Hanging a harvested game animal from a tree or specially designed rack can be an important part of preserving the meat and preventing disease-causing microorganisms from spreading. It is important to understand the purpose of hanging a game animal, as well as the proper procedures for doing so.

Purpose

The purpose of hanging a harvested game animal from a tree or specially designed rack is to allow air to circulate around the animal, which allows the meat to cool quicker and prevents spoilage. This is especially important in warm temperatures, when meat decomposes quickly. Properly cooling the meat is also essential for preventing bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms from spreading.

Procedures

The first step in properly hanging a harvested game animal from a tree or specially designed rack is to field dress it. This includes opening and emptying the body cavity, removing the internal organs, taking out any bones or teeth, and washing and wiping the internal cavity with a rag and warm water. After doing so, it is important to tie the hind legs together and securely hold the animal in place and then hang it from a strong branch or specially designed rack.

When hanging a game animal, it is important to make sure that the body is suspended in a way that allows air to circulate around it. The optimal position for this is with the legs in the air and the body angled down slightly. In addition, the animal should be hung in an area away from direct sunlight and out of reach of scavengers.

Conclusion

Hanging a harvested game animal from a tree or specially designed rack is essential for cooling meat quicker and preventing the spread of disease-causing microorganisms. In order to do this properly, it is important to understand the purpose of hanging and the proper procedures for doing so, which include field dressing the animal and securely suspending the body in a way that allows air to circulate around it.