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Introduction
For many hunters, the moment an animal is on the ground marks the beginning of the real work. Processing wild game is an art and a science, and how you handle your harvest can make all the difference in the quality and flavor of your meat.
In episode #170 of the Soul Summit Podcast, host Courtney Prete and guest Sierra Jepsen, owner of Butcher Solutions and a meat scientist, share invaluable tips to help hunters elevate their butchery skills.
This blog distills Sierra’s expert advice into practical steps you can apply to your next hunt, from field dressing to preserving and cutting your meat. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, these tips will help you handle your harvest with confidence and care.
1. Keep It Clean: Best Practices for Field Dressing
Field dressing sets the foundation for quality meat. Sierra emphasized keeping the process as clean as possible, even in rugged environments. Here are her top tips:
Minimize Contaminants: Avoid getting fecal matter, milk, or ingesta on the carcass. Hair isn’t harmful on its own, but can carry contaminants, so try to limit its contact with the meat.
Avoid Rinsing in the Field: While it might be tempting to rinse the meat with water, this can spread contaminants. Instead, focus on trimming away any visible debris with a sharp knife.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Locate flat joints in the animal’s legs to avoid dulling your knife on bone. This approach will save time and effort while preserving your equipment.
2. Cooling Your Meat: Avoid the Danger Zone
Temperature control is essential for preserving meat and preventing spoilage. Sierra recommends these cooling strategies:
Act Fast: Meat should be cooled as quickly as possible. The optimal temperature range for storing meat is 29°F to 39°F. Anything above 40°F puts the meat in the “danger zone” where bacteria multiply rapidly.
Pre-Cool Your Coolers: Before your hunt, fill your coolers with ice packs or frozen water jugs to create a cold environment. This ensures your meat stays cool as you transport it back home.
Promote Airflow: If immediate transport isn’t possible, hang game bags in a shaded area with good airflow. This allows the meat to cool naturally and dry out, which helps reduce microbial growth.
Remove Blood: Blood carries bacteria, so trim away any bloodshot areas as soon as possible to reduce the risk of contamination.
3. Cutting Tips: Maximize Every Part of Your Harvest
Breaking down your animal correctly ensures you get the most value out of your hard-earned game. Sierra’s cutting tips include:
Separate Forequarters and Hindquarters: This helps identify specific muscles later, making it easier to choose the right cuts for steaks, roasts, or grind.
Tender vs. Tough Cuts:
Tender Cuts: Ribeye, backstrap, tenderloin, and sirloin are ideal for grilling or roasting. Keep these cuts intact for maximum flavor.
Tough Cuts: Neck and shoulder cuts are better for slow cooking, jerky, or sausage.
Innovate with Lesser-Used Cuts: Explore options like flat iron steaks or Merlot cuts from your game. These lesser-known cuts can add variety to your meals and elevate your wild game experience.
Avoid Over-Processing: Don’t get overzealous with peeling apart muscles, especially in the backstrap or ribeye areas. Keeping cuts whole retains flavor and makes preparation simpler.
Keep Meat Dry: Never rinse meat before freezing. Instead, trim away contaminants to keep the meat cold and dry, which helps maintain its flavor and color.
4. Essential Tools for Success
Having the right tools ensures an efficient and effective butchering process. Sierra’s must-haves include:
Sharp Knives: Invest in high-quality knives and keep them sharp. Dull knives make cutting more difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
Game Bags: Use durable, breathable game bags to protect your meat from dirt and flies while allowing airflow.
Coolers: Pre-chilled, well-insulated coolers are essential for maintaining the proper temperature during transport.
Hooks and Cutting Boards: These tools provide stability while trimming and cutting, making the process more precise and efficient.
Conclusion
Processing wild game is a skill that combines precision, care, and knowledge. By following Sierra’s expert advice, you can ensure that every step—from field to fork—is handled with the utmost care. These practices not only preserve the quality of your meat but also honor the effort and respect that go into every hunt.
Take these tips to heart the next time you’re in the field. A little extra care during the process can transform your harvest into a freezer full of high-quality, flavorful meals. Sharpen your knives, pre-cool your coolers, and step into your next hunt ready to handle your harvest like a pro.
Want to Learn More?
We’re thrilled to announce that Sierra Jepsen, the mind behind Butcher Solutions, will be joining us as an educator at our Women’s Wilderness Summit in August 2025!
What to Expect from Sierra’s Workshop:
Master the art of butchery with a hands-on animal breakdown session.
Learn essential field dressing techniques for wild game.
Discover the must-have tools for proper meat care.
Hone your skills with knife sharpening demonstrations.
This is an incredible opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge from an expert in the field while connecting with other women passionate about the outdoors. Don’t miss it!
Stay tuned for more details on the Women’s Wilderness Summit—we can’t wait to see you there.
Content provided by Sierra Jepsen. Published by Her Outdoor Journey.
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