RESOURCES
Proper Field Care for Quality Meat
In Montana’s rugged terrain and unpredictable fall weather, taking care of your animal in the field makes all the difference in how your meat tastes and keeps. Once your animal is down, field dress it right away—especially on warmer October hunts when daytime temps can climb into the 60s. If you’re deep in the backcountry, use breathable game bags and hang the meat in a shaded, breezy spot to cool quickly. In colder weather, protect the meat from freezing too hard or sitting in the snow for long periods. Whether it’s elk, deer, or antelope, proper field care helps preserve the flavor, texture, and quality of your harvest so we can do our best work once it reaches our shop.
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Field Care Checklist
Keep your meat clean, cool, and safe from spoilage with these simple steps:
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Field dress immediately — remove internal organs right away to release heat and prevent bacteria growth.
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Cool the meat fast — hang quarters or prop open the body cavity to allow airflow.
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Use breathable game bags — protect meat from insects and debris while allowing ventilation.
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Avoid plastic bags or tarps — they trap heat and moisture, which can spoil meat quickly.
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Store in shade — never leave your animal or meat in direct sun or a closed vehicle.
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Use ice when needed — if temperatures stay above 40°F, pack quarters on ice with good drainage.
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Don’t stack meat — lay or hang quarters separately so cool air can circulate.
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Check often — during transport or multi-day hunts, monitor temperature and condition regularly.
Taking these steps ensures your hard-earned harvest arrives at Yellowstone Wild Game Processing in top condition—ready to be expertly handled and turned into the best cuts possible.
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A Note on Field Dressing
Before bringing your animal in, please ensure it is fully field dressed. The instructional video below covers most of the basics, but one key step to remember is to extend your chest incision all the way up to remove the entire windpipe. This helps with cooling and cleanliness, ensuring the best possible yield and flavor. If you’re hunting outside our area, check your local regulations; Montana FWP no longer requires evidence of sex or the head to remain naturally attached—they simply need to stay with the carcass during transport. We do not need heads attached unless we’re caping your animal for you.
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Finally, double-check your gear, sharpen those knives, and start planning your order—we can’t wait to help fill your freezer this season. Good luck out there, and we’ll see you soon!