How to Use a Vac Sealer for Wild Game Meat | Wild Game Cook

Published on October 30, 2023
Duration: 12:02

This guide details the process of using a vacuum sealer for preserving wild game meat, emphasizing techniques to prevent bag punctures from bones and ensure optimal seals. Host John Wallace of Wild Game Cook demonstrates how to prepare various game cuts, from duck breasts and legs to whole squirrels, for long-term freezer storage. The video highlights the benefits of vacuum sealing over traditional methods like butcher paper or Ziploc bags for maintaining meat quality and preventing freezer burn.

Quick Summary

Vacuum sealing wild game meat prevents freezer burn by removing air, a key advantage over Ziploc bags. Techniques like trimming sharp bones with game shears and dry-aging meat can improve seal integrity and storage longevity, potentially up to two years.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Vacuum Sealing Wild Game
  2. 00:14Benefits of Vacuum Sealing vs. Other Methods
  3. 00:56Dealing with Sharp Bones to Protect Bags
  4. 01:43Preparing Game Meat for Sealing (Dry Aging)
  5. 02:05Setting Up the LEM MaxVac 500 Vacuum Sealer
  6. 02:25Sealing Duck Breasts
  7. 02:44Importance of Labeling Game Meat
  8. 03:30Performing the Vacuum Seal
  9. 04:20Sealing Duck Legs with Bone Management
  10. 05:44Tucking Bones and Tendons for Protection
  11. 06:42Sealing a Whole Duck
  12. 08:02Separating Duck Breasts by Size
  13. 09:40Sealing Whole and Boned-Out Squirrels
  14. 10:19Managing Sharp Ends on Squirrels
  15. 11:05Sealing Boned-Out Squirrel Meat
  16. 11:38Summary of Sealed Game Meats
  17. 11:48Where to Find LEM Sealers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of using a vacuum sealer for wild game meat?

Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn by removing air, unlike Ziploc bags which often retain it. It also allows you to see the meat's quality through the bag and provides a more secure seal, potentially extending storage life to two years or more.

How can I prevent sharp bones from puncturing vacuum sealer bags when sealing game meat?

You can prevent punctures by using game shears to trim sharp bone ends. Alternatively, tuck the bones between other pieces of meat or position them towards the center of the bag where they are less likely to cause damage.

Does dry-aging wild game meat improve vacuum sealing results?

Yes, dry-aging wild game meat for a few days in the refrigerator reduces its moisture content. This drier surface helps create a better, more reliable seal with your vacuum sealer, enhancing preservation.

What is the best way to seal multiple pieces of meat in a single vacuum bag?

When sealing multiple pieces of meat, it's beneficial to leave a gap between them. This prevents the formation of air pockets in the interstitial spaces and allows the vacuum sealer to create a more uniform and effective seal across the entire bag.

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