How to Process a Deer: Get Ready to Do It Yourself

This deer season it might be difficult to find a local meat processing plant that accepts deer. Get prepared to process your own venison with the tips shared in this video. See how we process our harvested deer from field to freezer.
#DeerHunting #TeamOutdoors
At GrowingDeer.tv we're all about showing hunters what we are doing each week in the field as we work on our Proving Grounds and others to have better deer hunting! If The hunting strategies and techniques we show can be used if you are hunting public or private land. Our farm has wild, free-ranging deer. If we can grow big antlers on these tough Ozark Mountain bucks, you can too! Good wildlife management tactics, deer management, and food plots with regenerative ag techniques that build better soils! Watch our weekly episodes to see what we're doing, the advice that Dr. Grant Woods (Ph.D Wildlife Biologist) has to share along the way.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

For more videos with good tips on how to prepare venison, field dress, de-bone it and more - choose a video from this playlist, kzbin.info/aero/PLQYBop7_Gt_FR8Rmolm0yXOXHoVWPxcUl

[@brittneydormagen2314]

How crazy you're recipient also. I'm a soon to be a double lung 🫁 recipient. Thank you for sharing that this is ok to eat .

[@frankspivey5199]

I’ve watched deer cleaning videos and have learned a good bit after cleaning them “my way” for 50 years. But your videos have taught me a lot more. I put mine in a old refrigerator for several days and it does not dry out. But most of all your last comment on your videos means the most. Take time to listen what your Creator is saying to you

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Frank!

[@jeremybryant5778]

Amen

[@Taylor2213Swift]

Getting your first deer is an absolutely amazing life changing experience

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Laila - Yes and the start of many great days ahead!

[@MrIhuntcats]

First time on your channel, and I absolutely love that you threw in that your daughter gave you a kidney. How amazing is that? I myself, donated a kidney to a family friend, and it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. Kudos to the both of you! I'll be employing the methods you've shown, this fall, with any luck. Thank you for this video

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Brandon - You are a true hero - Thanks for leading by example!

[@MrIhuntcats]

@@GrowingDeerTV thank you! I wish more people would step up and do it. Been over a decade since the surgery, and it still catches me off guard when I hear that.

[@Michael29160]

In part because of Growingdeer.tv I started processing my own venison 7 or 8 years ago. I spent $ 300. on equipment and have now processed 21 deer with my children we have learned a lot, become closer as a family and saved about $ 2,100. . I now make nicer cuts of venison like T-bone steaks and Crown roast out of my deer meat. It has been a wonderful journey and my family is better for the knowledge we have. Thank you Grant and team @ Growingdeer.tv

[@GrowingDeerTV]

I'm very proud of you for involving your family while providing them with healthy venison! That will likely be even more important during the COVID crisis!

[@josephvalentine7]

Your daughter gave you one of her kidneys is priceless! Big ups to your daughter that’s love in deed !

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Joseph - Yes! Raleigh is a hero for sure!

[@bodywilderness6802]

Back in the 90’s, my husband went on dialysis, so that’s when I learned to hunt deer for good clean meat. After his kidney transplant (from his brother) we continued eating venison. Congrats on your transplant, Grant, and way to go, Daughter! Prayers for you both!

[@tannerwillis3701]

I’ve always processed my own deer, I can’t justify paying atleast $100 when I can do it all myself in a few hours. Also trying bloodsport arrows this year!!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Tanner - I agree!

[@Masterchief0521]

we paid somebody else to do it once because we were all working so much at the time, never again, dude took a ton of the choice cuts for himself along with our money

[@douglasjohn7279]

All natural..ty creator

[@ForgetU]

Dr. Grant you look well after the transplant. My son and I have been processing our deer for many years. We were able to increase the speed at which we process after watching one of your videos, of processing most of the muscle groups while the deer is hung. We are still slow and methodical on cleaning up the smaller pieces for stew, burger or sausage. I guess we will still be slow so our end product is perfect. Thanks for your videos.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

That is awesome! During COVID it's great to know where meat comes from and how it was processed!

[@ShortbusBoss]

That heart shot was intense. Great content thanks for the tips

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks John!

[@rickhowell2943]

The one issue that I have in processing a deer is finding all the glands that need to be removed. Please help identify these glands that I and many other hunters have problems finding. Congratulations on the two years. Lets hope you have many more years to help educate the masses. God Bless you and your family!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Rick!

[@Joe-lk6oc]

Another great video with excellent information!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-wd1nk4lu1m]

I think it's funny how some folks think that wild game is gross "Gamey" while they're eating fast food burgers. I'm currently a student in college and have my freezer full of deer meat and sure glad I eat that rather than something super processed in a dining hall. Not only is deer hunting fun it brings great benefits to your diet. With the unhealthy trend our society is heading I told loved ones that the only meat I plan on eating (for the majority)the deer I shoot or the fish I catch.

