How long can I keep a 1/4'd deer in a cooler....in 85* weather....before getting it processed?
****
So, most of my deer hunting experience has been up north. November/December in Michigan meant that your barn typically served as the beer fridge and would keep the Thanksgiving turkey frozen for a couple days easily. 'Cause it was cold.
When we killed a deer it was field dressed...well, in the field. Then, if we couldn't get it cut up right away we'd hang it from a beam in the barn and hope it wasn't frozen solid by the time we got to it.
So fast forward to being on a hunting lease in SC where I'm looking at 85* in the stand this weekend. My typical plan is to ensure that either I or my buddy would be able to get it to his walk in cooler (he has a restaurant) or a processor right away to not risk letting it spoil. He's not around this weekend.
So here's my dilemma...I actually have a couple days to myself starting tomorrow. I plan to hit the range in the morning and hunt all afternoon and evening. Then, I'm going to camp at the lease and to a 3 Gun Match (Clinton, Upstate 3 Gun) on Saturday, then hunt again Saturday night.
On the off chance I whack one Friday afternoon/evening, can I keep the thing in a cooler until I can get to a processor/walk in cooler on Sunday?
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