raredesign

That is intense. I need a knife that holds an edge like that!

Thanks for the feedback.

Great tip about the cut technique. Thanks. Regarding the torch, does it leave any char, or just dust the hairs away? I'll have to try that.

Hmm, what are pelts going for this year?!

Can I be your friend?

Ha! Well, it came to mind from skinning many furred animals, and brushing is rather standard to get the coat clean of burdock and knots. I will be sure to post results should I get something this year.

Has anyone tried using a metal fur brush to remove loose hairs before skinning? I just had the thought, and so haven't tried it yet. I figure that if the majority of loose hairs are removed, it should mitigate the risk of haired-up meat.

I have wondered what the majority of hunters do. Personally, I like separating each muscle for consistency, but I have known those who cut through multiple muscle groups as if it was a ham. I guess you get variety in a roast that way though. To clarify, I follow the length of the entire muscle and easily separate the grouping by hand, then slice off from the bone at each end. Something like the shoulder where I have three groups for instance, I then clean all silver-skin off each piece, and tie them together for a roast (or whatever I decide later). Does anyone have photos to compare the two methods, or was that an anomaly?...or am I doing it wrong?!

I'll help everyone out . If you don't want the meat, I'll even do all the processing work for you in exchange for some protein!

I get antsy enough from the heat stored up in one of the micro-foam-bead seats. Maybe I just have a hot butt :-)

Thank you all for the greetings. Rather odd, isn't it. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has quite a bit of authority. As I remember it, no warrant is needed should they simple suspect you to have meat or fur out of season, you can be held liable, after they barge in and rummage through your freezers, etc. Perhaps there is a lot of poaching, and a bad few ruin it for all. Either way, now I need to learn NY Law, even though I have been up here for 15 years. I can tell you one quick detail I learned...finding land is a "good luck" task. It's a lot different than meeting a farmer that points to two mountains and says, "take your pick".

Hello everyone. I have been in Rochester for quite some time, but only went out hunting last year. I used to live in the deep country of Pennsylvania, where I had been hunting with my father for years. Now, I will be braving it alone, and have so much to learn! I did get a nice doe last year though :-). That brings me to a question, as I have looked ALL over the DEC website; is there a regulation on how long you can keep venison in your freezer? PA wouldn't let you keep it past July of the following year. I was hoping to go bow-hunting this year, but just found out my permit didn't transfer from PA...only the gun and fur taker. Looks like I have another 8 hour class to sit through, lol. Safe hunting and happy eating to all!