I Don't Want to Do It, Just Read About It!

[cmj685]

Not your typical hunting question because I am not a hunter. I hunted a bit with my stepdad when I was a boy, but it has been 40 years since. Recently I realized that one of the many shocking holes in my knowledge is in how to butcher game. I don't know much about hunting either, but I think I can figure that out--you find the animal, and shoot it. But then what?!? A guy can't be too self-sufficient when he doesn't know the first thing about what happens next. So I am wondering, anyone have a recommendation of a great book a guy could read on butchering wild game, etc.? I looked up a few on Amazon, but reading the reviews is always an iffy proposition and I would rather get first-hand recommendations. I am not necessarily looking for anything that specializes in one kind of animal, but more in talking about any and all wild game if possible. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Oh, and I definitely am going to ask someone from this board to take me deer hunting next year with them! It will be so fun for you! So talk amongst yourselves and figure out who the lucky one is! Then let me know.

[1911fan]

Its easy. Have you cleaned a fish before? same basic concept only with legs. I'll pop a bunny some day and bring it over....

[monschman]

I am a trained chef of 15 years and have butchered literally hundreds of animals and I can whole heartedly say that the knowledge is fine but only the ability will teach you how to properly butcher an animal. You absolutely need to get your hands dirty. It is one of those things that all the book smarts in the world will not make you a good capable butcher. if you are looking for instruction on field dressing there are tons of resources out there.
This one is pretty useful for a beginner for some local critters
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uk071.pdf

otherwise I do have a ton of information available of butcherie, shoot me a p.m. and we can discuss anything you need to know

[Vlad]

You will have to remind me closer to the season but my party usualy processes 10+ deer and a few pigs durring deer hunting. You would be welcome to join, learn and hold the leg out of my way...
Last year a couple of the guys from the board came up and helped with a couple of pigs that lead to full freezers and a good time had by all...

[SAM]

cmj685--I have a bunch of requests to go deer hunting next year in DEER HEAVEN. However, I only have room for three guests and I have 9 requests already. I am going to throw all the names in a hat and draw two--your name will go into the hat. Best I can do

[RobD]

cmj685--I have a bunch of requests to go deer hunting next year in DEER HEAVEN. However, I only have room for three guests and I have 9 requests already. I am going to throw all the names in a hat and draw two--your name will go into the hat. Best I can do

Don't even bother... I'm sure we got all the deer last year. So you and the other 9 guys can save yourself the time and just withdrawl from the drawing...

[cmj685]

Hey thanks all! And Sam and Vlad, thanks for your kind invitations! I was sorta' kidding, but really it would be a great honor to hunt with some savvy, experienced guys and watch what they do! And especially to watch and help with the butchering. I know you really have to do it, not read about it, but the scholar in me always wants to read first! Thanks monschman for the resource. I will read it. Anyone else got a recommendation for a book?

[goalie]

cmj685--I have a bunch of requests to go deer hunting next year in DEER HEAVEN. However, I only have room for three guests and I have 9 requests already. I am going to throw all the names in a hat and draw two--your name will go into the hat. Best I can do

I would argue that you cannot hunt deer heaven because I already do. In fact, it is so easy that I hesitate to use the word "hunt," as it has been too easy for the last 4-5 years.

I have been in a stand watching over a dozen deer at once twice in the last 4 years, and it sure isn't because of my jedi-hunting skillz.....

[1911fan]

Hey thanks all! And Sam and Vlad, thanks for your kind invitations! I was sorta' kidding, but really it would be a great honor to hunt with some savvy, experienced guys and watch what they do! And especially to watch and help with the butchering. I know you really have to do it, not read about it, but the scholar in me always wants to read first! Thanks monschman for the resource. I will read it. Anyone else got a recommendation for a book?

How big is your MiL's farm, its in Deer country, let me know next time you run up to check on things and we can take a look around.....

also, a big difference in terms; field dressing is taking a dead animal and turning it into a carcass ready for the butcher. That means, slitting the paunch, getting out the guts, heart lungs and the UT as intact as you can. It also means cleaning everything and keeping everything as clean as you can.

Butchering, means taking a hanging carcass and turning it into kitchen ready cuts of meat.

(Not suggesting that Monchie could not do this, but its terminology.

[monschman]

Pete is correct, field dressing and butchering are completely different. I did some looking and here are a few titles I have that take you from an animal to a cooler full of meat. As for field dressing, there really isnt a whole lot to it but once again getting your hands in there definitely helps in the understanding. Take the guys up on their offers, it will be great fun and you will learn tons. If you want to borrow any of these books let me know and we can figure out a transfer place, otherwise I am pretty sure most of these can be found in a local library.
Basic butchering of livestock and game by john j mettler
Dress 'em out by james a smith
Monte burch also has an excellent book called field dressing upland game and other birds (or something like that, i know i own the book, i just can locate it right now) .

[RobD]

What helped me was watching just about every youtube video there was on field dressing.

Nothing is better than getting your hands dirty with an expert, but I felt much more prepared going into having watched the vids.

[1911fan]

Done right there is an elegance to the job, where only what needs to be cut is cut, and if you see it done by someone who has it down, its amazing at how simple a job it is.

[ScatterGun4015]

Monschman is absolutely correct by saying that you have to get your hands dirty. You can read all you want, but its different once you get hands on. You really need to experience it

[Joe Camo]

Wanna read about it? Check out this book: "Dressing & Cooking Wild Game"

This is a great book for beginners - not only is it an awesome cookbook, but it shows how to field dress, skin & butcher a variety of furry & feathered critters. However, like others have said, reading is no substitute for actually doing the deed.

JC

[cmj685]

JC--thanks for the recommendation. It is actually one of the books I have since purchased, and I read it over, along with a few others. Thanks all for your usual terrific job in providing information! You'se guys are the best!