Many people wonder whether it is better to hang a deer with the skin on or off, and the answer depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Many deer stalkers disagree, and some believe that skinning the carcasses first will produce more flavorful meat. Either way, both methods have their benefits. Here are the pros and cons of hanging a deer with skin on and off. And if you’re not sure, read on to find out which method works best for you.
Should you hang a deer head-up or down?
Some taxidermists believe that hanging a deer with its skin on is the best way to preserve it for display. But this approach also leaves you with an animal that looks terrible and is very difficult to pack and hang. This article discusses two common ways to hang a deer and how to decide which is best. Ahead of time, you’ll see a post from a taxidermist discussing the advantages of hanging a deer with its skin on.
One of the most important benefits of hanging a deer with its skin on is the quality of its meat. Hanging a deer allows the meat to cool and age, which improves its flavor. Another benefit of hanging a deer is that the meat will not go through the decomposing process known as rigor mortis, which lasts 12 to 24 hours. Cutting up a deer before the deer goes into this phase will make it far more tender and flavorful than belt leather.
Dry aging meat is a science, but a little bit of care can make all the difference. Hanging a deer can last for a week or two, when the animal is in the mid-30s. Once you’ve hung your meat, you’ll be amazed at how tender it is! Just be sure to dry the meat properly to prevent spoilage. You’ll be surprised at how long you can hang a deer!
Ideal temperature range for aging deer meat
Temperature is one of the most important factors when aging deer meat. Although you may be tempted to hang meat at room temperature, the truth is that this is not ideal. Hanging meat at cold temperatures does not age the meat properly. Instead, it simply freezes. And once the meat is frozen, you will need to thaw it before you can butcher it. The ideal temperature range for aging deer meat is between thirty-six and forty degrees. Although temperatures between 32 and 36 degrees are also good, hanging meat at temperatures above 40 degrees is preferred.
Aim for a temperature range between 35 and 40 degrees F. While beef can be aged for up to three weeks, most people hang their meat from a tree in the backyard or from a rafter in the garage. While the current temperature may seem ideal, the exact amount of time a piece of meat needs to age is more important. The perfect temperature range will depend on the size of the meat and the amount of collagen it contains.
The most common and least expensive method is to hang the meat in an open air cooler. Keeping the meat at the right temperature will help break down the connective tissue and prevent rot. If the temperature is too high, the meat may rot and break down because of bacteria and other microorganisms. If it’s too cold, the temperature can stop the enzymes from working and bacteria can multiply.
