Getting Meat Home from a Hunting Trip
You've just completed an epic cross-country hunt and shot the bull elk of your dreams. Now comes one of the more important parts of a successful hunt: transporting pounds of precious edible meat from that mature bull back home. This might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it's quite manageable.
Transporting meat is an essential part of the hunting experience. Though it may appear challenging (you're trying to keep bacterial growth on raw meat down, while traveling across the country!), there are straightforward solutions to keep your meat cool and fresh during your journey.
If you're driving, the classic cooler-and-dry-ice method works wonders. Pack the raw meat snugly in a cooler and surround it with dry ice. This keeps the temperature low and the meat clean, especially handy for shorter trips.
For those flying, the process involves some extra steps. You can check your meat as luggage or carry it on, ensuring it's packed in leak-proof containers and placed in a cooler or insulated bag.
Each method has its benefits and should be selected based on personal circumstances and preferences.
Flying Meat Home
Navigating the complexities of flying with game meat is manageable with the right preparation and techniques. Start by packaging the meat properly, either tightly wrapping individual cuts in freezer paper/plastic wrap, vacuum-sealed bags, or simply using dry ice to freeze the meat in the game bags from the field. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the meat.
Be mindful of airline regulations and restrictions regarding wild meat. Checking with your airline in advance can prevent surprises. Some airline policies have specific guidelines on carrying wild meat products, so checking with the airline beforehand can help avoid any complications. It may be necessary to declare the meat at the check-in counter or adhere to specific weight restrictions.
To keep the meat fresh, pack it with ice packs or dry ice. Opting for flights with no/few layovers is ideal to minimize spoilage. We prefer to toss dry ice on top of the meat we'll be traveling with ahead of time, as it tends to freeze everything underneath it. Then, before boarding the plane, we pull the dry ice out and duct tape the cooler close, to trap as much cold air as possible. This has worked to keep our meat cool on many occasions. Note: if using dry ice, make sure to remove the dry ice before checking the bag to avoid the risk of a small cooler explosion during flight.
Driving with Meat
The Cooler Method
The old cooler-and-dry-ice method is tried and true in our opinion. The process is the same as if you were flying with meat. Load a cooler with meat and toss dry ice on top. However, unlike when you're flying, you can keep the dry ice on the meat as you drive. Then, when the ice disintegrates, you can just find more and toss it on top. Sometimes you'll need to switch to regular ice (gas stations in middle America don't always tend to have a ton of dry ice options).
Be sure to burp the cooler now and then when using dry ice. As it evaporates, it releases gas that builds up in the cooler. It can explode if you're not careful!
The Freezer/Generator Method
The freezer and generator method is an effective way to transport frozen meat home from a hunting trip. Follow these steps to ensure safe and successful transportation of the meat:
Prepare the chest freezer: Clean the inside thoroughly and ensure it is in good working condition. Toss it in the bed of your truck. Ideally, get that thing plugged in as early as possible so it's cold when you load meat. Make sure that it's secured well. Use strong bungee cords or straps to hold the freezer in place, minimizing movement during transportation.
Pack the meat: Toss the meat in your freezer. Make sure it's sealed well. Once you've ensured the freezer is in working order, you can strap or tape it shut.
Connect to the generator: When driving, connect the chest freezer to a portable generator using the appropriate power cord. Ensure the generator is properly fueled, turned on, and functioning correctly. Secure the generator in a well-ventilated area, away from any combustible materials.
Plug into hotels: During overnight stops, when staying in hotels, locate an outdoor plug to connect the chest freezer to the hotel's electricity supply. Ensure the freezer is positioned in a safe and convenient location, and avoid blocking any walkways or creating a hazard.
Heads up: Regularly check that the freezer is on. Avoid opening the freezer unnecessarily, as this can affect the internal temperature. Monitor the generator's fuel levels and ensure it is always operated in compliance with safety guidelines.
Final Note
Getting your meat home after a hunt is all about being smart and prepared. Whether you're packing a cooler full of dry ice for a road trip, carefully wrapping up your bounty for a flight, or hooking up a freezer to a generator in your truck bed, each method has its own tricks to keep your meat clean and in top shape.
It’s a mix of knowing the rules, especially for air travel, and a bit of good old common sense when on the road. Keep an eye on temperatures, stay organized, and you're all set for a successful trip back home with your prize - many pounds of meat to share with friends and family.
Happy hunting and safe travels!