If you have ever hunted deer, you know that the hard work isn't over once you have made the shot. There are several crucial steps you must take to ensure that the meat is safe to eat and that you are complying with regulations. In this post, we will cover the top 10 things you need to do after you shoot a deer, including why hunters wait after shooting a deer.
As a general rule hunters wait at least 30 minutes after shooting a deer to allow time for the deer to expire. If the deer does not immediately expire, waiting will reduce the chances of the wounded deer becoming frightened and fleeing deeper into the woods and increase your chances of a successful hunt; ensuring that your kill is retrieved safely and humanely.
Once you have confirmed that the deer is dead, you should tag it immediately and field dress it. Then, you will need to transport the deer and have it checked by a game warden to make sure that it is legal to keep. After that, you can process the meat and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
If you are new to deer hunting or just want to make sure that you're following the best practices, keep reading for our top 10 things you need to do after you shoot a deer.
Allow Time for the Deer to Expire If you approach the deer too soon, it may still be alive and doing so may trigger its flight instinct. Also, a wounded deer can be dangerous due to its sharp hooves and antlers, so it is best to wait at least 30 minutes to start tracking your kill.
Confirm That the Deer is Dead When approaching a deer, it is recommended to approach from its rear in a calm and quiet manner. To determine if the deer is breathing, monitor the chest area for any signs of rise and fall. Additionally, observe the deer's eyes as they can provide insight into the animal's state. Typically, if the deer has passed away its eyes will remain open and have a glassy appearance without any movement.
Tag the Deer Immediately Locate the appropriate tag on your hunting license and use a pen to fill out the name of the property and correct county. Then, notch out the day and month portion of the tag and attach it securely to the animal. Tag rules will vary from state to state so be sure to know the regulations for the state you’re hunting in. This will help to ensure proper tracking and management of deer populations in your area.
Have the Deer Checked Depending on where you are hunting, there are different rules and regulations on checking your game after tagging. A hunter usually has anywhere from 12 to 24 hours to check their game with a Game Warden. In most states hunters can check hunted game online or by phone. Other states provide check-in stations. Check your state and local laws for validation.
Field Dress the Deer It is important to prioritize cleanliness and proper storage techniques to preserve the quality of your game. Bacteria growth is the primary culprit, and it thrives in conditions of heat, moisture, and dirt. Start by removing all the deer’s organs as soon as possible, after it is confirmed dead. This will begin cooling down the meat. It is strongly recommended that novice hunters seek guidance from experienced hunters when performing this task. Wearing plastic gloves during the cleaning process is highly advised to prevent the transmission of blood-borne illnesses through any cuts or wounds. Disposable gloves are small, compact, and readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets, making it easy to carry them in a pocket when out hunting. Taking these precautions not only ensures the safety of the hunter but also maintains the quality of the meat for consumption.
Transport the Deer Properly If you have ever watched TV, one mistake you may have seen is tying the animal to the hood or roof of a car. This will expose the meat to harmful elements such as heat, exhaust fumes, road salt, and dirt. Quarter the deer then pack the quarters in plastic bags, in ice chests. Do not process the meat further until reaching the destination. It is also crucial to comply with game laws regarding the proper documentation of the animal's sex. To further ensure the quality of meat, most hunters opt to take their game to a commercial meat cooler. This allows for proper aging of the meat, with a typical white-tailed deer being aged for up to three or four days at 40° Fahrenheit. When transporting game, it is important to cover it to be respectful and avoid any potential offense to others. By following these guidelines, hunters can ensure that their game is properly handled and ready for consumption.
Process the Meat When it comes to processing deer, you can either have it professionally or do it yourself. While having it done professionally does mean you have to spend some money, it can ensure that your meat is handled properly and save you a lot of e. While taking a deer from field to table can feel daunting, it can also be rewarding when you are sharing it with friends and family for dinner. After aging the meat, skin the carcass, then extract all the meat from the bones. This can then be divided into various meal-sized cuts such as roasts, steaks, chops, and trim for ground meat. It may be beneficial to set aside some of the meat for subsequent processed products and depending on the type of deer, it may be feasible to use the entire animal in the creation of other meat-based products.
Store the Meat Properly Choose a storage option such as heavily waxed paper, freezer wrap, heavy-duty aluminum foil, vacuum bags, or plastic freezer storage bags. Whichever option you choose, be sure to wrap the meat tightly and remove any air from the bag before sealing it shut. It is also important to label your packages with the contents and dates using a permanent marker. This will help you keep track of what is in your freezer and how long it has been there. When it comes to storing the packages in the freezer, make sure to space them out to allow proper air circulation for cooling and freezing. Once your packages are solidly frozen within 24 hours, you can restack them within the freezer. Properly wrapped game meat can be stored in the freezer for 9-12 months.
Dispose of the Remains Responsibly The disposal of deer remains is a crucial aspect of the hunting process, and it is imperative to bury them at least 2 to 3 feet deep to prevent scavengers from creating an unsanitary mess. Alternatively, hunters can safely dispose of these remains at their local landfill if the facility accepts animal carcasses. Hunters typically field dress their deer, so it is crucial to dispose of the entrails properly and not leave them on the ground. Throwing remains into streams or other water bodies is prohibited and can result in a citation for littering, either on private or public property. When disposed of correctly, the deer remains will undergo decomposition and attract insects, which contribute to nature's recycling program. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of deer remains adequately to ensure the environment remains healthy and free from pollution.
Reflect on the Experience Taking time to reflect on your hunting experience can help you identify what went well and what did not, giving you insights on how to improve your hunting skills. It also helps you appreciate the experience more, allowing you to savor the memories and experiences you have had. Moreover, reflecting on your hunting experience can give you a better understanding of the ecosystem and the behavior of the deer. This knowledge can help you become a better and more ethical hunter, which is important for the sustainability of deer hunting as a sport. Ultimately, reflecting on your hunting experience can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding hunting experience.
In conclusion, hunting is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it comes with responsibilities. Once you have successfully hunted a deer, it is important to follow the proper steps for handling it. These steps include allowing time for the deer to expire, confirming that the deer is dead, tagging it immediately, having it checked, field dressing it, transporting it properly, processing the meat, storing it properly, disposing of the remains responsibly, and reflecting on the experience. By following these steps, you can ensure that you are being responsible and respectful to both the animal and the environment. Are you looking up "why do hunters wait after shooting a deer" on your browser? Look no further than East 2 West Hunts! East 2 West Hunts is focused on tag applications, hunt planning, and other opportunities in the outdoors. I'll share my insights through articles and work directly with my clients to give them the best service possible to achieve their hunting goals. Book a consultation to discuss hunt planning or shop through our online merchandise today!
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