Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: herdbull33 on February 07, 2017, 04:10:24 PM

Title: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: herdbull33 on February 07, 2017, 04:10:24 PM: My cow has been in the freezer coming up on two years. I was thinking about making some jerky soon only because i'm not really sure how long I can keep it in there? Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Lingcod on February 07, 2017, 04:12:20 PM: Wrapped or vacuum packed? If vacuum packed it would still be good till this fall for sure. Wrapped, would probably have some freezer burn, but still be good for jerky.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Westside88 on February 07, 2017, 05:01:05 PM: I overlooked some Mule deer in the bottom of my chest freezer. It was 2 1/2 plus years old. I was worried it would be ruined, but I thawed some steaks out and cooked them up. They were fine so I took the remainder and added it to my pepperoni batch for this year. I was relieved I didn't waste any, I think you'll be fine
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: bobcat on February 07, 2017, 05:02:46 PM: Two years is nothing if it's wrapped properly. I'd only begin the get concerned when you get near 4 years.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: bracer40 on February 07, 2017, 05:06:18 PM: Cooked some up a few years back that was three years. No discernible difference
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Curly on February 07, 2017, 05:06:25 PM: I've recently found some elk in the back of the freezer from 2011. Those steaks tasted just fine...no freezer burn whatsoever. We wrap it in plastic wrap then butcher paper over that. And our freezer is not the frost free type. :twocents:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Bob33 on February 07, 2017, 05:10:31 PM: I would think that after two years it would be dead. :dunno:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: jrebel on February 07, 2017, 05:11:40 PM: It should be fine. If you are worried about it, we should make some pepperoni sticks out of it. You need to taste my last batch of spicy pepperjack!!!!! It is divine...
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Bob33 on February 07, 2017, 05:23:38 PM: If the freezer temperature has been kept at around zero or colder it can go several years without problem.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Bullkllr on February 07, 2017, 05:30:05 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on February 07, 2017, 05:10:31 PM
I would think that after two years it would be dead. :dunno:

Deserved of recognition: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: actionshooter on February 07, 2017, 05:48:16 PM: Just recently found a elk roast dated 2012 and my wife wanted to throw it out, I wasn't going for it.
Thawed it out and it was fine. :tup:
Totally depends on how its wrapped.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Rainier10 on February 07, 2017, 05:49:39 PM: Quote from: Curly on February 07, 2017, 05:06:25 PM
I've recently found some elk in the back of the freezer from 2011. Those steaks tasted just fine...no freezer burn whatsoever. We wrap it in plastic wrap then butcher paper over that. And our freezer is not the frost free type. :twocents:
:yeah:

We did vacuum seal one elk two years ago and it is actually getting freezer burned. The packages cracked from the cold and getting banged around in the freezer. We went back to plastic wrap and then butcher paper for everything.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: dreamunelk on February 07, 2017, 06:38:47 PM: We wrap in paper than vacuum seal. I have eaten some that was over 3 years old with no complaints.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: lokidog on February 07, 2017, 08:07:15 PM: I've had vac packed meat that was seven years old, but on a regular basis eat it three years old. Sometimes you need to trim a little freezer burn, but it always tastes fine. I no longer cut into steaks before freezing as it leaves too many edges to freezer burn.

I had a chunk of marlin that was ten years old, saran wrapped then in a baggie, it was fine as well. :rolleyes: :chuckle:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on February 07, 2017, 08:34:06 PM: Yup, I've ate 5 yer old meat that was wrapped very well or vacuum sealed and it was fine. I now vacuum seal everything. I also leave it in as large of chunks as possible. I also leave the silver skin on loins and trim when eating, for an extra layer of protection.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Jimmer on February 07, 2017, 11:30:49 PM: When you say "my cow has been in the freezer for two years",
You talking the whole cow or just a few pounds?? Elk is better than beef, can't believe it's lasted that long.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Sneaky on February 08, 2017, 05:00:26 AM: Depends on the wrap and the freezer. Most commercial cold storages house tens of millions of pound of seafood at any given time, they say it will last indefinitely as the rooms are kept at around -5 or so. That fish sandwich you ate at the drive through could be ten years old or older.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: dvolmer on February 08, 2017, 07:32:34 AM: To start off with, freezer burned or not, it wont hurt you physically. Studies do say that some of the nutritional value can be degraded over time. Of course the amount of air that gets to it seems to do the most damage and that is why vacuum packing or wrapping in plastic bag and squeezing out the air along with butcher paper seem to help the freshness of it and the overall look and taste. I like many of you eat meat up to two years old and then if I still have it after that it goes to jerky and sausage of some kind. you should be fine!
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 08:31:00 AM: Quote from: Bob33 on February 07, 2017, 05:10:31 PM
I would think that after two years it would be dead. :dunno:

