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MyHuntingForum Main => General Hunting Discussion => Topic started by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 11:38:40 AM

Title: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 11:38:40 AM
How long can a deer hang that was field dressed 15 minutes after it was shot. Temps are in the mid to low 40s at night and mid to uper 50 during the day?
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 19, 2011, 11:44:28 AM
IMO a day is ok if not where the sun can get to it, I wouldn't like the upper 50's part.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: aquaassassin on Oct 19, 2011, 11:48:46 AM
There are to many variables to say for sure humidity, peak temps, and bugs for starters. I would say two days max in an uncontrolled but enclosed building environment.

But like I said there are just to many varables for us to tell you for sure without being there. I have hung them 8 days and I have hung them 12 hrs. Just use caution and check it often, I have never lost any meat before and don't plan too.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: huntny30 on Oct 19, 2011, 11:51:03 AM
100% agree AA...you can tell if it is too warm...40's good...50's bad...to prolong hang time...you can put ice up in the cavity...too many variables as AA said...tough to tell without being there...
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: adkRoy on Oct 19, 2011, 11:51:18 AM
You can always buy bags of ice to pack in the body cavity until you can get it to a butcher
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 19, 2011, 11:56:41 AM
I know a lady with a large flower cooler/ fridge in her cellar I would put it in.  ::) ::) ::)  Too far from NY though or your welcome to use it.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 19, 2011, 12:15:45 PM
I wouldn't let it hang more than over night personally and I would skin it as soon as I got it home. The next morning I would pull the back straps, neck meat and anything else you want and put it in the fridge with the front and rear quarters. If I shot it in the morning I'd do it the same day. I wouldn't hang mine for a full day unless the high temps were low 40's max and preferably cooler.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: loonyone on Oct 19, 2011, 12:18:32 PM
Hopefully all you guys are around when I have to gut the thing....never did it before so I might be hitting up the mhf advise when I am out in the woods......lmao.....videos dont help already watched and until I actually have to.....HELP!
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 19, 2011, 12:20:51 PM
Hopefully all you guys are around when I have to gut the thing....never did it before so I might be hitting up the mhf advise when I am out in the woods......lmao.....videos dont help already watched and until I actually have to.....HELP!

 Just roll up your sleeve's and dive in there.  ;) You'll do fine.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: oldmossyhorn on Oct 19, 2011, 12:21:28 PM
def cut up in the am to be safe, and pepper if any flies or bugs are out
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 01:02:00 PM
the deer was shot last night recovered this morning and has been hanging sense 7am. will be home from work to butcher at 630. its been fairly cool today and its in the shed so it protected. i sure hope its ok ill be sick with quilt if its not.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 19, 2011, 01:03:19 PM
You'll be OK.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 01:05:58 PM
thanks bog.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: aquaassassin on Oct 19, 2011, 01:07:23 PM
Yea if you do it tonight you are all set for sure.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 19, 2011, 01:11:08 PM
Should be fine after a day. I wouldn't leave it for a days this time of year though.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 01:11:21 PM
THANKS GUY. This was my first deer with my bow so im pretty pumped just a doe but still thrilled about it
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Raquettedacker on Oct 19, 2011, 01:13:41 PM
Congratulations Jimi.........

Post the picture and info under the team thread..
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: huntny30 on Oct 19, 2011, 01:14:10 PM
Yep Congrats...
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 19, 2011, 01:52:20 PM
ill have the pictures up tonight, might be late but ill get them up tonight.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: SilentStalker on Oct 19, 2011, 01:56:20 PM
Congrats on the first doe kill!!!!!!
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 19, 2011, 01:57:30 PM
Congratulations on the first bow deer. It's a totally different feeling IMO.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: aquaassassin on Oct 19, 2011, 01:58:43 PM
Congratulations on the first bow deer. It's a totally different feeling IMO.

No doubt! nothing better! Congrats!
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: ship of fools on Oct 19, 2011, 02:28:15 PM
Awesome ... glad you got your first  :o
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: howesfc on Oct 19, 2011, 05:16:11 PM
I wouldn't let it hang more than over night personally and I would skin it as soon as I got it home. The next morning I would pull the back straps, neck meat and anything else you want and put it in the fridge with the front and rear quarters. If I shot it in the morning I'd do it the same day. I wouldn't hang mine for a full day unless the high temps were low 40's max and preferably cooler.

x2 and congratulations!
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: upstatehunter on Oct 19, 2011, 05:26:31 PM
Deer should be fine.....congrats on the first with the bow!!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: joe snag on Oct 19, 2011, 06:05:26 PM
congrats step2---hang it one night ,skin it hang it for one more,,no more,,quarter it up and putin your refridge if it will fit..it will set up and last for many days there.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: TR19 on Oct 19, 2011, 06:27:19 PM
CONGRATS on the first bow kill  !!! I remember feeling like I was going to shake out of my stand when I killed my firstwith the bow & watched it drop.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Step2Jimi on Oct 20, 2011, 09:40:08 AM
I was shaking pretty good but only untill i drew the bow back. Once  drew it felt like everything stopped and went in slow motion. after i let it fly and watched her run with the fletchings sticking out of the sweet spot , then i started shaking so bad i could barely radio to my dad to tell him i got her.  i think  he was in worse shape then i. hes been with me for every deer i have gotten with a gun but thise one made him the most proud i think. it was an awesome day.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: eyehi on Oct 20, 2011, 11:19:03 AM
the worst thing to do is skin the deer imediatly. the skin helps insulate. if night temps are low 40s the fur will help the meat stay cool during the day. make sure the deer is not exposed to sun and place a block of ice in the chest cavity. a block will last much longer than a bag. congrats on your first bow kill 8)
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: aquaassassin on Oct 20, 2011, 11:28:39 AM
X2 and make sure it can drain the the water can cause rot. I don't like to lay mine down either they always hang. If you lay it down the bottom side seems to bruise and clot
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 20, 2011, 12:06:39 PM
X2 and make sure it can drain the the water can cause rot. I don't like to lay mine down either they always hang. If you lay it down the bottom side seems to bruise and clot

