BIGREDD said:
You should think about what you are saying... a hunter is someone who hunts for food or sport... hunting deer for heads or horns is neither.
My interpretation of someone hunting for "sport" means they are just after the head and horns, or they just want to see something die, so Cereal is not the only one who should "think about what you are saying"
Cereal, I am rather ashamed and surprised
at the number of negative responses you are receiving from some rather established members on this board. Many of these same people talk about the need to recruit new hunters to the sport but jump all over you for asking, IMHO, a very valid question. Don't reregister or change your name, just ignore those people that would rather run you down than offer some suggestions to help you with your question.
With regard to the meat, when I read your posts I got the impression you would never waste the meat just to have the trophy and that you are trying to figure out how to deal with meat even before going out hunting, good for you for thinking ahead. I actually prefer moose over deer as well, which is why I only shoot one deer every few years and give away 50% of it. I would encourage you keep some meat and try differnt recipes, start with the tenderloins, you may learn to enjoy it.
I am sure a number of your hunting and non-hunting friends would take some meat if they know you are going to get a deer, however as someone else already said, you can't expect them to process it, thats your responsibility. Most of the people I give my deer too really like it already wrapped in brown paper. That being said, I have given away whole deer and moose (just field dressed, skinned and cleaned) to folks who just are not able to get out hunting that year (illness, age, or no registered guns) but are willing to process the meat themselves. I get the thrill of the hunt (sport hunting???) and know I am helping out someone who really appreciates my efforts and will enjoy the meat over the winter.
With regard to your vehicle, I have actually been on a hunt in a small car, a Topaz I believe, with a group of 4 guys. The 250lb doe fit nicely in the trunk over top of the spare tire, but I would use a tarp or plastic to help with the clean up. I actually do most of my hunting in a Honda CRV and I just bring along a few tarps and plastic (no trailer necessary). It is best to cool the animal before loading it up, otherwise things get a little steamed up, and warm meat and plastic don't go well together.
The other option would be to debone the deer onsite, especially if you have no place to hang or process a full dear at home . I would think a 250lb deer would be reduced to around a 150lb (???) of deboned meat which should easily fit in a Sunfire. Perhaps other CGN members who do this can help you out with this process, this is what they usually do in remote camps I believe.
All the best and let us know how you make out.
