Hunters are providers of the world’s healthiest protein. Non-hunters often overlook this fact, but there are so many good reasons why hunters should process their own game. Here are just three of them:

1. It Saves Money.

Professional meat-processing services are surely a convenience and can save on the hassle of doing it yourself. But they are also expensive. The national average for professional processing is $75 per deer for standard cuts, grinding and packaging. Sausage products — hot dogs, bratwurst, summer sausage, etc. — typically run an extra $3 per pound.

For less than the cost of two professionally processed deer, a hunter can purchase a meat grinder and sausage stuffer and be set for years to come. If you only process a few deer for your family, check out the Weston Products Realtree Outfitters grinder and sausage stuffer. The 650-watt grinder delivers .87 horsepower of service. Stainless steel plates allow for fine, medium and course grinding. It is safe and easy to use, and, best of all, makes fast work of trimmed meat. Check out the whole line of Weston/Realtree products on this site.  

2. You Know What You’re Getting.

Most hunters who process their own game say they do so because, “That way I know what I’m getting.” This is perhaps the biggest reason why sportsmen and women choose to process their own meat. When you do it yourself, you know that all your diligent efforts in the field aren’t going to waste.

Let’s face it, when you drop a deer off at the processor, especially during a hectic gun-hunting season where dozens of deer are being brought in, there’s really no way of knowing if the meat you get back is 100 percent yours. In fact, I’d wager to say that it’s practically impossible for any professional processor to make that guarantee, especially on ground meat and sausage products.

Food storage equipment is the most important aspect in the do-it-yourself category. If you’re a diehard hunter, think of it as an investment. Start with a quality vacuum-sealer, and then add items as you go. Good sealers start at $99. You’ll want to consider one with a larger motor (210-watt, 120 volt) if you process game year-round. Weston has an entire lineup of sealers, canisters, bags and low-temperature freezer tape in their Realtree collection.

3.  Pride in Ownership.

Nothing quite feels as good as doing something for yourself. It’s true in all aspects of our lives. A warm deer camp or living room feels warmer when the heat is emanating from wood you cut, split and dried on your own. A Friday night fish fry tastes better when it’s the crappie or catfish you caught last summer. The same goes for venison steaks and burgers on the grill.

Take the burger-making process a step further by pre-making the patties with a custom Realtree burger press from Weston Products. Featuring heavy-duty aluminum construction, this press compacts burger tightly then pops back up for easy removal. The press even stamps the Realtree antler logo into the burger, making for a great conversation starter around the grill or dinner table. Whether you make a few burgers for a weekend at the lake, or make dozens to freeze for the entire year, the $29 press will quickly pay for itself.

Making venison jerky is another fun way to share the harvest with family and friends. The Weston lineup also includes a whole-meat jerky slicer, jerky/snack stick gun for ground meat, and a heavy-duty eight-tray food dehydrator.

There’s a whole world of meat processing to explore with Weston Products. For another take, check out the video series, hoted by Travis “T-Bone” Turner here at Weston’s YouTube page.