With hunting season fast approaching, there is no better time than now to clean out the freezer and make room for new harvests. Of course, we don’t want anything to go to waste either, so how exactly do you clean out your freezer and make room before hunting season? Let’s talk about three different ideas that can help you utilize your wild game meat so you can free up some freezer space!
1. Make Some More Jerky
Who doesn’t love some jerky? This is one of the most popular things to use game meat for, and it really doesn’t matter what type of meat or cut it is made from. Now is the perfect time in order to make plenty of jerky and stock up before hunting season gets here, and jerky makes the perfect hunting snack anyways. You can slice roasts into thin strips, use a hamburger in a compression gun, or take any other cuts with a meat slicer and get the perfect snack to enjoy just about anywhere! The best part is that there is no end of different jerky recipes and combinations to try out as well. Here’s a nice recipe for smoked beef jerky!
2. Use a Pressure Canner
If you have access to a pressure canner, you can easily thaw out some extra game meat and can it into jars for long-term storage. This results in a fully cooked, ready-to-eat meal that is able to be stored at room temperature. For things like venison, it can make for some quick and easy meals on the go. All you will have to do is pour a jar of canned venison into a pan in order to warm it up, add in some mashed potatoes or noodles, and you will be ready to go!
3. Make Some Treats for Your Best Friend
If you find some meat that might be a little too far along in order to save, or maybe it is too freezer burnt to cook, you can always try making some treats for your dog. Most dog treats that you buy from the store are expensive and not very healthy for your canine anyways. So why not use some leftover game meat and try making your own? You will avoid all of the nasty additives and create an even tastier treat for your best friend. Not only will this help you to clear some space in your freezer, but it will turn that meat into dog snacks that store well at room temperature and keep your dog happy.
Final Thoughts
If you have a full freezer, now is the perfect time to free up some space before hunting season gets here and you have fresh meat to store. There are plenty of ways to use your game meat, so hopefully, this gives you some ideas!
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
