Kentucky’s rich hunting traditions have created a demand for quality game processing services across the state. Many hunters seek professional help to turn their hard-earned harvests into delicious, ready-to-eat meats. Game processing facilities play a crucial role in this process, offering expertise and specialized equipment.
The best game processors in Kentucky provide comprehensive services, from skinning and butchering to packaging and sometimes even creating specialty products. These establishments often cater to various types of game, including deer, wild hogs, and other animals. Many also offer additional services such as taxidermy or carcass disposal, making them one-stop shops for hunters looking to maximize their harvest.
1) KFC’s Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
KFC’s Extra Crispy chicken stands out as a popular menu item at the iconic fast-food chain. This variation offers a crunchier exterior compared to the Original Recipe chicken.
The Extra Crispy chicken undergoes a special breading process that results in a crispier texture on the outside while maintaining juiciness on the inside. This distinct preparation method sets it apart from the classic KFC offering.
Introduced in the 1970s, Extra Crispy chicken quickly gained favor among customers seeking a more textured bite. The recipe uses bone-in chicken pieces, providing an authentic and flavorful experience.
KFC prepares Extra Crispy chicken according to their standard recipe, but customers can request certain modifications when ordering. This allows for some customization of the meal.
While not part of Colonel Sanders’ original vision for KFC, Extra Crispy chicken has become a staple on the menu. It offers an alternative to those who prefer a crunchier coating on their fried chicken.
KFC
1006 S Main St, London, KY 40741
Phone: (606) 864-5730
Website: www.kfc.com
2) Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale
Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale is a renowned craft beer that embodies the spirit of the Bluegrass State. This unique ale is aged in freshly decanted bourbon barrels, imparting rich flavors of vanilla and oak.
Brewed by Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., this ale has gained widespread recognition for its innovative approach to beer-making. It combines the smoothness of a well-crafted ale with the complex notes of Kentucky’s signature spirit.
The beer has received numerous accolades, including gold medals at prestigious competitions. Its popularity extends beyond Kentucky’s borders, making it a sought-after brew for beer enthusiasts nationwide.
With an alcohol content of around 8.2%, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale offers a robust drinking experience. Its amber color and creamy head invite drinkers to savor its unique flavor profile.
The brewery recommends serving this ale as an aperitif or after-dinner drink, highlighting its versatility. Its balanced blend of beer and bourbon characteristics makes it a standout in the craft beer scene.
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.
401 Cross Street, Lexington, KY 40508
Phone: (859) 255-2337
Website: www.lexingtonbrewingco.com
3) Lexington Legends Baseball
The Lexington Legends are a professional baseball team based in Lexington, Kentucky. They compete in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a Partner League of Major League Baseball.
The team has a strong track record of success, having won four championships since their establishment in 2001. This impressive achievement has solidified their position as a formidable force in minor league baseball.
Lexington Legends games are a popular attraction for baseball enthusiasts and families alike. The team’s home stadium, Whitaker Bank Ballpark, welcomes hundreds of thousands of fans each season.
The Legends offer an exciting blend of competitive baseball and entertainment. Their games feature skilled players aiming for victory, combined with engaging promotional events and activities for spectators.
Fans can follow the team’s schedule and updates through their official social media channels. The Lexington Legends have a significant online presence, with over 52,000 followers on Facebook and 19,000 on Instagram.
Lexington Legends
207 Legends Lane, Lexington, KY 40505
Phone: (859) 252-4487
Website: www.lexingtonlegends.com
4) The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse racing event held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. It takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack.
Known as “The Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Derby features three-year-old thoroughbreds competing in a 1.25-mile race. The winner receives a garland of roses, a significant cash prize, and instant fame.
The Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. It attracts around 150,000 spectators to Churchill Downs each year.
Fashion plays a big role in Derby culture, with attendees often sporting elaborate hats and stylish attire. The event is also famous for its signature drink, the mint julep.
