We get asked this question a lot. For a first time game processor, jerky guns, dehydrators, meat packaging supplies, etc. can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. We're going to keep it simple for you as a newbie. Only the must-have gear. Without further ado, here are the top three Weston Essentials if you're just starting out.
1. Good knife set, specifically made for game processing
Even if you decide to send some of your deer to the processor and keep some of it to take care of yourself, you're going to need some knives. And not just any old knives. There's a reason some of us make Game Processing Knife Sets. You're going to need a caper, and a filet knife, and a butcher knife. Maybe even some shears. And a cleaver. Oh, and a saw.
2. Vacuum Sealer
You don't want all of that hard work to go to waste, now do you? The vacuum sealer is the absolute best way to keep your wild game meat fresh. With a variety of bag sizes, and the ability to write on them, they'll also help keep your freezer organized. Truth is: Once you start sawing away, it will get increasingly difficult to tell your cuts apart. Seal them and label them right away, and you'll be good to go.
3. Meat Grinder
Let's be honest - there's no other way to make ground meat. You're going to need a meat grinder if you're going to make sausage, burgers, meatloaf, etc. out of your wild game. And of course you're going to do that. There are simply some cuts that just aren't prime, and you're going to grind them, season them up, and turn them into sausage. It's going to happen.
