How to Freeze and Store Game Meat

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One of the best rewards of a successful hunt is enjoying the fresh, flavourful meat for months to come. To make the most of your harvest, it’s important to handle, freeze, and store your game properly. Taking a little extra care during this process, especially for larger animals, like moose, ensures your meat stays safe to eat and maintains its quality, taste, and texture.

Start Cooling the Meat Right Away

The sooner you start cooling your game, the better the results will be. Once an animal is harvested, its body temperature remains high, and bacteria can begin to form quickly if it isn’t cooled down fast enough. After field dressing your kill and, if necessary, quartering it, begin cooling as soon as possible.

Pre-chill your freezer before heading out on a trip and use reusable ice packs or frozen water bottles rather than loose ice to avoid excess moisture. This will help keep your meat cool without exposing it to unnecessary water, which can cause spoilage.

Prepare Meat in a Clean Workspace

Cleanliness is key when handling game meat. Always prepare and package your cuts in a sanitized area to prevent bacterial growth. Wash all surfaces, tools, and hands thoroughly with hot, soapy water or a mild bleach solution before starting. Rinse the meat with cold water and pat it dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Wrap and Seal for Long-Term Storage

Proper packaging will protect your meat from freezer burn and preserve its flavour. There are a few methods to choose from, depending on how long you plan to store your game:

  • Freezer bags: Ideal for short-term storage (up to 6 months). Use high-quality freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and label them clearly.
  • Freezer paper: For storage up to one year. First, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of freezer paper (waxy side in) and tape it securely.
  • Vacuum sealing: The best option for long-term preservation (up to 12 months or more). Vacuum sealing removes nearly all air and prevents freezer burn.

When storing, lay packages flat so they freeze evenly and save space. If you’re stacking vacuum-sealed bags, place a sheet of newspaper between layers to prevent punctures.

Bring Home Your Next Harvest

Proper storage lets you enjoy every ounce of your hard-earned game meat. At Lawrence Bay Lodge on Reindeer Lake in Northern Saskatchewan, our guided moose hunts offer the chance to bring home a trophy and a freezer full of high-quality meat. With expert guides, comfortable cabins, and beautiful Canadian wilderness, it’s an experience every hunter should have.

Secure a spot for your next guided hunting trip in Saskatchewan online today—dates fill quickly!