Just curious here. But up home we have deer processors everywhere, I have four within ten miles of my house and I only live in a town of 2500 people. Why is there not more down here? Are there strict laws or just no one wants to fool with it?
I’m just north east of Louisville and there are 4 that I know of with the closest to me being 25 min away and the furthest about 40 min. Which is close enough for me, but with processing cost hitting the $100+ range and me getting three deer a year along with specialty items sent out to Webb’s, I figure mind as well do it myself when I can get a quality grinder for $300-350. I just don’t see how I can go wrong with the amount of pros vs cons. Now, if I get pinched on time for whatever reason I’ll happily take one to one the processors to get me out of a bind.
You won’t regret doing your own. Once you do a few and get the hang of it. You can experiment with diff stuff. You’ll save a ton of money and will get a better product
I have never took one to a processor..when i started hunting i couldnt afford it. Now..i can..but i still prefer to do it myself. I have heard way too many horror stories about processors for me to ever be comfortable about taking one in.
I think the story you heard isn’t accurate......I heard a much different story from a reliable source.
That’s what the guy who mounted the deer for C&J told my friend who got his deer mounted through them...
Boones stopped taking deer opening day. With this warm weather a local processor could name his price and make a killing
I wonder what/if any are the 'legal' requirements for processing deer. Im sure it could be done word of mouth or under the table...but that would only work so long.
There are several around here. Hell one guy has a small shop a half mile up my road. I think they are pretty lax about deer processing bc it's wild game after all and not subject to govt inspection. Game Warden involvement is a totally different issue. Off the top of my head I know of 5 backyard processors. One even does all processed meats like snack sticks, salami, etc
I intend to make some hot venison breakfast sausage this year as well as brats. All of my processing happens in Feb and March after rabbit season. First is the hog killing and I can bring home pork fat for venison sausages. Feb is a very busy month for me. Damn near every weekend and all day long in the kitchen. Sausages, canned venison, jerky, and this year snack sticks.
