It’s hunting season here in Montana, and if you’ve filled a tag, you know the hard work isn’t over once the animal is down (but still fun, right?).
Processing your own game at home saves money and makes the whole hunt more personal – but it can feel overwhelming without the right tools. That’s where we come in.
We stock everything from meat grinders to freezer bags, and our own team member Grace (from Owenhouse Ace Downtown) – an avid hunter herself – has some must-have recommendations to share, just for you.
Why Game Processing Matters
Ask any Montana hunter, and they’ll tell you: putting the meat you hunted in the freezer yourself is one of the most satisfying parts of the hunt!
You’re saving money compared to taking it to a processor, you’re in control of quality, and you know exactly how your venison, elk, or antelope is handled.
Game processing keeps the harvest personal, and it’s part of the story you’ll tell (or eat) for years.
Grace’s Must-Have Tools for Game Processing
Grace has spent plenty of time hunting, cleaning, processing and cooking her own game.
The Boning Knife You’ll Actually Love Using
The Messermeister Pro Series 6” Curved Boning Knife (6030374)’s semi-flexible blade follows the bone just right. Its durable rubber handle gives you a strong grip – even after handling meat. At $33, it’s a tool you won’t be afraid to put to work.
Grace doesn’t mess around when it comes to knives: “This Messermeister Pro Series 6” curved boning knife is my go-to when deboning meat. I recommend this $33 knife specifically over our higher-end boning knives when it comes to processing game.
Oftentimes, that is an activity people are doing out in their garage, shop or even on a tailgate where a knife could easily be dropped or knocked into a table. They don’t want to worry about chipping or nicking a blade, and with this one they don’t have to.”
A sharp knife isn’t just easier to use: it’s safer! (did you read our blog 4 Common Kitchen Myths BUSTED!?) With a good honing steel in reach, you’ll keep every cut clean from start to finish.
Keep Knives Sharp with a Honing Steel
When you’re boning out quarters one after another, even the best blades will start to feel dull. That’s why Grace keeps the Zwilling Honing Steel (6185953) close at hand.
What Grace says: “Keeping a hone handy is a must when boning quarter after quarter. Any knife you buy will start to feel dull after all of that use. We keep our honing steel out on the counter and use it multiple times as we work our way through an animal. It gives the blade a quick touch-up that makes a noticeable difference every time.”
Choosing the Right Meat Grinder
No matter what big game animal you harvest, there’s always some meat that needs to be ground. Grace’s go-to is the LEM Mighty Bite Grinder (6723845) with a 4.5-lb capacity.
What Grace says: “I prefer this LEM Mighty Bite grinder with a 4.5 lb capacity. It is big enough to get through processing a whole deer or half an elk with a couple of hours of work. Mine has lasted several years and worked through dozens of deer and a few elk.”
If you’re planning on tackling a whole bull elk or moose in one sitting, Grace recommends sizing up to the LEM Big Bite Grinder (6712681). For lighter use – like a single antelope or deer each season – the smaller Cuisinart model we carry is also a solid option.
Bottom line: the right grinder saves time and energy, and with proper care, these machines will last you season after season.
Meat Lugs for Easy Mixing
A meat lug might not sound exciting, but once you use one, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it. Grace highly recommends the LEM Meat Lug (6723068).
What Grace says: “This is your best friend when grinding meat. It gives you plenty of space to grind your meat and fat together and mix it up before filling bags or sausage casings.”
It keeps the process organized, clean, and efficient. With one of these in your setup, you won’t be juggling bowls or trying to keep meat contained on a small counter!
Freezer Bags to Stay Organized
When the grind is done, it’s time to bag and tag! These LEM Wild Game Freezer Bags (6813620) come printed with options for venison, elk, buffalo, antelope, moose, burger, or sausage – making it easy to grab the right package out of the freezer later.
Grace’s reminder: “Always label and date everything you put in your freezer!”
Trust us, six months from now, you’ll be glad you took the extra minute.
Freezer Tape and Freezer Paper for Long-Term Storage
For roasts and steaks, nothing beats wrapping them in Freezer Paper (62261), and sealing thim with this Freezer Tape (62265)
Grace’s advice: “Using feezer paper to wrap steaks and roasts is the easiest way to store them in the freezer. Pro tip: Try wrapping your steaks in a layer of plastic wrap first and then the paper to be certain to avoid freezer burn. And again, don’t forget to label and date!”
Freezer paper and tape keep your hard-earned meat in top shape until it’s ready to hit the skillet or grill.
Gear Up for Hunting and Game Processing Season at Owenhouse Ace
Owenhouse Ace has everything you need for game processing in Bozeman. Grace’s must-haves are just the beginning – stop by our Downtown or our West location and we’ll help you gear up for the season!
Whether you’re breaking down an antelope in the garage or grinding through an elk in the shop, we’ll make sure you’ve got the right tools to do it right.
