MDC virtual program to give deer processing tips on Oct. 23

“Field to Freezer” event will show steps to transform harvested deer into packaged venison.

Once a hunter has bagged a deer, the work is only half over. How to field dress it, skin it, process the meat and store it for future tasty meals are skills hunters need to know.

Hunters who are interested in learning how to process their own deer will have an opportunity to do so at a Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) “Field to Freezer” virtual program from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Oct. 23. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this online program at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178698.

At this free event, MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker will provide tips on how to field dress, skin, and butcher a harvested deer. Field dressing is an important skill for hunters to have, even if they plan to take their deer to a processing facility. For those who want to butcher their own deer, this clinic will show how to turn a harvested deer into neat packages of lean and healthy meat. Other topics covered will be supplies needed and regulations that pertain to stored venison.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate, using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

TOOLS FOR PROCESSING DEER  – A hunter needs a firearm or bow and arrow to harvest a deer, but several other pieces of equipment are needed to transform a harvested deer into packages of venison. People can learn more about this post-hunt process at an Oct. 23 Missouri Department of Conservation virtual program.

Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/revents.