Thread: Processing animals

Originally Posted by timattalon

I voted take it to a butcher. I have done it myself in the past and did so with the last one, but the butcher I use does a far better job than I can in a fraction of the time. The cost is fair and I see it as good value for the product I get at the end. The last one I got I did myself and it took me most of a day. (I am no expert....) and most of the front ended up as mince, and the back was steak or casserole chunks. I am better off spending that day out on the hill either hunting or stalking without hunting, and enjoying my limited time off and let the butcher do his thing. That way I get to do what I enjoy more and he gets paid. Its a win win. It is not that I cannot do it, it is more that I want to make the most of what chances I get. I do like to know where my food comes from, and I do know what is involved in doing it.

Same with my mechanic. I am sorting a few oil leaks out on a car and thought I would give it a go. I have learnt a lot and am mostly enjoying it, but I am now at a point where I have to say I know what needs to be done and that it important to do it better than I can so I have asked for help. But stuff I can do myself I will not pay someone to do if it is relatively simple and wont take all day. (Oil changes, minor repairs etc)

I would add that the butcher manages to get more meat off than I can making the most of every carcass, and has a way of disposing of the bones making his efforts even more attractive.