Antilopes

[HunterCO]

Ya know I read a study on wild game hanging vs. domestic.. the colleges involved stated that wild game does not age like domestic due to the fact it doesn't have the same characteristics ie: hormones, fat, enzymes, etc. to cause the meat to break down, like domestic. And animals killed in warmer times will not age properly, in fact they may grow bacteria that is harmful. (Clemson University)
anyway we eat the backstraps and tenderloins and usually grind the rest as burger, and sausage...so no need to

Thats the first problem colleges involved I would love to see actual
scientific data to back any of that up.

I was tought to butcher by a meat cutter with over 30 years expeirince I think I will trust him VS some college liberal peta loving professor.

To each there own I would rather eat a stake than a burger but thats just me.

[Wallary]

who needs spillcheq... me do's fine.. u'se no's whuz I meens..

Well said Mtn.man and well done as well. Congratulations

+1 HunterCO
[Quote:To each there own I would rather eat a stake than a burger but thats just me.]

My friend had a BBQ Saturday and we ate Elk & Antelope steaks that were out of this world. Both were aged for several days before butchering. Talk about tender and delicious. Try his secret recipe sometime and let me know what you think. Marinate your steaks in Ranch Dressing overnight. Throw them on the Barbi for a few minutes (don't over cook) Rare to Med Rare is best of course. Enjoy! BTW Congratulations

[sniper_tim]

Some good scientific/objective studies and information from the University of Wyoming about this age old question! I would recommend reading for all hunters. Conclusions from the tests validate the aging process is beneficial to taste and tenderness, however depending on your end product (sausage vs. steaks), how you care for your meat immediately following a harvest (able to cool it down sufficiently), and the size of the animal should detemine your plan of action.

http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B513Rpdf.pdf - Aging big game
http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B594R.pdf - Elk Carcass
http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B565R.pdf - Antelope carcass
http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/B589R.pdf - Mule Deer carcass


I think the conclusion of antelope was that maximum benefit was obtained by aging 1-3 days assuming the carcass was chilled immediately. Beyond 3 days supposedly produces "mushy" meat. Just passing the information on, i have not had the opportunity to harvest an antelope.

Bon Appetit

[Mtn.man]

Thanks for the info.. lopes are so small there ain't much steak,, just straps and loins, and they are pretty much already gone... LOL

might try the elk aging as it is cooler when we get them so easier to age where as like a I said it is too warm for the anti's so you gotta process and grind em up...

[theGinsue]

I got a pretty decent sized antelope (er, I mean antilope) up near Casper, WY back in 99. While I didn't let it age more than a day it turned out great (backstraps/loins, many steaks, and some ground - I always tell the butcher to give me as many roasts as possible, what can't/shouldn't be roasts, make into steaks, and what can't be steaks, grind).

I used my "Simon & Garfunkel" marinade base...you know: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme. Given that the main staple for the 'lope I shot was sage, I knew the meat would have a sagey flavor already and left that out. My friend who dislikes eating game the most said these steaks were the best meat he's ever eaten.

[sniper7]

nice work guys.
didnt get me a lope tag this year, but I took this one last year:




where do you go moose hunting at? I have 2 points after this year, and will be putting in for a thrid next year.
When i do finally get to go, I am going to make sure I have the whole season off and work my butt off to get one. I would love to take a big bull moose one day!

[Mtn.man]

unit 17,, we have seen alot there.. cousin has drawn 2 cow tags in 11 years,, no bulls, i got 1 cow tag in 97' and nutin since,, buddy got his cow this year after 8 years...
I think our system sucks for drawing but it's all we got for now....

[sniper7]

yeah the system definitely sucks. especially since you can only kill 1 bull and 1 cow in your lifetime

17 huh? i have been there

Was actually up there this year scouting, and saw a HUGE bull moose. thing was solid black. only the 2nd moose i have ever seen in CO.

Maybe one day i can get one!

good luck on yours. glad your buddy got one!

[HunterCO]

I am butchering my antelope today it has been hanging for 8 days thanks to mother nature the weather worked in my favor. This will be one tender speed goat. If it was not for this front we just got I would have had to butcher her on friday.

Last year I only got 5 days I am a happy camper and next weekened is opening for elk.

[Mtn.man]

Uhh you can get more than one cow moose in your lifetime but only 1 bull.. unlessthey have recently changed the rules...