While hunting, I’m sure you went through all the processes. From planting chicory to lure deer down to using the best carbon arrows, everything has been planned out to ensure that you get the big buck for both meat and bragging rights. After that, what happens AFTER you capture your buck and put it in the back of your truck? You won’t be leaving it to rot, but you’ll be getting as much meat as you can out of it. If you’re not sure how to get the meat, then you may want to consider having your deer processed. But how much does deer processing cost?
Read on as I talk about what you need to know about deer processing and how you can find one worth your money!
How Much does Deer Processing Cost?
Many butchers around the state would charge about $70 for the base package. This package includes skinning the deer, as well as cutting and wrapping the meat they get. It is not an exact price, as some would offer a five dollar difference, more or less.
Here’s a video on deer processing to help you get the gist of how it works:
If you have specific cuts or an individualized order, then prepare to spend extra for that, which also depends on what you expect and how big your deer is.
When skinning, processors would rather that the hunter leaves the deer skinned for sanitation issues, while others prefer that the deer was skinned. Skinning the deer is about $22 minimum.
There are also other factors to consider, such as the way you want to cut it. You might want it like a sausage, bacon, burger, or jerky. You will need to add about $3 to $4 per pound, while burgers are the least expensive at $0.50 per pound.
Also, remember that many butchers as for a down payment, which is around $50 or 50% of what they charge. Always bring money especially if you are sure to work with the butcher.
See also:
- How Much Meat From a Deer Can You Get? The Answers You Need to Know
- The Ultimate Purchasing Guide to the Best Deer Cart for Better Hunting Now
Tips for Finding a Butcher to Process Your Deer
Now that you know about the prices of deer processing and the average prices, the next part is how to choose a reputable butcher around your area. While many butchers offer the similar services of processing deer, you need to take into the following factors to ensure you have safe and excellent service:
Cleanliness
You don’t want to enter the butcher’s shop and see a messy area filled with unclean tools or blood around. The butcher’s shop should not stink or look dirty because you know that a clean place will equate to clean and organized processing.
Reputation and Experience
Ask fellow hunters or the butcher himself about how experienced he is in processing deer. These two factors are important because you’ll want to expect quality cuts while getting the right amount of meat at the time asked.
Cooling Space
Your butcher should have the adequate cooling space or large coolers that can fit all the deer they process. After all, you wouldn’t want to see your processed deer lying around under room temperature. It should be aged well and in the right cooler to keep it last for longer.
Service
Make sure that the butcher you choose is flexible and can make a choice between different cuts, according to how you want it, whether you want to leave some parts whole or leave the bone in. They can also offer customized packaging according to your preference. But remember that this may cost more!
Take note of the packaging as well. It should be in vacuum-sealed bags and tightly wrapped freezer paper packages, sealed well-using tape to last. Labels are vital as well so you are assured you know when the deer was processed and the type of cut to ensure organization.
Read more: Hunter’s Guide To Cooking Deer: 8 Tips To Make The Most Of It
Time of Returning
Peak business times will call for longer waiting. But either way, you should have a set time to pick up your meat and that time should be honored. Ask when it can be finished, ensuring that it will still have quality cuts. The shorter, the better, but you may need to pay more for rushed services.
In Conclusion
While hunting, there are things you’ll need to take care of even after capturing your buck. Since it may be difficult butchering a deer yourself, it’s best to have a professional do it until such time you have the proper equipment and knowledge to process what you caught yourself. But either way, you’ll be able to get the meat you want for cooking and consumption- according to your standards.
I hope that this article answers your question: “How much does deer processing cost?” Now that you know about butchering deer, you can find the appropriate butcher near you. So don’t wait any longer and find the best butcher in town today!
If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences on processing deer, then comment down below. I would love to hear what you have to think.