Where to get deer processed?

[mainbutter]

First of all: I got my first deer this morning! Hurray! 6pt buck too, more than happy with it as my first!

Here's the dilemma: The processing places I know of are in the cities. Right now we're south of moose lake, north of hinkley, close-ish to 35W. With this warm weather, I don't think I can let the carcass hang for very long (34 nighttime low, 45 daytime high).

1) How long should I let the deer hang? Should I take it to get processed TOMORROW?

2) We still want to hunt a few more days. Is there anywhere nearby that someone would recommend, so we don't use up a lot of time?

3) As long as we're on the subject, I've found some places via the internet I was thinking of using for basic deer processing. Does anyone have a particular place they'd recommend b/c of great service etc? Close to 35W and between minneapolis and forest lake is a plus for me.

[Cheetah]

Hang it from a tree and get it skinned and quartered. Put the meat on ice or if you are at a cabin with a refrigerator you can put it in there too. There is a sticky thread in this forum for how to do all the processing while you are at it.

[SpecialK]

Mainbutter I am in Hinckley right now. I will get some names of good processors tonight from the future in-laws as to where to take it. If you still have it hanging, it should be ok for the night as the temps here are going to drop.

[mainbutter]

Thanks a ton guys!

I may just attempt to follow the how-to guide, being my first deer it'd be a neat experience anyways. I gotta say though that my first field dressing sure did not take the quick 7-9 minutes that youtube vids show. The next'll go faster now that I know what I'm doing though I'm just a little worried I'll ruin most of the meat if I try to debone it myself.. but then again, if I'm going to learn to do it, there's gotta be a first time.

[carpshooterdeluxe]

I don't think you could ask for better temps right now for hanging a deer. maybe a touch warm in the afternoons, but keep it in a shop or in a shady area and your deer would be fine.

[DinnerPail]

Temps are fine for hanging right now, just make sure your get it hung and opened up and you'll be fine.

[SpecialK]

Chris's foodcenter in sandstone is where I am being told to send you. Grats again on your deer!

[Archerysniper]

Corts deer processing near pine city.

[TylerS]

If you have the space, maybe consider doing it yourself? I've processed my own venison for the better part of a decade, and it's much easier than people think.

[LakeoftheWoods]

Thanks a ton guys!

I may just attempt to follow the how-to guide, being my first deer it'd be a neat experience anyways. I gotta say though that my first field dressing sure did not take the quick 7-9 minutes that youtube vids show. The next'll go faster now that I know what I'm doing though I'm just a little worried I'll ruin most of the meat if I try to debone it myself.. but then again, if I'm going to learn to do it, there's gotta be a first time.

GO FOR IT!!!!!

[goblueM]

the meat will still taste the same if its cut in funny shapes and sizes

its a fun process and very satisfying to butcher your own deer

congrats on your first!

[mnguy152]

do it yourself I been doing it for about the last 15 years when I got something to cut up. Get a good filet knife and board and a saw and you are set up. I take all my scraps in to make the sauage and weiners the rest i cut in to steaks and roast.You can have it all done in a few hours and a few cold ones later you are done lol.

[SpecialK]

I hunt with my brother and we always do our own unless there isn't time. Do it yourself if you have the time, if not, no one here will give you grief for taking it somewhere and stimulating the local economy.