Warm Weekend Weather Prompts Warning For Hunters

Madison, WI – With mild temperatures predicted for opening weekend of the gun deer season in Wisconsin, food safety officials are cautioning hunters to handle venison carefully to keep it safe to eat.

When the temperature is over 40 degrees F., bacteria capable of causing food-borne illness can grow quickly. Keep it clean and cold, the experts say:

- Field dress the carcass immediately.

- Wash the body cavity with cold, clean water if possible. Carry a clean towel to wipe your hands and prevent cross contamination.

- Please the heart and liver in a food-grade plastic bag if you wish to keep them.

- Spread the rib cage to cool the carcass more quickly. If the air temperature is over 40 degrees, it’s a good idea to pack the carcass with clean ice. Refrigerate the carcass, if possible.

- Use food quality plastics bags or bucket to store cut meats. Do not use dark colored garbage bags, because they may contain toxic resins and are not intended for food use.

- Do not leave venison or other wild game in a car trunk where warmer temperatures promote bacterial growth.

- Use a cooler filled with ice or dry ice to store cut meat.

- Register and process venison as soon as it is harvested. Venison will spoil if it hangs without refrigeration in warm weather.

Posted @ 5:22 p.m.