Deer on ice, How long?

[Change Up]

I know this comes up every year. But how long will it last if you drain the ice? Do you just lay the meat on top on bottom or put it in plastic etc. What is the longest you would leave it on ice before you can get it to the processer? Thanks in advance

[Knox]

That depends....


You using a Yeti?.....

[mharris1]

I usually leave mine for a week. Ive heard of people going 10 days. just keep plenty of ice and drain the water

[Snacks]

I keep mine drained and leave it for 5-7 days and the meat is always great.

[41Chevy]

I usually let it soak in ice water for 3-4 days.

[Speedgoat]

I put the meat straight into the cooler. I then cover it liberally with ice. I add water enough to cover the meat and put the cooler in the bed of my truck. I drive around and add ice and drain water for three to four days, which takes the blood, dirt, and debris away from the meat. Then I process it.

[raiderelkhunter]

I usually go a week, but have gone 2 weeks before with no probs as long as you keep fresh ice in there.

[Trap-Daddy]

so if i quartered my doe, i would have to put the meat on the bottom of the cooler, fill it partially with water, then keep it buried in ice???????

[jathomas437]

ICY water, watered down ice.... just so the meat drains the blood out (for the most part). 4-5 days is good. Keep adding ice and drain the water, but keep it watery-icy. Clear as mud?

[Speedgoat]

so if i quartered my doe, i would have to put the meat on the bottom of the cooler, fill it partially with water, then keep it buried in ice???????

Yes

[Sean]

Does the meat turn a grey color from being submerged in water for that many days? I have never heard of doing that and just wondering. Everyone I have talked to said they left drain plug open and just kept adding ice as needed.

[Split Arrow]

We just keep our deer in the refrigerator for around a week, give or take- and drain it every day or so. Works great for us.

[Speedgoat]

Does the meat turn a grey color from being submerged in water for that many days? I have never heard of doing that and just wondering. Everyone I have talked to said they left drain plug open and just kept adding ice as needed.

If you go past 4 days it changes color, that is why my cut-off is day 4 and usually on day 3.

[Brazman]

Here's a pretty good method: Freeze a bunch of water or soda 20 oz bottles to line the bottom of the cooler with. Freeze em good and hard, and they'll stay frozen a long time. Add some ice to the top of the bottles, then layer your meat and add ice between layers. As the ice melts, drain and add more ice, but the bottles will keep the meat from just sitting there in water. I would do this for 3-4 days for any young deer, 3.5 yrs or younger, and up to 7 for an older 4-6 yr old deer. Just make fo sho to keep ice in it.

[Delirious]

I usually let it soak in ice water for 3-4 days.

Same here.