where can i get a deer processed and how much is it ?

Question

i live in Indianapolis, Indiana and i usually process my own deer but i don't have the time cause of work and the kids so i need it done professionaly any advise ???

Answer 1

I am not really sure in Indy. I would check the yellow pages for butcher shops. Most butcher shops will process deer and can make sausage, snack sticks, brats, etc.. for you.

I hunt in WI, so the prices might be a little different for you in IN. To process a deer at a butcher shop in the Milwaukee, WI area will run about $75 to $100 to just have the deer cut into steaks and such, wrapped, and frozen (plus the shop keeps the hide. If you want the hide, that will run you an extra $5 to $15). Rural areas tend to be a little cheaper, but usually still over $50. If you want the meat deboned, you will pay more still (not sure how much though).

Where it really starts getting expensive is when you want sausage and "processed" items made. Sausage/snack sticks/brats and other "sausage type products" typically run about $2 to $3 a pound to make (recipies vary, but usually 2/3 pound of venison equals 1 pound of sausage product after pork and other stuff is added). Jerkey tend to be spendy and runs about $5+ to have made. Just to have it ground and packaged isn't too bad (about $0.50 a pound if I recall).

So to have a deer processed into steaks, chops, and roasts and have the rest made into deer sausage, I would expect roughly between $200 and $300.

If you make your own sausage and "processed" items, I would try to keep doing that on your own. That is where having deer get processed really gets spendy.

The other thing I would check on is if you are guarenteed to get your own meat back or if the butcher processes the deer into batches and divides it up afterward. Usually you will get your own steaks and such back, but if you have processed venison made, many times they will throw everyones meat scarps together, make a big batch of whatever, and divide it up after it is done based on how much meat each person put in. If you want your own meat back, be prepared to pay at the higher end of the price range I gave you.

If you want processed venison made, but you are not in a hurry, you can sometimes take the leftover scraps with you and come back about 6 months later. Sometimes butchers will cut you a deal if you bring the scraps back to make sausage and such if you come in during the slow time of the year (plus you will likely get your own meat back). This may be something to check into whomever you find.

If this is still too much for you, ask around. Every town seems to have a group of guys that butcher deer in their garage for cheap. I'm not sure if this is the most sanitary option, but a lot of people tend to go this route.

It is a shocker the first year when you pay for it. I never realized how much money is saved doing it on our own (except I paid when I started hunting and married into a family that did all their own processing). Then again, there is something to be said about not having to clean up the mess afterward.

Answer 2

It doesnt take that long to cut a deer up i say that you take the kids out to the garage and show them how to do it this could be very good time with them and teach them as well!!!

Answer 3

Well I know of a lot of places in Oregon, Colorado and Wyoming, can't help you in Indiana though, sorry....good luck, I'm sure they are there somewhere!!

Answer 4

how old are your kids if they are older kids have them help you get them in to it...Do you take your kids huntingif not you should... do it yourself thats part of hunting i don't trust having it done for me sometimes they steal your meat and you would never know