aging venison in a cooler

[raiderelkhunter]

I tested a 30.06 bullet on a doe out of my frustration from all the deer staying 50yds out in every direction from my set ups.

So, how long and how often do I change the ice?

[TexaswBOWhunter]

I fill mine full of ice and let it set till there is some water building, drain and refill....I try to do this at least three times, With a bigger hog, I will put a little distilled vinegar in there too the first time, cleans the meat up good...

[Artos]

Main thing...

...is to not let it sit in the water!!

We have a walk in cooler and I do at least 2 weeks.

[Ouch]

Up to 10 days in ice. Leave the drain plug open and add ice as needed to ensure the the meat is "packed". Watch for the ice on top to stay intact while the ice on bottom has melted away. Bounce cooler occasionally to keep this from occurring.

[Deer Tracks]

We have a refrigerator in the garage. I lay some wax paper on the shelves and the meat can sit in there for several days. Any part that turns color from exposure to air gets trimmed off.

[raiderelkhunter]

is it okay to let the meat touch the ice, or do I need to keep it off of the ice?

[Snakelover]

is it okay to let the meat touch the ice, or do I need to keep it off of the ice?

You're definitely going to get a difference of opinion with this question!

[raiderelkhunter]

You're definitely going to get a difference of opinion with this question!

oh great...hope more people say it is okay b/c that is how it has been since yesterday.

[TexaswBOWhunter]

It will be fine with ice on it!!!! Been doing it that way for many years!!!

[TexasOkie]

i rather the ice not touch it, but most of the time mine does. it you get ice or air burn just trim that off

[Shooter]

I always let my meat touch the ice. I just drain the water as needed and add ice. I usually let my meat in the cooler for at least ten days, but have had one in there for four weeks when I've killed a deer early on a month long out of state hunt. Never had any problems.

The nose knows.

[Texastaxi]

Up to 10 days in ice. Leave the drain plug open and add ice as needed to ensure the the meat is "packed". Watch for the ice on top to stay intact while the ice on bottom has melted away. Bounce cooler occasionally to keep this from occurring.

It will be fine with ice on it!!!! Been doing it that way for many years!!!

This is the way my dad taught me and the only way I've ever done it and never had any problems ... unless you count that twitch in my left eye!

[raiderelkhunter]

Thanks for the help and reassurance. I put it in there Saturday morning and will leave it for a week and see what we have. (I will change the ice during that time...btw)

[maglite]

I fill with ice and keep the drain open once the first batch starts melting good and I keep it on ice/water for 4 or 5 days sometimes longer if Im busy and it works great for me!

[bulletpusher]

Put the meat in trash bags, this help reduce the discoloration of the meat from contact with the ice/water. Make sure the cooler is tilted, and put a twig or stick in the drain hole so a ice cube will not plug it up. ALWAYS keep the water drained.