After field dressing a deer, would putting it in a old refrigerator work as good as cooler and ice? Also how long should you age it for? Are hogs any different?

Try it for a couple of days and let us know. Also welcome.

Howdy, welcome to the THF.

Yes, a refrigerator will work just fine. Use a thermometer and make sure it stays BELOW 40 degrees. 34 - 38 degrees is target temp. Don’t let it freeze. Humidity control doesn’t matter with this. How long is up to you. I typically age mature buck deer and big boar hogs for 1-2 weeks, but have gone as long as 3 weeks once on a big boar. If you’re going to grind the meat then aging isn’t necessary.

Some folks are nervous about eating hogs, much less aging them, but there is nothing to worry about as long as your temp stays below 40.

Thanks for both your responses!

Dang newbies asking good questions who ever heard of such crap?! Welcome to THF

Right lol

Thanks skinnerback, and everyone else. New gulf, I’ll try asking dumber questions in the future!