Field dressing and game meat care
Gloves, clean tools, and cool the meat fast.
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Tag first, per your state
IHEA-USA hunter education standards say to follow your state's regulations for reporting or recording a harvest, which may include tagging right away. Check your state wildlife agency's current regulations.
Gloves and clean tools
Penn State Extension says to wear disposable gloves while handling deer, and to clean the knife often to avoid dragging bacteria into the meat. The CDC says that in areas with chronic wasting disease, hunters should wear latex or rubber gloves, avoid handling internal organs, especially the brain or spine, and not use knives or other tools from their kitchen.
Cool it quickly
Penn State Extension says to dress the carcass as soon as possible and to quickly cool it to 35 to 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. It says to keep it out of direct sunlight and allow air to circulate.
Getting it home
Penn State Extension says not to put a deer in the trunk while it is still warm, and to take it to a processor with fully refrigerated facilities as soon as possible.
Testing
The CDC says to check state wildlife and health department recommendations on testing for chronic wasting disease before you hunt. Recommendations vary by state.
FAQ
General information only. Hunting laws, seasons, licenses, and hunter orange rules are set by each state; check your state wildlife agency's current regulations before you hunt, and take the hunter education course your state offers. If you hunt from a tree stand, wear a full-body fall arrest harness system every time you leave the ground, including while climbing up and down, follow the Treestand Manufacturers Association's Treestand Safety Guidelines and the maker's instructions, and have a plan for rescue. Tell someone where you will be and when you will return. In an emergency, call 911.
Next: what to pack
The Ten Essentials.
