The fall so far this year has come with mild daytime temperatures and cool nights, which is typical for Montana in September. But don’t let the coolness fool you into not being prepared when you are successful in bagging your game.
I talked to John Peterson, from H and H Meats in Missoula, and he offered these friendly reminders on caring for your game when hunting in warm weather.
• Spoilage mostly happens because of heat. To combat this problem, skin the animal in the field (the price of the hide is peanuts compared to the meat of the animal). Submerge it in cold water (a creek, river or lake). If cold water is not available, try to remember to buy three to five blocks of ice. Put as much ice as you can into the cavity of the animal.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation suggests freezing a number of large plastic bottles rather than use bags of ice. Dry ice, which can be purchased at some grocery stores, can be placed between the frozen bottles. In a good cooler, this works as well as a home chest freezer for a week.
• Carry two sharp knives in the field. Use the first to remove legs and entrails and to cut the cartilage in the brisket to the pelvis area. Also be sure to get the windpipe out. Use the second knife to remove the hide.
Three-inch or four-inch knives are plenty long enough for these chores. John also suggested carrying a small saw, because there are three places that should be split, so air can circulate and cool the meat - the brisket at the bottom of the chest, the pelvic bone between the lower haunches, and separate the ribcage from the front shoulder (not completely just enough to get the heat out).
Over the years, Peterson has seen successful hunts turn bad because the hunting party didn’t take the necessary steps in preparation after the animal was down. Take his advice and chances are it won’t happen to you.
Finally, the RMEF reminds that you take care of yourself. If you are hiking in heat, you’re sweating and losing nutrients. It is very difficult to pack enough water to maintain hydration once the mercury hits the 80s, so check maps and make sure you can reach water sources where you can use a filter to refill your drinking supply. Sports drinks, bananas, and peanut butter will replace nutrients, too.
Mark Ward’s statewide Montana Outdoor Radio Show airs Saturdays from 6-8 a.m. in Missoula on KGVO 1290 AM. E-mail Ward at captain@montanaoutdoor.com.
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