Moose Butchering advice!

[brianb231]

Hey Guys,

So I returned from my moose trip last night with a nice cow moose. I was planning on taking her to Butcher Boys on South Hill Puyallup by my house. Turns out we left late and they would not stay late for us so we were forced to take it to Owens Meats in CleElum. The guy that was there was not very helpful as far as pounds of grind available and what cuts of meat he would recommend for steaks and what for grind. Once guy said that he would just take the choice cuts like backstrap and tenderloins and turn everything else into Burger! He said buger was the best. And everything else was tough.........Now I was told that Moose was the king of wild game meats as far as best eating.

So Sorry to babble but my question is for those of you that have had a moose butchered before or know alot about it, what would you have done with it? As of right now I am have all of the loins and straps steaked out and the bottom rounds sliced thin for me to make jerkey and the rest will be split up between burger and breakfast sausage. Am I missing out on something good? I still  have time to change my mind on the cuts if needed.
 
Please let me know if you get the chance.

THanks a bunch.

brianb231

[trophyhunt]

Hey brian, let me know next time. My elk hunting partner is good friends with the butcher boys owner, we could have got your meat in.  I can't imagine a cow moose has any tough meat but then again I've only killed one moose and it was a young bull which tasted really good. I hope you get some good advise and again very nice job on your hunt.

[wapiti hunter2]

I've don three moose.  I cut it into all the same cuts as beef.  I love the roasts and assortment of chops fillets steaks etc.  You still get enough the do burger and sausage.  NO WAY would I do what you did. 

"Once guy said that he would just take the choice cuts like backstrap and tenderloins and turn everything else into Burger! He said buger was the best. And everything else was tough........." 

This guy doesn't know crap IMOH

Moose is by far the superior #1 game meat available.  Once it is ground there is no going back.  If you get it cut up like a beef and don't like how it is you can always do sausage and more burger later.

[boneaddict]

I've cut all my own.  LOTS of roasts and Steaks.  Still plenty for ground later.    I couldn't afford to have mine cut up if I wanted to which I wouldn't.  Don't be surprised with the sticker price.   YIKES

you can do pepperoni, but as Wap said, I think its the best meat out there.  Pep the deer or bear and eat MOOSE ROAST!

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

That is real surprising to me, I have used Owens for 20+ years and always been happy, same cuts as beef, with prime rib trimmings in the burger, 
Although not for moose (yet)
Must either be a new guy, or he just wanted some moose steaks, roasts for himself   
I would Definately call and make sure you get steaks, roasts and chops.

[Machias]

I would Definately call and make sure you get steaks, roasts and chops.

 

[BLKBEARKLR]

from being an active participant in butchering over 30 moose, you are going to be missing out some prime pieces of meat getting it all burgered. Although I have done my lst couple of elk that way, just because tired of eating steak. There are some good cuts you are going to grind if you are more of the steak/roast kind....

Joe

[brianb231]

so, if i call them back and said " butcher it like a beef" they should know what i want?

 

is that instruction enough for a butcher?

please confirm. thanks, Brianb231

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I always say "Roast, Steaks, and Chops, please mix 10% beef trimmings in burger" And they usually suggest the prime rib trimmings themselves, but then again, They recognize me as a regular customer because I have been there every year (not always my animal) at least twice for 20+ years.
But we also stop by before season and reserve a spot in their cooler (buy some stuff at store, and a $20 deposit)