[@Ghillie-bp6tl]

Outstanding. Justification and thoughtful presentation of real facts about harvesting and eating wildlife. Thanks, Mr. W!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@jonmeray713]

Nice. Im surprised by how many people never do it. Its my favorite part

[@lefthandedarcher2126]

Mine too

[@jonmeray713]

Left Handed Archer am also left handed for shooting guns and bows

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Yes sir!

[@gallopingg1]

GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR DAUGHTER XX. MICK FROM UK.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Mick!

[@sarb6p55]

I respect that Last year I was hunting pn State Land in Prundenville, MI and Some guy that lived near buy came buy were we had set up our treestands & Blinds and he decided to gut a 6 pointer I was pissed but since It was State Land I have no Authority to tell him other wise .So I have always hunted take doe's and taking them where I stay and gutted them I have to told from Old Timers .I am still waiting for My first Buck

[@GrowingDeerTV]

This year!

[@brokencage9723]

I haven't hunted in years but the dang meat price's is driving me back out into the field.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Broken Cage - and better quality meat! No growth hormones, etc. Yum!

[@frankspivey3920]

What brand and model vacuum sealer do you use

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Cabela's Heavy Duty!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Cabela's Heavy Duty!

[@stokes1214]

Don’t soak in water, you want to keep the meat dry as possible to avoid salmonella. You can also age your meat by keeping it cool and dry to reduce “gamy” flavor

[@johnathonarnold9070]

Love this stuff. We ran out of venison last month. Might have to grab some extra tags this year. 4 kids and a wife make short work of a freezer lol.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Johnathon - Ouch! Especially with COVID you'll want to put up plenty of venision!

[@samgibbs3rd]

Thank you for such an awesome video!!!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Glad you like it!

[@errolm8313]

Just got my first deer. Looking to process him tomorrow 😁

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Congratulations Errol!

[@leafinitup1]

Congrats on the transplant! I’ve never heard of soaking the meat in water or directly on ice. I always thought you’re supposed to keep it as dry as possible. -? 🤔

[@GrowingDeerTV]

VItal - We trim the meat before final processing and never let it get too warm!

[@crazyeeveelady3636]

Probably unlikely this will get answered, but is there any use for the deer skin/pelt or is it just thrown away?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Crazy - We have some tanned - they are a great gift!

[@lsoutdoors2354]

Great viedo and glad ur doing good with keendy transplant!! I love putting up my own meat

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks! Raleigh (my donor) and I are doing great!

[@alexhall8656]

Skip to 4:00 for processing part

[@GrowingDeerTV]

why?

[@billytilley9360]

Wear you get your transplant done at ?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

The Mayo Clinic at Rochester, MN.

[@tysonpederson8451]

Love the videos

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks!

[@schluder23]

Do you dry/wet age your deer meat? This is my first time so I'm a little confused. Is this step necessary or can I immediately butcher the animal?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Alan - The most important part of processing venison is to keep it cool and remove all connective tissue, etc., from each muscle. Most other steps are based on personal preference.

[@danieltaylor757]

Grant do you process immediately or do you hang the skinned carcass for a period of time before taking the meat off? I have heard that removing the muscle groups before muscle shortening caused by rigor mortis has relaxed can cause the tender cuts to he tough. What is your experience? Here in southern Ohio it's too warm to hang early season deer. Cheers mate

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Daniel - We usually remove the meat and place it in a cooler for a few days. The meat taste great and we don't have a walk in cooler.

[@danieltaylor757]

@@GrowingDeerTV thanks Grant! As always, I appreciate your personal responses. God bless

[@aprilstewart6734]

I have always been taught to skin the deer and let it hang for awhile, the outside of the meat dries out and gets a skin on it. I noticed that you don’t do that but process the meat right after skinning. I’ll be hunting soon and plan to process the meat myself and am wondering which method to choose now. What are the pros and cons of letting it hang after it’s been skinned vs processing it directly after skinning? Is there a reason for choosing one or the other?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

April - I'm sure there are advantages to both techniques. Tracy (my wife) and I prefer not allowing the meat to become dry. We field dress the deer and the place the meat in a cooler or fridge. When processing the meat we trim the meat that's oxidized (been exposed to air) and then use a vacuum sealer. These steps result in very tasty venison that safe for our family. Leaving a deer hanging exposes it to insects and bacteria.

[@dustyapples1394]

Really annoying that your 7:45 length video doesn't go into the actual subject advertised in the title until 3:45..... That's halfway through the video.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Dusty - Sorry you didn't enjoy the first portion.

[@frankspivey5199]

What kind of vacuum sealer do you use. I’ve got a 15” from Cabela’s and it is starting not to hold a seal and any moisture keeps it from sealing.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Frank - I use the same! Have you cleaned the gaskets as shown in the manual?

[@haydenchambers574]

Can you do a video about ho to study a deers pattern

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Hayden - We've just released some videos about scouting and stand/blind placement!

[@rikkischleimer294]

God bless

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Rikki!

