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what size cooler for deer
#7626291
10/07/19 03:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 299
Goodo Texas Boy
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 299 |
Hello all,
I am going on my first deer hunt next in 12 days.
What size cooler should I bring to store meat in? Also, I am shooting a buck.
I currently have this size cooler: https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/coleman%C2%AE-60-qt-wheeled-performance-cooler#repChildCatid=1502555
Thank you
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7626391
10/07/19 05:36 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 265
TX0303
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 265 |
I've put a lot of deer in a regular 48qt cooler, once quartered up. That is if you cut the meat layer off the ribs and do not keep the rib bones. Central Texas though, the deer are not huge. I would get a regular 60+ qt cooler if you are buying one for the trip. The one you gave a link to may not be wide enough to get a rear ham in to. Coleman Xtremes are great and keep ice a long time. Colman Xtreme Cooler
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7626418
10/07/19 06:01 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 10,522
unclebubba
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 10,522 |
I always take a 110 quart cooler, but that is for up to 3 animals. I am usually with my boy, and we do have the potential to shoot more than one each. If you have a 60 quart cooler, you are good to go. You should be able to fit a buck and a doe in there. Just quarter out and debone the hams.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7626430
10/07/19 06:10 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 16,478
603Country
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 16,478 |
You are pretty darn confident that you’ll get a buck. And...I hope you do.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: 603Country]
#7626783
10/08/19 12:51 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Lalo
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177 |
You are pretty darn confident that you’ll get a buck. And...I hope you do. That was my thought! And buying a cooler could jinx it.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7626854
10/08/19 01:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 304
bassman110
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 304 |
I have one of the RTIC 65 qt and it can easily hold a quartered deer (or two). It also keeps ice a very long time. If you want a good heavy duty cooler I recommend this one. https://www.rticcoolers.com/shop/coolers/roto-molded/RTIC-65-WhiteBut you can but one of the cheaper 65-70 qt cooler's at you favorite discount store that will get the job done at least for a couple years. Hope you get your deer, good luck.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: 603Country]
#7626936
10/08/19 03:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 299
Goodo Texas Boy
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 299 |
You are pretty darn confident that you’ll get a buck. And...I hope you do. Yes I am very confident. I will not miss.
Last edited by Goodo Texas Boy; 10/08/19 03:06 AM.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7626971
10/08/19 04:06 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,741
Txduckman
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 17,741 |
60 qt is just fine. Been using a 48 at for a long time! Gotten 2 deer in there barely.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7629741
10/11/19 03:54 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 454
Brother Phil
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 454 |
I used 100 qt coolers for many years. That is really larger than needed. Last year I purchased a 70 qt cooler. It is an ideal size. I do not suggest removing the meat from the quarters, in the field. That could lead to an unpleasant experience if you are stopped by a game warden.
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7629750
10/11/19 04:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 544
Stykes
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 544 |
I use the 110 to 120 quart coolers for up to two deer (now days it's mostly axis) sized animals quartered out. This leaves plenty of room for ice and thawing and adding more ice over a few days. You can stuff more meat in but it starts to get crowded. I process all the animals I harvest so it is important to ice down to partial ice/bloody water, drain and repeat for a few days. If you are taking to a processor then you could have more meat in the cooler. Just have enough ice to get you there.
As long as you keep the heads that are tagged, the meat, however cut up, will not be an issue with a game warden. Unless you have 6 round roasts and only two heads!!!
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Brother Phil]
#7629779
10/11/19 11:22 AM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,525
flintknapper
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 5,525 |
I used 100 qt coolers for many years. That is really larger than needed. Last year I purchased a 70 qt cooler. It is an ideal size. I do not suggest removing the meat from the quarters, in the field. That could lead to an unpleasant experience if you are stopped by a game warden. ^^^^^Yep, bad idea.
Spartans ask not...how many, but where!
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7629845
10/11/19 01:27 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,081
TKandMike
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,081 |
60qt and above should be good. Good luck on the hunt, report back
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: Goodo Texas Boy]
#7630090
10/11/19 06:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154
KWood_TSU
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,154 |
My 75 qt Bison held 3 does quartered just fine, But it was too dang heavy for me to handle by myself.
Amat Victoria Curam - Victory Loves Preparation
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Re: what size cooler for deer
[Re: 603Country]
#7630409
10/12/19 12:54 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,709
decook
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,709 |
You are pretty darn confident that you’ll get a buck. And...I hope you do. Its better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. I hope you get him too - hunt hard!
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