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Processing Newbie - Please help! #4784688 11/26/13 09:05 PM
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txblackgold Offline OP
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I have 2 deer quartered and in my cooler. I will be attempting to process them in a few days. I have never done this. I have not read too much (there is info overload on the internet if you haven't noticed). What is a good/simply/easy resource to guide me through the process? Thanks in advance!

Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: txblackgold] #4784708 11/26/13 09:10 PM
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keep it simple. I cut my backstrap for steaks. I leave the tenderloins whole. I cut a roast from each hind. you can use that for steak, roast, jerkey etc. everything else gets ground.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: bigbob_ftw] #4785096 11/26/13 10:58 PM
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When separating and de-boning, remove as much of the whitish membrane as possible while you are at it. As bigbob stated, keep it as simple as possible the first time … we used to pull backstraps and cut each roughly in half for packaging, then cut into steaks when ready to use upon thawing. Tenderloins whole and we would debone the hams and separate into various sizes of roasts, package and then can do either the entire piece of meat as a roast, or cut into steaks … just depends on your preference. Often we would do similar with the shoulders as a bone in roast or debone and into a separate container as our grinding meat for hamburger or chili. If this is your first one, you likely don’t have a grinder??? But you will need one if you plan on continuing to process your own … We always used plain white butcher paper, but the vacuum seal machines work extremely well if you have one (or ask Santa for one early). I am sure there are a number of YouTube videos that can help you along with basic processing, it can be quite time consuming depending on how much effort you put into getting the membrane taken care of up front. A couple of good sharp knifes and a whet rock and/or sharpening steel will be your friend!


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: PMK] #4785269 11/27/13 12:12 AM
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I'll be making sausage soon. I have some pig to mix in.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: PMK] #4785273 11/27/13 12:13 AM
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Originally Posted By: PMK
When separating and de-boning, remove as much of the whitish membrane as possible while you are at it. As bigbob stated, keep it as simple as possible the first time … we used to pull backstraps and cut each roughly in half for packaging, then cut into steaks when ready to use upon thawing. Tenderloins whole and we would debone the hams and separate into various sizes of roasts, package and then can do either the entire piece of meat as a roast, or cut into steaks … just depends on your preference. Often we would do similar with the shoulders as a bone in roast or debone and into a separate container as our grinding meat for hamburger or chili. If this is your first one, you likely don’t have a grinder??? But you will need one if you plan on continuing to process your own … We always used plain white butcher paper, but the vacuum seal machines work extremely well if you have one (or ask Santa for one early). I am sure there are a number of YouTube videos that can help you along with basic processing, it can be quite time consuming depending on how much effort you put into getting the membrane taken care of up front. A couple of good sharp knifes and a whet rock and/or sharpening steel will be your friend!


Wisdom.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: bigbob_ftw] #4785756 11/27/13 02:38 AM
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Awesome guys. If I get overwhelmed and leave some cuts with the membrane and then freeze, planning to cut the rest when I go to cook it will this mess with the taste? Is it ok to do, even if not recommended. Just curious.

Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: txblackgold] #4786577 11/27/13 02:06 PM
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I doubt the membrane will have much bearing on the taste, more the tenderness / toughness unless removed. There have been times when we were short on time and didn't trim like we normally would ... just adds time (more in my opinion) when thawing and preparing to cook later.

We did all of our own butchering (deer, hogs, calves, etc.) up until my parents got into their 80s when it just got to a point they could no longer help with the process, a true family affair. My dad being highly allergic to the hair/dander of deer also really limited his ability to help on the front end. Around 2002, my dad took my nephew hunting, he killed a deer (he was clueless on processing including field dressing) and my dad talked him thru the gutting processing but decided since I wasn't around to skin, quarter and help with the rest, he took it in to have processed. When he picked up the meat, he called me and stated "I have processed my last deer!!! Best $60 I ever spent!!!" ... after that, we took all our deer in to be processed.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: PMK] #4786645 11/27/13 02:15 PM
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yes, the prices have gone up a little bit even on basic processing, but $75 to save many hours of effort seems like a small price to pay as I have come to a point in my life that time is very important to me ... and my kids are grown, both parents deceased, thus leaving me to do the entire processing ritual by my lonesome OR pay allowing me more time to hunt


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: PMK] #4786815 11/27/13 02:49 PM
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Yup PMK, I'm right there with you. My time is very valuable to me these days. I quit changing my own oil, except for the tractors, and I steadily find other time spending chores to farm out to the local kids.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: Cast] #4786922 11/27/13 03:12 PM
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thanks guys. i certainly appreciate that my time may be worth more, and might should just drop at processor. At least this time, I want to dive in and give it a go myself. Aint no better way to learn than to give it a go.

Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: txblackgold] #4786982 11/27/13 03:25 PM
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OK boys & girls, one more question....Should I add extras to my ground meat? Spices, fat, or just have pure ground venison? I suppose, If I wanted to introduce extras closer to the time I cook it up, I could always mix it later. Might just grind it as is, and freeze. Good/Bad plan?

Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: txblackgold] #4787514 11/27/13 05:30 PM
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you will find pure ground venison to not stick together, it's VERY lean. We used to go with a 90/10 mix with beef tallow (fat trimmings from a brisket) or bacon (but doesn't seem to last long in freezer) ... this will give it enough fatty substance to keep it together when cooking.

no spices if grinding to hamburger or chili ...

Last edited by PMK; 11/27/13 05:30 PM.

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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: PMK] #4789136 11/28/13 03:10 AM
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I prefer 80-20 mix in my grind. Tried 90-10 last year to be healthy, it was good but this year I'm going back to 80-20.


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Re: Processing Newbie - Please help! [Re: OkieDokie] #4791400 11/29/13 02:54 AM
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Mrs. B's kitchen is going to look like a murder scene tomorrow. Please take some pictures?!

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