The problem is more in convincing it to get in the freezer in the first place.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: yakimanoob on February 08, 2017, 10:03:00 AM: Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 08:31:00 AM
Quote from: Bob33 on February 07, 2017, 05:10:31 PM
I would think that after two years it would be dead. :dunno:

The problem is more in convincing it to get in the freezer in the first place.
:yeah:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 08, 2017, 11:37:45 AM: Until the next one. :rolleyes: ;)
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 11:43:17 AM: Frost free - not so long

Deep Freeze, manual defrost - a long long time
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: fireweed on February 08, 2017, 11:57:21 AM: Just cooked a 2009 elk roast last night. Just cut off and trimmed the touch of freezer burn in a few places and seasoned well.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: coachcw on February 08, 2017, 01:02:41 PM: I turn mine annually .....
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:12:29 PM: Freezer burn is already partially jerkied, right?
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 03:23:38 PM: Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:12:29 PM
Freezer burn is already partially jerkied, right?

Freezer burn is a function of sublimation. Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas phase without passing through the intermediate liquid phase. It does not effect the edibility of food, but it generally drastically degrades the palatability unless as part of a controlled freeze drying process.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:32:40 PM: Alright Mr. Smartypants, how do you tell a joke from an honest question? :chuckle:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Rainier10 on February 08, 2017, 03:37:56 PM: Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:32:40 PM
Alright Mr. Smartypants, how do you tell a joke from an honest question? :chuckle:
The smiley face. :chuckle: When you put that at the end of the question it is a joke. If you don't its a question. Sometimes even if you put it at the end of the question you get flamed. :bash:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:41:56 PM: Here's another one. Anyone can freezer burned meat and have it come out tasting OK? :chuckle:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 03:57:47 PM: Quote from: Rainier10 on February 08, 2017, 03:37:56 PM
Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:32:40 PM
Alright Mr. Smartypants, how do you tell a joke from an honest question? :chuckle:
The smiley face. :chuckle: When you put that at the end of the question it is a joke. If you don't its a question. Sometimes even if you put it at the end of the question you get flamed. :bash:

I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not. I answered because I don't want to see anyone put much time, effort or money into something that does not have a high probability of success.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: herdbull33 on February 08, 2017, 04:02:01 PM: Wow, great respond!!! Thanks for the info everyone. I vacuumed sealed everything so based off what everyone is saying I'm sure it's fine. I'll prolly end up making some jerky here soon anyways cause man it's good. Thanks y'all
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 04:37:39 PM: Quote from: herdbull33 on February 08, 2017, 04:02:01 PM
Wow, great respond!!! Thanks for the info everyone. I vacuumed sealed everything so based off what everyone is saying I'm sure it's fine. I'll prolly end up making some jerky here soon anyways cause man it's good. Thanks y'all
Quote from: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 03:57:47 PM
Quote from: Rainier10 on February 08, 2017, 03:37:56 PM
Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:32:40 PM
Alright Mr. Smartypants, how do you tell a joke from an honest question? :chuckle:
The smiley face. :chuckle: When you put that at the end of the question it is a joke. If you don't its a question. Sometimes even if you put it at the end of the question you get flamed. :bash:

I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not. I answered because I don't want to see anyone put much time, effort or money into something that does not have a high probability of success.

Just razzing you. I didn't get a lot of sleep last night.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Browndawg on February 13, 2017, 04:24:13 PM: Quote from: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 03:57:47 PM
Quote from: Rainier10 on February 08, 2017, 03:37:56 PM
Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:32:40 PM
Alright Mr. Smartypants, how do you tell a joke from an honest question? :chuckle:
The smiley face. :chuckle: When you put that at the end of the question it is a joke. If you don't its a question. Sometimes even if you put it at the end of the question you get flamed. :bash:

I wasn't sure if it was a joke or not. I answered because I don't want to see anyone put much time, effort or money into something that does not have a high probability of success.

