Is It Aging IF...

[WhiteBeard121]

I got lucky on my last day to hunt this year and harvested my second trad kill (that's two for two with my MD Prairie Predator).

I wanted to try aging for the first time ever, and we have a cold snap right now (teens and twenties, hasn't anywhere near forty in days). So, is the meat really aging since it is this cold out and the thing is frozen rock solid?
thanks,
WhiteBeard 121

[superkodiak]

I think if it's frozen, the aging process slows down to a hault.  There are guys on here that know the exact temps.  I prefer mine to hang above freezing, but below 45.

[macbow]

Not getting aged any better than wrapped and in the freezer.
Maybe you can hang it in a garage or somewhere to get it to 35 to 40 degrees.
I hate working frozen deer carcasses.

[Pat B]

Ageing is basically controlled decomposition. The ageing temps should be above freezing but not much above 40 deg.

[Izzy]

You can also leave it hanging for a longer time as long as its hide on so it won't dry out. In this weather as long as you check it frequently you could hang one for a month. Just check on it during a long warm spell.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Congrats on your Harvest.  I do not have anything to add, except, I hate cuting frozen deer also.

[VictoryHunter]

Needs to be around forty to properly age. Since it's so cold you would be better off butchering now. Way to go though!

[WhiteBeard121]

Thanks guys, so, day one on the aging starts when the temps go above freezing, I'm thinking?
I want to be careful, she looks so darned tasty already.    .

This is the garage  :(  .

[WhiteBeard121]

VH, just saw your reply. I may do that just to be safe.

thanks again,

[AkDan]

40 is that magic number

One thing about game meat and freezing. DO NOT let it freeze before it rigors!   Its much easier to do on a deer than a moose but the concept is the same.   You'll be chewing leather if you do!

I've always told my buddies in "America" to find a vertical fridge on the cheap and hang meat in two of them if need be...it will work in the heat AND the cold.  

As far as aging is concern in wild game...and it's just my opinion.  Once the meat is cold and rigor has set in, I don't believe its beneficial.

[Guru]

Originally posted by Izzy:
You can also leave it hanging for a longer time as long as its hide on so it won't dry out. In this weather as long as you check it frequently you could hang one for a month. Just check on it during a long warm spell.

I agree with what Iz said....I've done it and it was just fine