Blood pooling in the tissue.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: eyehi on Oct 20, 2011, 12:36:45 PM
i nusually cram a stick or old broom handle across the rib cage in the chest cavity then bungy or tie the ice to the stick
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: joe snag on Oct 20, 2011, 06:48:56 PM
why do many Hunters hang their deer out front in a tree and leave it there in the sun ,rain and snow for days and days???so everyone can see it??
not anyone I hunt with..
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 20, 2011, 06:57:58 PM
I agree HB, no one I would want to hunt with would treat a deer that way. But that's why a lot of people swear they hate venison. I've changed a few minds with properly processed and cook venison.

The day I get it home the skin, hoofs and head all come off. I also prop the chest open with a piece of wood. I tried to age one in an old refrigerator last year and the damn thing crapped out on me, I lost about 1/4 of the deer. I'm back to doing every deer ASAP like I always did.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bucksnort on Oct 20, 2011, 06:58:22 PM
How long can a deer hang that was field dressed 15 minutes after it was shot. Temps are in the mid to low 40s at night and mid to uper 50 during the day?
i didn't read through the whole thread but just sayin a few years ago i used to work out of town 5 days a week,i shot a deer on sun and let it hang for 4 days with the hide on it at night was down in the 40's or mid40's and during the day hit 60.the deer was hung in a garage and out of the sun,when i butchered it was fine.i deffinitly didn't like doing that but really had no choice.i always hang a deer a minimum of 48hours before butchering i'm just going by some standards of a few ol timers that i know.but as they say you gotta leave the hide on till you cut it up
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 20, 2011, 07:02:22 PM
My uncle is a plumber and used to be an avid bow hunter. He went to a guys house last year to do some work while he was on vacation. When he opened the garage door he said the stench almost knocked him over. There was a decent buck that was hanging for over a week in early season heat still whole (dressed). the hide may have been draped over the head. He called him and refused to work in there until it was taken care of and aired out.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: joe snag on Oct 20, 2011, 08:12:29 PM
I went on a chimney fire call a few years back,and in the kitchen of this guys house were 4 frozen whole deer thawing out piled up against the wall,another guy had a deer hanging in his back yard and the second week of March the local C.O. told him to get rid of it.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: bogmanjr on Oct 20, 2011, 08:15:04 PM
I went on a chimney fire call a few years back,and in the kitchen of this guys house were 4 frozen whole deer thawing out piled up against the wall,another guy had a deer hanging in his back yard and the second week of March the local C.O. told him to get rid of it.

March.....That's some well aged meat. :o
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: stka on Oct 20, 2011, 08:25:09 PM
To bad they couldn't make him eat it, what a waste.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: NorthvilleNewbie on Oct 25, 2011, 11:37:51 AM
I'll put it to ya this way, - from a food service perspective. Meat and other foodstuffs begin to grow bacteria that produce toxins if they remain in the "temperature danger zone" of 41F to 135F for more than four hours. So lets say you kill a buck on a cool evening during magic hour, say 35F. You can field dress it, and hang it all night in the garage, because its only gonna get cooler. Check weather.com and look at the high temps for tomorrow, anything greater than 41F at some point in the day, and you're gonna wanna think about taking it down and putting it in the freezer. Do not leave the meat hanging out for more than three to four hours in temps that exceed 41F. IF the temps hang below 41 for the next few days, then no rush.

Just remember 41F is the magic number according to the National Restaurant Association, (the other NRA)
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: eyehi on Oct 25, 2011, 12:15:02 PM
u fail to take into account the 35 degree night temp will keep the meat below 41 if the fur is left on. the hide will keep the meat cool during the day. i just butchered 2 deer that hung all weekend with daytime temps in the mid 40s however night temps were in the 30s. no spoilage of the meet occured ;)
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: aquaassassin on Oct 25, 2011, 12:16:28 PM
u fail to take into account the 35 degree night temp will keep the meat below 41 if the fur is left on. the hide will keep the meat cool during the day. i just butchered 2 deer that hung all weekend with daytime temps in the mid 40s however night temps were in the 30s. no spoilage of the meet occured ;)

X2 COUNT IT!
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Otto on Oct 25, 2011, 01:28:56 PM
I just read an article about this in Outdoor Life, it's not on their website that I can find.  It listed proper temps and how to hang, and also talked about leaving older deer hanging longer to help tenderize the meat.   I'll scan it tomorrow and put it up here. 
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: TR19 on Oct 25, 2011, 02:49:12 PM
I don't know. I shot mine Saturday & butchered it Sunday. High in the 50's had me taking no chances at all.
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: Otto on Oct 26, 2011, 07:34:32 AM
Here is the article from Field and Stream, November 2011 issue (not Outdoor Life, sorry)  The trick is to get it into the 34-37 F degree range, not quite sure how you do that unless you have access to a walk-in cooler....
(http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m605/Otto61/FieldandStream.jpg)
Title: Re: How long is too long to hang a deer in these temps?
Post by: OTIS on Oct 26, 2011, 08:00:15 AM
When I harvest a deer it gets field dressed, and taken to the processor's within an hour or two of when it expired.  The processors I deal with all have large coolers where the deer are hung until its their turn to get processed.
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