Keeping the flies off Elk meat

[Swamp Buck]

When I was on my last hunt a few Wisconsin boys broke the cherry using the gutless method on a first ever elk. It took considerably longer for us to perform the task than I am sure any of you take (but should go smoother with one under our belt). While we were cutting and bagging the flies were getting bad and we ended up losing some meat due to fly larva. What are the best options to keeping them off the meat. I understand that not every hunt will run the risk of this but I think I should be better prepared next time.

[Indian Summer]

That's easy. Don't shower all week so the flies all prefer to land on you instead.

There is a solution to that. Get some powdered citrus spray mix. As soon as you expose the meat spray it down really well. The acidic solution creates a PH level that the flies won't lay eggs on. Problem solved. Don't forget the spray bottle! The stuff is food grade so I'm actually going to look for a spray attachment that fits my Nalgene drinking water bottles.

[Swamp Buck]

Thanks again Indian Summer. I have heard of the citric acid spray also heard of pepper. I will be carrying the spray this year.

[ElkNut1]

Red chili pepper, you won't need anything else! No mess no fuss! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

You could also use TAGBags game bags. Unlike lots of mesh bags flies can't contact the meat through the material. I just bought a set myself.

Here is a section from the Indian Valley meat processor in Alaska who sells a great citrus product. It does more than just repel flies. It inhibits the growth of bacteria as well.

"food-grade citric acid game bag cure keeps flies off and helps to fight bacteria growth. It’s really helpful in Alaska on long hunts where flies and bacteria are a real threat to meat quality. Ask your local hunting store about it or you can call out to our shop. The cure is a dry concentrate that you mix into one gallon of water. Soak the game bags in the solution for 20 minutes to one hour. Then let them air dry completely (not in the dryer). Finally seal them in a zip lock bag.

Flies may light on the bag but the citric acid burns them and they will not hang around. Also the citric acid helps to reduce bacteria growth. Bacteria grows rapidly at a pH level of 7.0, the natural level of meat. The pH level contained in the cure is around 2.35. The cure will help lower the pH of the meat to around 5.3. The higher the pH the more chance there is of spoiling."

Here's a link to their site for more useful info: http://www.indianvalleymeats.com/field_care.htm

[Indian Summer]

While we're on the subject of meat care here's an excellent article on aging meats. Very informative.

http://www.theoutdoorlodge.com/features ... _game.html

[ferris bugler]

As well as what has been stated above, I always try to make sure that air gets to the outside layer of my quarters. It seems like that as soon as there is a little bit of dryness flies stay away.

[Wapiti]

A lot of guys use ladies pantyhose !! Used just like game bags. Get the biggest ones you can find ! Plus the are lite to pack !

Trav

[msd1228]

Have always used black pepper and game bags. Never had an issue.

[Wapiti]

Previously posted by Elkmtngear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDykz-QQNT0

[Tigger]

3 problems with using lady's panty hose. 1-buying them. 2-explaining to the wife why you have them in your possession and 3- getting your hunting buddy to buy in to the reason you have them .

[Trophyhill]

Killin em just before dark is a good thing too......even if you don't get back to camp til after 2am

[WapitiTalk1]

3 problems with using lady's panty hose. 1-buying them. 2-explaining to the wife why you have them in your possession and 3- getting your hunting buddy to buy in to the reason you have them .