Game processing/Health issue

[irvingdog]

Here's the skinny. I wacked 3 does last November with a bow. They were butchered and frozen within 48 hours. I got them to a guy who was going to make me sausage/grind me some stuff.

He hasn't started working on the meat yet (03/26/2007). Am I out 3 deer? Did he screw me over? Would you pay for or accept the sausage and ground meat at this point?

Yes, I'm nervous. And bummed out. I don't waste game.

[Bobb-o]

If the meat was frozen correctly i wouldnt worry, i had some from 2005 that i didnt grind up and make into brats until Oct of 2006 for deer camp and they tasted great and didnt make anyone ill.

[DIRTY BIKER]

It will be fine as long as it was taking care of properly and frozen in good air tight bags, I make sausage all year long,But it wouldnt hurt to give him a call since it is yours.

[Tom Linderholm]

Second that, as long as the butcher has the proper refridgeration and has kept the meat at 0 for the entirety of the time you should be fine. When you go to pick it up check out a sample of it before you fork over the money. I always go by if I wouldn't eat it I shouldn't pay for it, no matter what the taste. It's certainly worth giving him a call and telling him your concern.

[Surface Tension]

I agree with what others have said about being wrapped and kept frozen, the meat should be fine.

What isn't right is that your waiting over 4 months to get your sausage back. I think you fell through the cracks somewhere. There is no way a butcher is that busy, forgetful yes. I'd make the call and ask "wheres the beef"

[bassNspear]

I have to disagree a bit.

The meat itself is going to be ok. As long as they froze the meat right away, and not let it in the cooler for a matter of time, and froze it right away, you will be ok.

I usta work in a meat market. There is time where in the middle of deer season, you cant keep up with the processing when you get 400 deer in. That is why butchers will cut the dear, freeze it, and then go back to it and make everything up.

Its a process of first come. Whoever gets the deer in first, is goign to get there stuff back. I can understand that 4 months might be a long time. But the biggest thing is, that they do it right and get the meat back in the right way.

Hope it all goes good for you. It should be fine!!

[john.wells]

that is a ridiculous amount of time. Find a different butcher this coming season, or better yet- try to process it yourself. Jerky is a piece of cake to do, and you don't need any special equipment.

[charliepete2]

That's a crazy amount of time, but if properly cared for the meat will be fine. I cut steaks, and a few roasts during the season, and food saver and freeze the rest. Last weekend I got together with a few buddies, split costs, drank beer, and made 250#'s of various types of sausage. We do the same thing at the same time every year and it turns out great.

[ChompChomp_YANK]

Have you ever the quote "YOUR FIRED" good luck!!