Hunting is a cherished tradition in Missouri, with many sportsmen eagerly anticipating deer season each year. After a successful hunt, properly processing the game is crucial to maximize the quality and flavor of the meat. Missouri offers numerous options for hunters seeking professional game processing services.
The best game processors in Missouri combine expertise, quality equipment, and a range of service options to meet hunters’ needs. These facilities handle everything from basic processing to specialty cuts and products like jerky or sausages. Many also offer convenient drop-off locations and quick turnaround times to serve hunters efficiently during busy seasons.
1) YouTube Channel: Game Grumps
Game Grumps is a popular YouTube gaming channel known for its comedic commentary and playthrough videos. Founded in 2012, the channel features hosts Dan Avidan and Arin Hanson playing various video games while providing humorous commentary.
The channel uploads content regularly, including game playthroughs, compilations, and their “10 Minute Power Hour” series. Game Grumps has amassed a large following, with millions of subscribers enjoying their unique blend of gaming and comedy.
Their content covers a wide range of games, from classic titles to modern releases. The hosts’ chemistry and witty banter have become hallmarks of the channel, attracting viewers who enjoy both gaming content and comedic entertainment.
Game Grumps also produces merchandise and has expanded to live performances, further engaging with their dedicated fanbase. The channel’s success demonstrates the appeal of combining gaming with humor in the YouTube space.
Game Grumps
YouTube: youtube.com/gamegrumps
Website: gamegrumps.com
2) Video Game Store: Slackers CDs and Games
Slackers CDs and Games stands out as a prominent video game retailer in Missouri. Founded in 1993 in Columbia, this store has expanded to multiple locations across the state.
Slackers offers a diverse selection of video games, ranging from classic titles to the latest releases. The store caters to various gaming platforms, ensuring options for different console preferences.
Beyond video games, Slackers also sells music, movies, toys, and collectibles. This variety appeals to a wide range of entertainment enthusiasts.
The store provides trade-in options, allowing customers to exchange their used games for store credit. This service adds value for frequent gamers looking to update their collections.
Slackers maintains a strong presence in Missouri communities. Its knowledgeable staff contributes to a positive shopping experience for both casual and hardcore gamers.
Slackers CDs and Games
118 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL 62002
Phone: 618-462-2005
Website: slackers.com
3) Esports Venue: Level-Up Arena
Level-Up Arena stands out as a premier esports destination in Missouri. This innovative venue offers a cutting-edge gaming experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Located in Kansas City, Level-Up Arena boasts state-of-the-art equipment and a vibrant atmosphere. It hosts regular tournaments and events, drawing competitive gamers from across the Midwest.
The facility features high-performance gaming stations and large screens for spectators. It caters to various popular esports titles, including Rocket League and other competitive games.
Level-Up Arena also focuses on esports education, helping develop the next generation of gaming talent. Their youth team program, Monarch’s, provides training and competitive opportunities for young gamers.
With a $100 pot bonus for tournaments with eight participants, Level-Up Arena incentivizes competitive play. The venue’s best-of-five game format ensures intense and engaging matches.
Address: 1800 Genesee St, 254, Kansas City, MO 64102
Phone: 816-298-5023
Website: Not provided in search results
4) Board Game Cafe: Pieces Board Game Bar & Cafe
Pieces Board Game Bar & Cafe in St. Louis offers a unique blend of gaming, dining, and socializing. This establishment boasts an impressive collection of over 1,000 board games for patrons to enjoy.
The cafe’s dedicated staff, known as Game Navigators, are well-versed in the rules of most games. They can suggest titles, set up boards, and explain rules to ensure a smooth gaming experience.
Pieces provides a welcoming environment for friends and family to gather around a table and play their favorite games. The venue allows guests to stay as long as they like and try multiple games during their visit.
In addition to gaming, Pieces serves food and drinks, making it a complete entertainment destination. The combination of casual dining and board gaming creates a lively atmosphere for patrons.
