Shooting a deer

[Ereiam_jh]

I'm thinking about shooting a red deer this winter. I have a friend who's pretty experienced who's going to help me. We're going to hang it up in a barn, he only wants the liver and kidney's but he's going to show me how to do the whole process including butchering.

I wondered if any one had any tips, or views on the subject.

It strikes me that a nice haunch of wild vension will be a damn sight more ethical a christmass dinner than some factory farmed bird.

 

[severnmiles]

Go for it! It tastes fabulous - I'm partial to a teaspoon of homemade horseradish with it which amazingly goes very well. It also is lovely in sandwiches.

We hung ours, only advice I know is not to skin it until you're ready to butcher it, in other words hang and then skin it.

Nothing like a leg of venison for supper!

P.S Giles it wasn't me who posted under 'Sara' stating disapproval of you killing a deer!

 

[Ereiam_jh]

I never for the moment suspected it was you. However I hadn't realised it was you posting under 'sara' stating approval of my killing a deer.

Mind you can we be sure it was me posting under 'giles' discussing my plans?

Yes, I'm really quite excited about the idea. How long would you recommend my hanging it for? Should be fairly cold by December.

I thought I'd go for the Stag in the woods opposite who's been with a group of hinds.

What's the best way to get the flesh off and brains out of the skull. I figure it'll look good on the wall.

 

[Fairynuff]

If you want the head with hair etc still intact best go for a taxidermist. If you just want the skull have a look at this-www.skullsite.co.uk/preperation.htm. Dont ask me why I found this site! :grin: Mairi. Ps, Boun appetito !

 

[Ereiam_jh]

ooerr I hardly dare click. Deep breath...

AAAARRRGHHHH!

 

[buckybee]

Will you send me some??

I woner how much Royal Mail would charge for a venison steak nowadays??

 

[jayvee]

No kiddin, but I am a taxidermist, can do the job for you if you like!
Tip on removing sinue and flesh on skull is to simply boil it! But cut off as much flesh as you can first. To remove brains- if having trouble getting it through the small axis hole is simply saw a larger hole and scoop it out (do this before boiling ok)
Veni is gorgeous although a tad on the dry side as very little fat on the animal. best bit is the back fillet. But have to say Sika are the best out of any deer for the tastiest, and juciest veni. Almost like eating tender beef they are!

 

[Ereiam_jh]

I might take you up on your offer, thanks.

I did think about trying the maggot method and then posting it to LACS when it's half done, but that might be a bit naughty.

 

[jayvee]

Lol, yeh, not a good idea me thinks!