Vermont’s lush forests and abundant wildlife make it a prime destination for hunting enthusiasts. As the hunting season approaches, many hunters seek reliable game processing services to prepare their harvests for consumption. These services play a crucial role in transforming fresh game into quality meat products.
Vermont offers several reputable game processing facilities that cater to hunters’ needs. These processors handle various types of wild game, including deer, moose, and bear. They provide essential services such as skinning, butchering, packaging, and in some cases, smoking or curing the meat. Selecting the right processor ensures that hunters can enjoy the fruits of their labor to the fullest.
1) Shelburne Farms Cheese Caves Tour
Shelburne Farms offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes experience with their Sun to Cheese Tour. This daily tour runs from 2-4 PM through October 20th, giving cheese enthusiasts a chance to explore the farm’s cheesemaking process.
The tour takes guests through the journey of milk production to the final stages of cheese aging. Visitors can witness the intricate steps involved in crafting Shelburne Farms’ renowned cheddar cheese.
Shelburne Farms is not just a cheese producer, but also an educational nonprofit organization. Their mission focuses on inspiring and cultivating learning for a sustainable future through various programs and products.
The farm’s picturesque setting adds to the tour’s appeal. Guests can enjoy the beautiful Vermont landscape while learning about sustainable farming practices and artisanal cheese production.
Shelburne Farms
1611 Harbor Road, Shelburne, Vermont 05482
Phone: 802-985-8686
Website: www.shelburnefarms.org
2) Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Lab Workshop
The Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Lab Workshop offers ice cream enthusiasts a unique hands-on experience at their factory in Waterbury, Vermont. Participants can step into the shoes of flavor gurus and create their own custom ice cream combinations.
During the workshop, visitors learn about the art and science of ice cream making from expert staff. They explore different flavor profiles and ingredient pairings to craft their perfect scoop.
The Flavor Lab provides access to a wide array of mix-ins, from classic favorites to unexpected additions. Participants can experiment with various textures and tastes to develop their signature flavor.
After concocting their creations, attendees get to sample their handiwork and receive feedback from Ben & Jerry’s flavor experts. The workshop provides insight into the company’s innovative flavor development process.
This interactive experience allows visitors to unleash their creativity while gaining a deeper appreciation for the craft of premium ice cream production. The Flavor Lab Workshop adds an extra layer of fun to the standard factory tour.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory
1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Village Historic District, VT 05676
Phone: (802) 882-1240
Website: www.benjerry.com/about-us/factory-tours
3) Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Tour
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters offers an engaging tour experience at their Visitor Center in Waterbury, Vermont. Visitors can explore the history and process of coffee roasting through interactive exhibits.
The tour provides insights into the company’s commitment to fair trade practices and sustainable sourcing. Guests can learn about different coffee varieties and the art of brewing the perfect cup.
A highlight of the tour is the opportunity to sample various Green Mountain Coffee blends. The on-site café serves a wide range of coffee drinks, including their famous mochas.
The Visitor Center also features a gift shop where tourists can purchase Green Mountain Coffee products and merchandise. It’s an ideal stop for coffee enthusiasts and those interested in Vermont’s local businesses.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Café & Visitor Center
Address: 1 Rotarian Pl., Waterbury, VT 05676
Phone: (802) 244-5621
Website: www.keuriggreenmountain.com
4) Trapp Family Lodge Sledding Adventure
Trapp Family Lodge offers an exhilarating sledding experience for visitors of all ages. The resort’s dedicated sledding hill provides a thrilling ride with stunning views of the surrounding Green Mountains.
Guests can bring their own sleds or rent equipment from the lodge. The sledding area is well-maintained and groomed regularly to ensure optimal conditions for winter fun.
Safety is a top priority at Trapp Family Lodge. Staff members monitor the sledding hill and provide guidance to ensure a safe experience for all participants.
After an exciting day of sledding, guests can warm up with hot cocoa at the lodge’s cozy café. The resort also offers other winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for those looking to extend their outdoor adventures.
Trapp Family Lodge
700 Trapp Hill Road, Stowe, VT 05672
Phone: (802) 253-8511
Website: www.trappfamily.com
5) Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour
The Vermont Teddy Bear Factory offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Located in Shelburne, this popular attraction provides an inside look at the creation of their famous stuffed bears.