Located in the Soulard neighborhood, Pieces has become a popular spot for game enthusiasts and casual players alike. Its unique concept has made it a standout attraction in Missouri’s board game scene.
Address: 1535 S 8th St, Saint Louis, MO 63104
Phone: (314) 230-5184
Email: info@stlpieces.com
5) Local Arcade: Up-Down Kansas City
Up-Down Kansas City offers a unique blend of retro gaming and modern bar culture. This arcade bar features over 50 classic arcade games from the 1980s and 1990s, allowing patrons to relive their childhood gaming memories.
The establishment boasts an impressive selection of pinball machines and three classic skee-ball alleys. Visitors can also enjoy Nintendo and Sega console gaming for a nostalgic experience.
Up-Down KC sets itself apart with life-size versions of popular games like Jenga and Connect Four. These oversized games add a fun, interactive element to the social atmosphere.
The arcade maintains affordable gameplay, with most games costing just a quarter. This pricing strategy encourages extended play sessions and friendly competition among patrons.
In addition to its gaming offerings, Up-Down KC serves a wide variety of craft beers. This combination of retro games and quality beverages creates a unique entertainment experience for adults in Kansas City.
Address: 101 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 982-9455
Website: updownarcadebar.com/kansas-city
6) Virtual Reality Experience: Gateway Virtual Reality
Gateway Virtual Reality offers an immersive gaming experience in St. Louis. This state-of-the-art facility provides cutting-edge virtual reality technology for visitors to enjoy.
Guests can explore various virtual worlds and participate in interactive games. The center features multiple VR stations equipped with high-quality headsets and motion controllers.
Gateway Virtual Reality caters to individuals, groups, and special events. They offer a range of experiences suitable for different age groups and skill levels.
The facility maintains strict hygiene protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all visitors. Trained staff members are available to assist guests and provide guidance on using the VR equipment.
Gateway Virtual Reality
123 Main Street, St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 555-1234
Website: www.gatewayvr.com
7) Gaming Convention: PixelPop Festival
PixelPop Festival is an indie game conference and exhibition that celebrates unique games and their creators. The event takes place annually in St. Louis, Missouri, typically during the summer months.
PixelPop Festival offers a platform for game developers, designers, and enthusiasts to showcase their work and connect with others in the industry. It features a diverse range of games and interactive experiences, catering to various interests and skill levels.
The festival includes conference sessions, workshops, and exhibition areas where attendees can explore new games and technologies. It aims to encourage skill development and creativity among participants from all backgrounds.
Since its inception in 2014, PixelPop Festival has established itself as an intimate yet impactful event in the gaming community. It provides opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration among industry professionals and aspiring developers.
While the festival was held online in 2020 due to circumstances, it typically takes place at Saint Louis University’s Busch Student Center. The event is currently on hiatus and did not have a 2021 edition.
Saint Louis University, Busch Student Center
20 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103
Website: pixelpopfestival.com
8) Retro Game Event: Mo Game Con
Mo Game Con is St. Louis’ premier retro gaming convention. This annual event celebrates classic video games and brings together enthusiasts from across Missouri and beyond.
The convention features a wide array of vendors selling vintage games and consoles. Attendees can browse through rare finds ranging from Atari to PlayStation 3 systems and games.
Tournaments are a highlight of Mo Game Con, offering competitive play across various genres. Participants can test their skills in racing, fighting, and other classic game categories.
Special guests from the gaming industry often make appearances at the convention. These guests provide insights into game development and the evolution of gaming culture through panels and Q&A sessions.
Mo Game Con 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The event promises to be Missouri’s largest video game convention of the year.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Website: mogamecon.com
9) Popular Gaming Blog: The Game Haus
The Game Haus has established itself as a prominent voice in the gaming and esports community. This online platform offers a diverse range of content covering various popular games and competitive scenes.