Betting is a major part of the Kentucky Derby experience. Fans can wager on various aspects of the race, from win-place-show bets to more complex exotic wagers.
The Kentucky Derby has a rich history dating back to 1875. It has become a cultural icon, drawing celebrities, politicians, and racing enthusiasts from around the world.
5) Corvette Manufacturing in Bowling Green
Bowling Green, Kentucky became the home of Corvette production in 1981. This marked a significant shift from the previous manufacturing location in St. Louis, Missouri.
The Bowling Green Assembly Plant, situated at 600 Corvette Drive, was designed to enhance production capabilities and quality control. It features state-of-the-art facilities and a team of skilled craftsmen dedicated to building America’s iconic sports car.
Since its opening, the plant has produced over a million Corvettes. The facility’s specialization in GM’s Y-body sports cars has allowed for focused expertise in Corvette manufacturing.
The plant offers public tours, allowing enthusiasts to witness the Corvette production process firsthand. This unique experience attracts thousands of visitors annually.
Bowling Green’s commitment to Corvette production has solidified its status as a pivotal location in automotive history. The plant continues to evolve, adapting to new technologies and production methods to maintain the Corvette’s high standards.
General Motors Bowling Green Assembly Plant
600 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
Phone: (270) 745-8019
Website: www.corvetteassembly.com
6) Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offers a stunning natural attraction in Kentucky. The park’s centerpiece is Cumberland Falls, a 68-foot tall and 125-foot wide waterfall nicknamed the “Niagara of the South.”
Visitors can observe the falls from multiple vantage points along an accessible walkway. The park is renowned for its moonbow, a rare lunar rainbow visible on clear nights during a full moon.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, including the scenic Eagle Falls Trail. The park also features gemstone mining activities for families and amateur geologists.
For overnight stays, the park provides lodging options in its DuPont Lodge or cabin rentals. Meeting facilities are available for groups up to 350 people.
The Cumberland Falls Mining Company, located near the gift shop, offers visitors the chance to search for gemstones and fossils.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701
Phone: (606) 528-4121
Website: parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/cumberland-falls
7) Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park offers unique opportunities for adventurous hunters and anglers. The park encompasses over 52,000 acres of diverse terrain in south-central Kentucky.
While hunting is not permitted within the national park boundaries, the surrounding areas provide excellent game processing options. Local facilities cater to hunters targeting deer, turkey, and small game in nearby public and private lands.
Fishing is allowed in Mammoth Cave National Park without a license. The Green River and its tributaries offer abundant opportunities for catching bass, catfish, and other species. Anglers can enjoy both boat and bank fishing throughout the park.
Several nearby communities provide game processing services for hunters. These facilities offer professional butchering, packaging, and even specialty products like jerky or sausage.
Visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park can combine their hunting or fishing trips with cave tours, hiking, and camping. The park’s extensive trail system and diverse ecosystems make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Phone: (270) 758-2180
Website: www.nps.gov/maca
8) Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a must-visit destination for baseball enthusiasts. Located in downtown Louisville, this iconic facility offers an immersive experience into the world of America’s favorite pastime.
Visitors can take a fascinating factory tour to witness the production of the game’s most famous baseball bat. The museum showcases an impressive collection of baseball memorabilia, including bats used by legendary players like Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron.
Interactive exhibits allow guests to test their batting skills with replica bats from various eras. The museum store offers personalized bats, crafted on-site daily, as unique souvenirs.
A highlight of the museum is the massive baseball bat, standing 120 feet tall, that adorns the building’s exterior. This colossal replica of Babe Ruth’s 34-inch Louisville Slugger has become a landmark in the city.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
800 West Main Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (877) 775-8443
Website: www.sluggermuseum.com
9) The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tour
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of America’s native spirit. This self-guided tour takes enthusiasts through the heart of bourbon country, showcasing some of the most renowned distilleries in the state.