Like shooting elk in the heart? :IBCOOL:

Sorry. I couldn't resist.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Mudman on February 13, 2017, 04:35:38 PM: I will let ya know in about 4 years! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: 180-GRAIN on February 14, 2017, 02:56:24 PM: Took me 4 years to eat my Washington moose. Never lost any to freezer burn. I agree with it depends on how its wrapped comment in a previous post.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: fireweed on December 15, 2017, 08:09:11 AM: Just finished the last roast of the moose I got in 2009 that was stuck in the bottom of the freezer. Trimmed off a bit of locker burn--turned out just fine.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Moose Master on December 16, 2017, 06:50:41 AM: Didn't see it mention, I will only keep our meat domestic or wild in a freezer that ISN'T frost free. This advice was given to me many years ago and has help us with the lack of damaged meat. Double wrapped is important also. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Elknut1 on December 16, 2017, 07:49:30 AM: We've had several years go by as well with no issues at all!

ElkNut/Paul
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: PolarBear on December 16, 2017, 08:22:52 AM: Quote from: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 11:43:17 AM
Frost free - not so long

Deep Freeze, manual defrost - a long long time
:yeah:
Frost free or automatic defrost freezers are horrible for storing meat.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: The scout on December 16, 2017, 08:48:15 AM: Obviously how it’s wraped makes a big difference, also it depends on if it’s steaks-and roasts or burger and sausage with added fat and pork. The steaks and roasts will last much longer because it’s the fat that typically makes the meat go bad.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: M_ray on December 16, 2017, 10:19:25 AM: I dont have a frost free freezer so it lasts a long time. I just made tacos last night and opened a package of my elk from last year and it was perfect. :tup:

Basically a frost free will have an element that heats up the cold plates and collects the evaporated water in a collection tray. Depending on the model this can happen from 1-4 times a day which is why the outside edges or outside layer of your meat will burn, because basically the outer edges are defrosting and refreezing several times. all you really have to do is trim it off and the center will be good because it never completely thaws.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: PolarBear on December 19, 2017, 09:37:21 AM: I found some cubed elk steaks while cleaning out the freezer earlier this summer that were marked 2005. I thawed them out, cut a tiny bit of the ends off and chicken fried them. They were awesome!
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: luvmystang67 on December 19, 2017, 09:52:16 AM: While I second that freezer burn is your most likely enemy, I have had things that are vacuum sealed for 6 months versus vacuum sealed for a year and a half or two years and the meat IS different, especially burger. It tastes fine, but the consistency changes. It seems that some of the juice/moisture seeps out depending on how long you wait, basically becoming separate from the meat. Meat when cooked tend to dry out a little faster. The real risk is fat though, fat will develop a stank. Its not awful, its just not fresh. If I were able to take the same animal, vacuum sealed and frozen for 4 months versus 2 years, you'd be able to tell a difference. I can. Between 2 years and 4 years I think the difference would be small. Its fine to eat, its just that there's a difference....
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: hunter399 on December 19, 2017, 09:54:40 AM: Quote from: JDHasty on February 08, 2017, 03:23:38 PM
Quote from: Fl0und3rz on February 08, 2017, 03:12:29 PM
Freezer burn is already partially jerkied, right?

Freezer burn is a function of sublimation. Sublimation is the transition of a substance directly from the solid to the gas phase without passing through the intermediate liquid phase. It does not effect the edibility of food,
This sounds like the way it goes through my belly, :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: TommyGun496 on December 19, 2017, 07:04:24 PM: If I am lucky mine will last about 8-9 months. Between myself, my wife and the kids it doesn’t last long in our freezer!
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on December 19, 2017, 07:47:45 PM: I recently found a package from a bull I shot in 2013. I couldn't taste a difference. I wrap in plastic wrap then use a chamber vaccume sealer and I would have no problem with 2 years, but I try and cycle the stuff out.
Title: Re: How long can Elk go in a freezer?
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on December 28, 2017, 10:26:25 PM: Less handling the better - Locking freezer so little hands dont mess with it - last for years.