Meat grinder advice wanted.

[bigngreen]

I used to do my own elk processing but have come to the conclusion the most cost effective thing is to bone out the elk to get it off the mountain, then take the meat to the local butcher for processing. Keep the back straps and let them cut the roasts and grind the burger.

Why spend a whole day messing with it when we can pay a pro to cut and wrap it for a couple hours of wages.

Uhh, don't know where your at but locally your looking at $450-600 for cut and wrap elk. The number of quality wildgame processors are nill in my area, last year I called around evey shop in SW MT and none would take a boned cow elk a buddy got, I was stunned, Im honestly thinking about cutting again, used to cut and wrap elk for $99.

 

[806 guns]

Local guy quit doing wild game. So taking the chance to learn more and do my own. Small town

 

[Critter Picker]

Local guy quit doing wild game. So taking the chance to learn more and do my own. Small town

I was pretty lucky, my first wife's father worked Ina packing plant. Helped me with my first deer. After divorce she was gone but his knowledge stayed.

 

[Old Rooster]

I used to do my own elk processing but have come to the conclusion the most cost effective thing is to bone out the elk to get it off the mountain, then take the meat to the local butcher for processing. Keep the back straps and let them cut the roasts and grind the burger.

Why spend a whole day messing with it when we can pay a pro to cut and wrap it for a couple hours of wages.

My brother in law used to take his meat to a processor and wondered how they could sell meat if they didn't have time to hunt!
He took a cow elk in for processing and got back 22 pounds of processed meat! That made him buy his own processing equipment.
I bought a LEM 10-12 years ago and it's still working just as good as it did new.

#8 BigBite® Meat Grinder - 0.5 HP | LEM Products

Our # 8 BigBite® Meat Grinder with 0.5 HP gives you a Premium Grind in Half the Time. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, 5 Year Warranty. LEM Products | The Leader In Game Processing

www.lemproducts.com

I never needed more.

 

[Critter Picker]

My brother in law used to take his meat to a processor and wondered how they could sell meat if they didn't have time to hunt!
He took a cow elk in for processing and got back 22 pounds of processed meat! That made him buy his own processing equipment.
I bought a LEM 10-12 years ago and it's still working just as good as it did new.

#8 BigBite® Meat Grinder - 0.5 HP | LEM Products

Our # 8 BigBite® Meat Grinder with 0.5 HP gives you a Premium Grind in Half the Time. 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, 5 Year Warranty. LEM Products | The Leader In Game Processing

www.lemproducts.com

I never needed more.

That's the exact grinder I bought 6 years ago when my nephew asked to borrow mine and burned the motor out.

 

[akdad]

My kids don't know you can drop stuff off to be processed not going to tell em either. We have always done our own. They also get to help decide what types of meats to do that way.

 

[Old Rooster]

That's the exact grinder I bought 6 years ago when my nephew asked to borrow mine and burned the motor out.

That's why I bought the cheaper model just for loans and don't loan the good one. My brother in law borrowed it several years ago and lost a part and it did not stop me from my processing. He could tell I was not happy.
His wife found the part a year later and he has never asked to borrow anything again!
That grinder has been the best purchase I have made.

 

[Old Rooster]

My kids don't know you can drop stuff off to be processed not going to tell em either. We have always done our own. They also get to help decide what types of meats to do that way.

Do you folks make sausage?

 

[akdad]

Do you folks make sausage?

Not yet but we are trying to get more variety. Last yr was first yr doing anything but moose.
I did buy some pork shoulder to mix with kids buck. This yr we have 3 yr old heifer as well to butcher.hopefully we can really get some nice cuts off that.

 

[Bghunter338]

What knives is everyone using these days for processing?

Victorinox

 

[Bghunter338]

Do you folks make sausage?

Yes, hit me up if you need any recipes

 

[Old Rooster]

On knives, Over the years I have found the cheap knives will work as well as the expensive one's but not for long.
I have several kinds and known quality knives (higher priced) will hold their edge much longer.
Bghunter338 I will be contacting you for some of your recipes. I make some Andouille and breakfast but not real happy with the breakfast sausage. Thanks for the offer.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Just bought this attachment for it this year and it's a life saver. Littery will make 20 patties in a minute.

View attachment 613531

Good to know. I'll be looking into this as soon as I'm done hunting.

 

[Bghunter338]

Good to know. I'll be looking into this as soon as I'm done hunting.

You'll love it