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Quote from: jackelope on March 28, 2013, 12:30:00 PMI would learn how to process the meat yourself. It's not difficult and it will save you a bunch of money. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember except in 2010 when holidays and weather caused me problems and I took it to a butcher shop in Bellevue. I decided to get lots of sausages, jerky, etc made and I spent close to $300 all together. That was excessive and I probably won't do that again. Not with a whole deer anyway. You could do all that yourself too if you've got the equipment like a smoker, grinder, dehydrator, oven, etc. That too is not that difficult.Yeah I have all those things at my disposale between my girls family and my stuff. $300 bucks does seem like alot, Is what you get in return worth it though if you were to even just go buy random stuff from the butcher? Im trying to weigh out the $ we spend yearly on meat at local stores, compaired to what we could put into getting meat ourselves and having it processed. Be it done myself or a butcher.
I would learn how to process the meat yourself. It's not difficult and it will save you a bunch of money. I've done it every year for as long as I can remember except in 2010 when holidays and weather caused me problems and I took it to a butcher shop in Bellevue. I decided to get lots of sausages, jerky, etc made and I spent close to $300 all together. That was excessive and I probably won't do that again. Not with a whole deer anyway. You could do all that yourself too if you've got the equipment like a smoker, grinder, dehydrator, oven, etc. That too is not that difficult.
Those are very good reasons to get outdoors! Just curious: you do time for dealin'?
Congrats Smossy on having the courage to leave the old life. The outdoors have always been a great escape for me also, nothing like going into the great outdoors for a little perspective, glad you have someone special to share it with.Hunting local Blacktails (if your from the wet side) isn't too hard on the wallet if you have some close places you can get to. If you can pick up a used meat grinder on craigslist, it would pay for itself quickly.Good luck on finding a great job to pay for your passion for the outdoors.
I'm gonna agree with those saying buying meat is cheaper... I've said it many times. I don't consider myself a meat hunter for this reason, but I do love to eat it and its a great bonus to have a hobby that also puts food in the freezer. I for sure save money on groceries every year but also spend stupid amounts every year on hunting and fishing.
Smossy, When you get one down give me a call and I'll help with the butchering and wrapping if I'm in town. I've been doing it for decades and it's alot better than spending your money at a butcher and not getting what you want. You can take the hamburger meat in and have it smoked or whatever you want done with it but do the cutting up and wrapping yourself. You won't regret it!
Definitley Butcher it yourself, especially deer. Save money and feels bada$$ knowing you DIY. I really enjoy processing game. My wife enjoys wrapping, so I cut she wraps. Works out great. Depending on the cuts of meat we want it takes anywhere from 30 min to 2.5 hours to process a buck. elk same thing, just more time. Taxidermy rates will vary as has already been stated, regardless of price check up on several pieces of work, and several different clients. I cant think of any work I have seen posted by taxis on here has not looked good. Turn around is another thing you may want to find out, it seems to be an issue for alot of guys..... I guess im weird as I really dont care how long it takes as long as it looks great when its done.Im also in the minority that is of the opinion ( perhaps due to circumstances ) that killing game is still cost effective. Notice i said killing, not hunting. I pay alot to hunt, not to kill. You may pay in the beginning as you learn, but as skill increases your cost to kill will go down if you want them to.
FYI a big animal like an elk is a lot more work that I ever thought it would be. Have a plan to get it out quickly and to the butcher in the 90 degree heat. Don't mess around. I've never taken a deer to abutcher but iI have with all my elk. Too much to deal with in Sept.
Congrats on turning your life around . I'd put some hunts under your belt and maybe do a skull mount or nice leather wrap if you kill a buck , If you kill a masher then concider a shoulder mount . You can cut and wrap your own stuff but have a freezer handy .if you havn't ate much deer you may want to see if you have a taste for it. burger is a good way to go . you can find a grinder and with some pork shoulder roast make some up. tons of ways to cook burger that helps hide the gamie taste.
