Cost of butcher bill for my elk!!!!!

[swalker]

I had Bart's do a Bear. I'll never go back. The place was dirty and smelled bad. I was not impressed with there work. Del Fox did a great job on my last elk and they  charged me $209.00.     

[pianoman9701]

I had Bart's do a Bear. I'll never go back. The place was dirty and smelled bad. I was not impressed with there work. Del Fox did a great job on my last elk and they  charged me $209.00.   

Who did the elk mount in your avatar? Can we see some bigger shots of that?

[rosscrazyelk]

Just picked up my elk from the butcher and was surprised on what it cost! A friend and I took our elk which where in quarters and was charged 260 for min fee I was not told here was a min. fee for elk when dropped off so was a little surprised. I was told that this has been his price for 14 years wow realy! !! I have never paid that much for process of a elk. This was just a standard cut on the elk no extras done, So with that said i guess i will say who it was BARTS CUSTOM MEATS IN SNOHOMISH. Has any one else had the same encounter with them and does that seem way high to cut and wrap a elk with just four quarter that weighed 128 lbs? Like to hear some your views on this.

It can get costly. .
My friends and I pitched in and bought grinders and stuffers and all the other supplies needed.  It was a big upfront cost but in the long run saves alot of time.  It also is fun getting together and butchering your own meat.  Also you know you are getting your meat.  Heard to many things and had to many things happen to ever go back to a butcher.

[Bob33]

My experience is that most butchers charge around $1.00 per pound hanging weight. Most have a minimum charge of $75 to $100.

[losdaddy7]

The sticker shock drove me to cut and vacuum seal my own.  The best part of processing my own was being able to get my girls involved which has sparked their interest in joining dad in the field.  You can pickup a good grinder for $200 and a good vac sealer for $150.  In one year you'll get your money back in saved processing fees.

[T Pearce]

Been so long since I've harvested an Elk so I don't remember how long it takes to process one
But it is worth it doing this yourself. In the past I refused to help others with their harvest due to trim loss..... (some take better care of it than others) unless they were with me while "we" did it. This teaches as well as proves, if you know what I mean.

As hunters most aren't out there for the protein. Beef is cheaper if you do the math.
T

[elkaddict652]

Should have went to Stewarts

[T Pearce]

After wearing out my vacuum sealer a few years back I just double wrap now.
First wrap with plastic, removing the air pockets. Then paper.
A butcher taught me the cuts when young...... note: I bone everything, so all taste better.
Enjoy your harvest because it's expensive even when processing yourself.

These are 1.5# pkgs. Headed for the freezer. I have a great sweet Italian sausage recipe I will share if any are interested.

[T Pearce]

My final bill was 252 out the door at Stewart's Meats that's with 20 pounds of Jerky. I did some myself but had them do the quarters. After 8 hours in the field and a few hours prepping the meat with hand cramps and fatigue.The money was well worth the grind and wrapping, labeling etc. So the price seems reasonable all things considered.

Pretty freezer right there uhh huh

[CMG]

Hard to feel any sympathy - I wouldn't let a carpenter build my house then after he finished, ask him how much, then complian because I felt he charged to much. JMHO.

[Stein]

It can get costly. .
My friends and I pitched in and bought grinders and stuffers and all the other supplies needed.  It was a big upfront cost but in the long run saves alot of time.  It also is fun getting together and butchering your own meat.  Also you know you are getting your meat.  Heard to many things and had to many things happen to ever go back to a butcher.

To get started, This is all you need:

1.  Boning knife, 5 or 6 inch -  $20 if not on sale.
2.  Larger chef knife, everyone has one.
3.  Freezer paper - $35
4.  Saran wrap - $5
5.  Ground meat bags - $10
6.  KitchenAid grinder attachment - $60, or hand grinder for the same amount

$130 if you don't have anything laying around and you will have enough materials to do at least 2 elk.  If you want to do sausage, the stuffer attachment is cheap as are the hand stuffers.

[334OKH]

With all the videos on the subject and all the various companies that sell the proper supplies, there is no reason not to do it yourself. You will take better care of your meat, you will also know you got it all back and, it was your animal. Start slow and it will come together for the beginner.

[Nice Racks]

I paid $260 for 353 lbs of hanging weight on just a standard cut.  It would be cool to cut my own, but not in erly Sept.  I think that price is reasonable.

[Biggerhammer]

Seems most places charge $.65 - $1 a pound of hanging weight.  I know my cow hung at over 300 lbs so at a minimum that would cost $200.  I think it sounds fair to me...they have to make money too.

How much over 300?

[ridgefire]

$260 for 128lbs and $260 for 353lbs. How is that reasonable for the op?