Visitors can experience the art of bourbon-making firsthand, from the mashing of grains to the aging process in charred oak barrels. Many distilleries offer behind-the-scenes tours, allowing guests to witness the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
The trail features a diverse range of bourbon producers, from historic landmarks to modern facilities. Each stop provides a chance to sample different bourbon varieties and learn about their distinct flavor profiles.
Popular distilleries on the trail include Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve. These iconic brands offer immersive experiences that blend history, tradition, and innovation.
For those seeking a more intimate experience, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour highlights smaller, artisanal distilleries. These craft producers often experiment with unique flavor combinations and production methods.
To fully appreciate the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visitors should plan for multiple days. This allows time to explore the different distilleries, enjoy tastings, and soak in the scenic Kentucky landscape.
10) Churchill Downs Racetrack
Churchill Downs Racetrack stands as an iconic venue in Louisville, Kentucky. It is renowned for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world.
The racetrack boasts a rich history dating back to 1875. It features the distinctive twin spires atop the grandstand, which have become a symbol of the Kentucky Derby.
Churchill Downs conducts Thoroughbred horse racing throughout the year. The facility offers various seating options for spectators, including reserved seats for multiple race dates.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved historical racing terminals at Churchill Downs’ Derby City Gaming facility. This addition expands the entertainment options available to visitors.
The racetrack’s turf course has undergone improvements, receiving positive feedback for recent meets. This development enhances the racing experience for both horses and spectators.
Churchill Downs Racetrack
700 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: (502) 636-4400
Website: www.churchilldowns.com
Understanding Game Processing in Kentucky
Game processing in Kentucky involves regulations, facilities, and common wild game species. Hunters must follow state laws when handling and processing game meat. Deer, turkey, and small game are frequently processed.
Regulations and Legal Requirements
Kentucky law requires hunters to properly tag harvested game before processing. Processors must be licensed by the state and follow food safety guidelines. Game meat cannot be sold commercially. Hunters can process their own game or use approved facilities.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing is mandatory in some counties. Processors must keep records of all game received. Proper disposal of waste and byproducts is required to prevent disease spread.
Commonly Processed Game Types
Whitetail deer is the most commonly processed game in Kentucky. Processors offer services like skinning, butchering, and packaging venison cuts. Wild turkey is another popular game bird processed seasonally.
Small game like rabbit and squirrel are often processed. Some facilities handle wild hog meat in areas with feral pig populations. Waterfowl and upland game birds may be processed at select locations.
Many processors create specialty products like jerky, sausage, and ground meat blends. Proper aging, cutting, and packaging help preserve meat quality. Hunters can usually specify their preferred cuts and processing methods.
Benefits of Professional Game Processing
Professional game processing offers significant advantages for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Expert processors ensure safe handling and optimal preservation of meat while enhancing its flavor and quality.
Ensuring Quality and Safety
Professional game processors follow strict sanitation protocols and regulatory standards. They use specialized equipment to properly clean and dress game animals, minimizing contamination risks. Their expertise allows for precise cuts and proper trimming, maximizing the yield of usable meat.
Processors maintain controlled environments to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses. They conduct thorough inspections to identify any signs of disease or parasites. This attention to detail ensures the meat is safe for consumption.
Many processors offer vacuum sealing services, extending the shelf life of game meat. They can also provide guidance on proper storage and handling techniques for hunters to maintain meat quality at home.
Enhancing Flavor and Preservation
Professional processors employ techniques to improve the taste and texture of game meat. They often age venison and other game to enhance tenderness and develop richer flavors. Proper aging requires controlled temperature and humidity, which processors can maintain consistently.
Processors offer various seasoning and curing options to suit different tastes. They can create specialty products like jerky, sausages, and smoked meats. These value-added services transform game into delicious, ready-to-eat products.
Expert processors understand the ideal cooking methods for different cuts of game. They can provide recommendations to hunters on how to prepare their meat for optimal flavor and tenderness. This guidance helps ensure the best culinary experience from field to table.