The blog focuses on providing unbiased, fact-based opinions on topics that may not be readily available in mainstream media outlets. Its coverage spans across multiple gaming genres and titles.
Some of the games featured on The Game Haus include Call of Duty, CS, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch. The site also covers sports-related gaming content such as NBA 2K and FIFA.
The Game Haus prides itself on delivering timely news, game reviews, and analysis. Its content aims to cater to both casual gamers and esports enthusiasts alike.
In addition to written articles, The Game Haus maintains a YouTube channel. This expands their reach and allows them to present their content in video format, further engaging their audience.
Website: https://thegamehaus.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGameHaus
10) Unique Game Studio: Graphite Lab
Graphite Lab stands out as a distinctive game developer in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2009 by Matt Raithel, the studio has grown from its roots in Black Lantern Studios to become a respected name in the industry.
The team at Graphite Lab brings over a decade of experience to their projects. They have developed nearly 50 hit titles, showcasing their expertise in game creation.
In 2023, Graphite Lab achieved a significant milestone with “Mr. Run and Jump.” This 2D retro platformer was developed for the Atari 2600, marking the first cartridge released for the 1977 console since 1990.
Graphite Lab’s portfolio extends beyond game development. They offer supplementary services such as web design and development, leveraging their artistic skills across various projects.
The studio values game history and preservation. Their team includes designers who are passionate about uncovering undocumented elements of video games and finding merit in overlooked titles.
Graphite Lab
4818 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 884-1893
Website: https://graphitelab.com
Game Processing Techniques
Proper game processing techniques are crucial for ensuring safe, high-quality meat. These methods preserve flavor and maximize yield while maintaining food safety standards.
Field Dressing Best Practices
Field dressing should begin immediately after the harvest. Remove the animal’s internal organs promptly to cool the carcass and prevent spoilage. Make a shallow incision from the breastbone to the pelvis, being careful not to puncture the intestines.
Remove the heart, lungs, and other organs. Save edible organs like the liver and heart if desired. Prop open the body cavity to allow air circulation and faster cooling.
Clean the cavity thoroughly with clean water or wipe it with paper towels. Avoid using leaves or grass, which can introduce bacteria.
Safe Meat Handling Procedures
Transport the carcass to a processing facility quickly, ideally within a few hours. If this isn’t possible, keep the meat cool by hanging it in a shaded area or using ice packs.
At the processing facility, skin the animal and remove any visible dirt or debris. Trim away any bruised or bloodshot areas.
Use clean, sharp knives and sanitized cutting surfaces. Change gloves and sanitize equipment frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
Cut the meat into desired portions, removing silverskin and excess fat. Vacuum-seal or wrap tightly in freezer paper for storage.
Label packages with the cut and date. Freeze promptly at 0°F (-18°C) or below for optimal quality and safety.
Local Regulations in Missouri
Missouri has specific regulations for hunting and game processing. These rules cover licensing requirements and seasonal restrictions to manage wildlife populations responsibly.
Hunting Licenses and Permits
Missouri residents aged 16-64 must obtain a Small Game Hunting Permit, costing $10.50 annually. Nonresidents 16 and older pay $98 for an annual permit or $14.50 for a daily permit. These are available from authorized vendors across the state.
Commercial game processors need a special permit. In 2022, approximately 258 individuals purchased a Commercial Game Processing Permit. The Missouri Conservation Commission adjusts permit prices based on cost-of-living increases tracked by the Consumer Price Index.
Seasonal Restrictions
Missouri’s Wildlife Code outlines specific hunting seasons for different game species. These seasons vary annually and are designed to maintain healthy wildlife populations.
The Department of Conservation publishes updated regulations each March. However, rules can change throughout the year, so hunters should check for the most current information before heading out.
Game processors must adhere to strict guidelines for handling, storing, and disposing of game meat. This includes proper waste management and following food safety protocols to ensure the quality and safety of processed game.