I'm in that situation as a bow hunter we all dread... frankly I hate even having to talk about it. Brief description
I put a less than perfect shot. During the start of a heavy snow fall on monday evenings hunt. currently 42 hours I've yet to recover him.
My search will continue today at 4. Over the 48 hour mark. If he is down I WILL find him and for the sake of my questions let's assume he is down.
The thing is. It has been bitter cold 5-10° overnight. Yesterday peaked at 21° dropped for another overnight under 10°. Today unfortunately will be in the 30s.
What is the responsible expectations for the meat.?
(Basically my question is- Being very cold can it extend the effect on the meat or how long the buck can lay without being field dressed?).
Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
- Bedbug
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Bedbug wrote:I'm in that situation as a bow hunter we all dread... frankly I hate even having to talk about it. Brief description
I put a less than perfect shot. During the start of a heavy snow fall on monday evenings hunt. currently 42 hours I've yet to recover him.
My search will continue today at 4. Over the 48 hour mark. If he is down I WILL find him and for the sake of my questions let's assume he is down.
The thing is. It has been bitter cold 5-10° overnight. Yesterday peaked at 21° dropped for another overnight under 10°. Today unfortunately will be in the 30s.
What is the responsible expectations for the meat.?
(Basically my question is- Being very cold can it extend the effect on the meat or how long the buck can lay without being field dressed?).
I would be paying attention for a potential bone sour. I think it really depends on what time of day it died and how quick it cooled off. The hide combined with a closed torso can hold in a lot of heat. Even in cold temps.
I know that doesn't help much but it is probably one of those cases where you will be inspecting and sorting the meat. I would expect some meat loss in the core (tenderloins, etc) and outer cuts to fair better.
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Depends when he died, in this case if he lived for 8+ hours (gut or liver hit) that may work to your advantage. The cold will help a lot, but the stomach contents etc. start to break down fast, that is what I'd be most worried about. If he were gutted, hanging him outside with the hide on wouldn't concern me, personally. Good Luck!
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Appreciated guy's. 20 hours following the shot itself was the coldest of the time frame. 5-8 degrees. The shot was likely liver one lung at best. The blood that I did get to work with didn't show much for gut signs.
Can anyone give insight to inspecting and sorting the meat. Specific things to look for etc.
Can anyone give insight to inspecting and sorting the meat. Specific things to look for etc.
- thepennsylvanian
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Fresh meat will look red and smell sweet. Meat that is spoiling will appear and feel a little slimey and start turning pinkish gray, and will begin to smell of sulfur, or like hints of rotten boiled eggs. Use your best judgement, err on the side of caution if and when you find him. Good luck!!
Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
If it's been that cold, the deer is likely frozen and it would have froze in short order after dying. As far as sorting meat, if it smells bad throw it out.
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Bedbug wrote:Appreciated guy's. 20 hours following the shot itself was the coldest of the time frame. 5-8 degrees. The shot was likely liver one lung at best. The blood that I did get to work with didn't show much for gut signs.
Can anyone give insight to inspecting and sorting the meat. Specific things to look for etc.
Your nose will tell you.
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
I've recovered them around the 40 hour mark in slightly warmer 18-25 degree weather mark and all was ok.
- stash59
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Yeah stick your nose right in the meat. Especially near the bones. You'll recognize the smell. Good luck!!!
Happiness is a large gutpile!!!!!!!
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Again appreciate the advice guys. Finally found him.
Surely someone can pardon a little more ignorance.
Is the post image.org method of image posting no longer functioning in the forum. ?
Can't find anything recent about it..
Surely someone can pardon a little more ignorance.
Is the post image.org method of image posting no longer functioning in the forum. ?
Can't find anything recent about it..
- crankn101
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Re: Cold temp Recovery time frame. (Meat Loss)
Congrats on the recovery!
I had to make an Imgur account to post pics on here this season.
I had to make an Imgur account to post pics on here this season.
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