Keeping you deer on ice time frame question....

[Smart]

I know this has been discussed on here before but I have searched many different ways and can't find the threads. I am currently just starting day 6 for my deer on ice, keeping it with plenty of ice and water drained, but 5-6 days is my limit. I was planning on doing it today before the wife gets home but I have a buddy that wants to come over tomorrow and watch college football and process deer/use my grinder that is on day 7. He says he has done the same with his ice and draining but hasn't had the time to process it.. That would push me to day 7 and him to day 8

My question is, what is the longest you have kept your deer in a cooler on ice and it still be OK? I'm figuring it will be OK if he has kept up with it but I don't want him to waste his time if that is too long and I don't want mine to join his in going bad. I do however know processing is more enjoyable over beer and conversation...

What say ye TBH Braintrust?...

[bho0351]

I usually go 7-10 days. I have gone 14 and the meat was still all good. I prop the cooler up on one end and just loosen the plug to allow for water drainage as well

[bigbad243]

7 to 10 days is ok as long as no water standing in cooler and ice is refreshed as needed.

[ColinR]

You will be fine.

[bphillips]

Most of mine end up being over a week and never had a problem.

[Playa]

Such a rookie question! I expected more from you


I've kept deer on ice for up to 14 days. Theoretically I suppose you could do 3 weeks, but you might have to remove some slimy meat from the exterior.

Just need to make sure the inside of that cooler is less than 40 degrees which could be tough with the warm weather we have had.

[Hamshire]

I think day 7 or 8 is fine just as long as you keep doing what you are doing. Plenty of ice. I've had it where on day 5, I would reach in the ice/ water mix and thought my hand would snap off from the cold. You'll be fine.

[Sean]

I have hung deer in a cooler for 12-14 days before. I think you should be more than fine at 7-8 days.

[Cajun Blake]

yep , I too have gone as long as 14 days

key is drain water and keep covered with ice

[systemnt]

did a 'bleed out' in a igloo that lasted 3 weeks with a 100lb doe - draining water/adding new ice every couple days. Delicious.

gone 12 days in the yeti.. ..draining water/adding ice once.

[rubydog]

Being that your a new Yeti groupie one must be advised that there should never be a need to drain the cooler as no melting should occur.

7-10 days and your gonna be fine.

[systemnt]

Being that your a new Yeti groupie one must be advised that there should never be a need to drain the cooler as no melting should occur.

7-10 days and your gonna be fine.

You do have to worry about freezer burn.

[Smart]

Being that your a new Yeti groupie one must be advised that there should never be a need to drain the cooler as no melting should occur.

7-10 days and your gonna be fine.

LOL....The Yeti is for carrying in the bed of my truck for show....I would never soil it with deer blood.....

Thanks guys....beer, college football and deer processing tomorrow it is..

[Chad C]

I only go 3 days.

[unclefish]

I would gauge it on how long you would leave raw hamburger meat in the fridge. Whatever works for you.