Packing Meat in the Rain?

[acnewman55]

So let's say we shoot a bear tonight and quarter the sucker, pack into game bags and  and start the packout...

I've always heard that you want to keep the meat dry, and that you want the meat to be able to breathe through the game bag material.

So if it's raining, is it preferable to let the meat get soaked during the pack-out, or would it be best to stick it in a garbage bag, or drape one over the top to protect it from all the moisture?

[bobcat]

Rain isn't going to hurt it, but putting it in a plastic garbage bag will.

[h20hunter]

I'm no expert but if you want some soured to the bone meat go ahead and garbage bag it. Then, put it against your back while you are hiking out and working up a good sweat.


 

[NRA4LIFE]

I would say you definitely do not want to put it in a garbage bag.  I wouldn't think that getting it a little wet would matter too much.

[vandeman17]

Rain isn't going to hurt it, but putting it in a plastic garbage bag will.

agreed. We have had animals completed soaked from rain and wet snow and they were fine. As long as they can dry out on their own you should be fine

[CAM38]

Put something water resistant over your pack, Ive used my jacket, cause you usually get hot and sweaty anyways, so the rain feels good.

[acnewman55]

I'm no expert but if you want some soured to the bone meat go ahead and garbage bag it. Then, put it against your back while you are hiking out and working up a good sweat.


 

I'm assuming this is simply because the garbage bag prevents the meat from cooling as quickly? 

Maybe also because it would prevent airflow aiding bacteria growth?

[h20hunter]

Think of it like this....you cook a nice steak...it comes off the grill.....you put it on a plate with some foil....it gets hotter right. For your game meat the goal is the opposite....cooling it down is number one...especially with bear...all that fat and grease...you want to let it cool and get air, not trap all the heat in.

[jackmaster]

Rain isn't going to hurt it, but putting it in a plastic garbage bag will.

we always wipe them down with vinegar water.....a little rain isnt gonna hurt thats for sure,    good luck

[acnewman55]

Think of it like this....you cook a nice steak...it comes off the grill.....you put it on a plate with some foil....it gets hotter right. For your game meat the goal is the opposite....cooling it down is number one...especially with bear...all that fat and grease...you want to let it cool and get air, not trap all the heat in.

makes sense. thanks

[6.8mmARHunter]

Rain is supposed to be decreasing tomorrow and it's supposed to be sunny Sunday.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.44083699999999&lon=-121.62530649999997&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=North%20Bend%2C%20WA%2098045%2C%20USA#.Ufw2-JKbPfI

[xXLojackXx]

I hang and hose off my bears (if they are able to come out whole) after skinning/gutting the
  Just make sure you towel dry them and let them hang for a bit. Never had one go sour. Matter of fact it helps cool the meat down significantly.

If its really hot out, you can bag the meat in garbage bags and set it in a creek to cool it off. Then pack it out in the dark, if there's a cold running creek near by.