[@rikkischleimer294]

@@GrowingDeerTV thank you for all the info

[@KleinksTurfControl]

What flashlight do you guys use when tracking deer?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

We aren't picky about flashlights as long as they are bright, last a long time, and are easy to carry. We try to always take spares!

[@cskillet2003]

Keep reading what the creator says as well! Looking forward to bagging my first deer.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks and have a great hunt!

[@thechrisbolton]

Just to make sure I understand your process. 1. (Day 1) You harvest a deer (Let's assume a morning harvest). 2. (Day 1) You will remove the meat and place the meat into a cooler on ice. 3. (Day 2) You will let the meat stay in the cooler over night and process the meat the following day.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

That's correct or leave the venison on ice even longer.

[@richardobrien3554]

I am new to hunting do you have to age the meat for a couple days. I hear some people say it makes the meat tender .

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Richard - It's fine to properly age the meat if you have time. Removing all the connective tissue from the meat will make it tender!

[@texashogdeer]

Check your local game laws before you separate muscle groups / debone prior to transporting to its final destination. In Texas that is a violation.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Good point!

[@texashogdeer]

GrowingDeer.tv love your videos. They are so educational, entertaining, and family friendly. Thank you for continuing to produce clean, family friendly content!

[@JaboodyEnthusiast]

2:43 bars

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Bunny - ??

[@chrismacomber9727]

I didn't see were your mixed any fat with the burg. Does it stay together ?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Mixing burger is a personal choice. We don't and it works fine - with Tracy's recipes! They are at the recipe tab at GrowingDeer.com

[@chrismacomber9727]

@@GrowingDeerTV thats cool thanks I may have to try that this year always wanted to grind my own but didnt want to have to find pork fat to mix..thank you and good luck brother

[@Joe-lk6oc]

I definitely prefer to add some beef fat into my venison burger. I believe it tastes better and if definitely holds together better.

[@G19gen4]

Thanks for sharing! what kind of knife does your son use to cut the deer, i like it.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

That was one or our Team - and he was using a Old Timer!

[@martinsuper4545]

Actually Beefalo is the healthiest red meat, but yes, venison is great.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Beefalo is good - pending on what it's been feed. Medicated Beefalo won't be has healthy as a wild, free-ranging deer.

[@davidpeacock6862]

Do you add any beef or pork fat to your ground venison?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

David - We usually don't! Tracy, my wife, adds lots of goodies while cooking!

[@brianstiff5680]

I was excited to see this video. I’ve been thinking about doing it all myself. The shops not processing this year may just push me over the top.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Brian - Great! I agree - many shops won't be processing deer this fall.

[@fabianrichburgh6517]

So many gut shots lol go to the range please

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Ohbezy - Really? Are you sure you aren't confused?

[@flip66five]

Ive heard water and meat is a bad combo, especially if its going in the freezer. Would you care to elaborate on the "covered in water" comment or is it just a myth?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

We trim all four our meat to remove any connective tissue so water isn't an issue for us!

[@alanlamontagne15]

Slightly confused..... never seen deer processed whole with the guts, and also would introducing moisture (ice and water) directly to your meat while aging introduce bacteria?....

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Alan - there's always millions and millions of bacteria on meat. We simply don't want it spoiling or decomposing too much. We've processed venison like that for decades and enjoy the taste and quality!

[@outdoorswithjt6652]

Mr Grant is there a trick to getting silver skin off? Thanks.

[@flip66five]

Sharp knives and sure handed family members... Theres no real trick other than skill, it is tedious...

[@leafinitup1]

flip66five I find that grabbing it with a paper towel helps.

[@flip66five]

@@leafinitup1 definitely... I do burn through a lot of papertowels now that you mention it.. Im usually just blotting stuff for the same effect though👍slippery stuff right off the carcass

[@outdoorswithjt6652]

@@flip66five yeah I've processed one on my own and that part was the worst part of it. Back to the processor they go. Lord have mercy the mess I made out of doing it.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

As Flip said - sharp knives! Very sharp!

[@rowenk1077]

Hi

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Howdy!

[@frankspivey3920]

Heavy duty for $99.00 ?

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Frank - I don't understand your question.

[@jas1az18]

Now I want to go eat some venison steaks!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Heck ya!

[@cme7452]

Dont forget to take out your shrapnel Pmel

[@robertwright6146]

Too much chatter about everything except butchering a deer!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Robert - sorry you didn't learn anything from the episode.

[@joed4859]

1st

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Thanks Joe!

[@oedhelsetren]

Ruined a perfectly good hide by not taking a clean shot.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Oedhel - The venison was great! That's the trophy!

[@gsquared2394]

You guys are sure opposed to pass throughs.

[@GrowingDeerTV]

Grant - I like short trails - whether it's a pass through or not.

[@rickhowell2943]

The one issue that I have in processing a deer is finding all the glands that need to be removed. Please help identify these glands that I and many other hunters have problems finding. Congratulations on the two years. Lets hope you have many more years to help educate the masses. God Bless you and your family!

[@GrowingDeerTV]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKTahpV8mKepeJo