Guided tours take guests through the production process, showcasing how craftspeople handmake each teddy bear. Visitors can observe the meticulous work that goes into stuffing, stitching, and finishing these cuddly companions.
The factory is open year-round, seven days a week, making it a convenient stop for tourists and locals alike. Tours are both fun and informative, giving insight into the company’s history and commitment to quality.
For those feeling creative, the factory offers an opportunity to make your own personalized teddy bear. This hands-on activity adds an extra layer of excitement to the visit.
After the tour, guests can browse the on-site shop to find the perfect teddy bear souvenir. With a wide variety of bears and accessories available, there’s something for everyone.
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Address: 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482
Phone: (802) 985-1386
Website: www.vermontteddybear.com
6) Lake Champlain Chocolates Tasting
Lake Champlain Chocolates offers a delightful tasting experience for chocolate enthusiasts. Visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted chocolates made with premium ingredients.
The flagship store on Pine Street in Burlington provides complimentary tastings. Guests can try different flavors and textures, from creamy truffles to crunchy bars.
The Innovation Kitchen allows visitors to watch chocolatiers at work. This behind-the-scenes glimpse showcases the artistry involved in chocolate making.
Lake Champlain Chocolates prides itself on capturing Vermont’s essence in each bite. Their creations feature local ingredients and reflect the state’s commitment to quality.
The company’s history dates back to 1983 when Jim Lampman crafted his first truffle. Today, it continues to produce award-winning chocolates, including organic options.
Address: 750 Pine St, Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 864-1807
Website: www.lakechamplainchocolates.com
7) Magic Hat Brewery Tour
Magic Hat Brewing Company offers an engaging tour experience for beer enthusiasts in South Burlington, Vermont. Visitors can explore the brewery’s unique production process and sample a variety of craft beers.
The tour provides insight into Magic Hat’s brewing techniques, blending traditional methods with modern innovations. Guests learn about the ingredients and steps involved in creating the company’s distinctive flavors.
Magic Hat’s taproom features over 15 beers on draft, including rare pilot batch offerings not available elsewhere. This gives visitors the opportunity to taste exclusive brews straight from the source.
The brewery also incorporates art into the experience, with an on-site gallery showcasing local talent. This fusion of brewing and creativity adds an extra dimension to the tour.
Magic Hat Brewing Company
5 Bartlett Bay Road, South Burlington, VT 05403
Phone: (802) 658-2739
Website: www.magichat.net
8) Vermont Wildflower Farm Visit
Vermont Wildflower Farm in Charlotte offers a colorful and educational experience for garden enthusiasts. Established in 1981, this family-owned business specializes in wildflower seeds and gardening supplies.
Visitors can explore the vibrant gardens, showcasing a variety of native and cultivated flowers. The farm provides an opportunity to learn about different wildflower species and their cultivation.
The knowledgeable staff offers expert advice on planting and maintaining wildflower gardens. Guests can purchase seeds, bulbs, and gardening tools from the well-stocked gift shop.
The farm’s scenic location adds to its appeal, making it a pleasant destination for nature lovers and photographers. Seasonal events and workshops are often held, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors.
Vermont Wildflower Farm serves as an excellent resource for those interested in creating their own wildflower gardens or adding natural beauty to their landscapes.
Address: 2964 Ethan Allen Hwy, Charlotte, VT 05445
Phone: (802) 425-3641
Website: www.vermontwildflowerfarm.com
9) Cold Hollow Cider Mill Experience
Cold Hollow Cider Mill offers visitors a taste of authentic Vermont. Located in Waterbury Center, this working cider mill provides a self-guided tour where guests can observe the cider-making process firsthand.
The mill is renowned for its fresh-pressed apple cider and warm cider donuts. Visitors can watch as apples are transformed into delicious cider right before their eyes.
Beyond cider, Cold Hollow offers a variety of local products and homemade foods. The on-site gift shop features Vermont-made goods, allowing guests to take a piece of the Green Mountain State home with them.
For those interested in adult beverages, the mill includes a hard cider tasting room. Here, visitors can sample unique cider blends crafted from local apples.
The mill’s commitment to quality and its celebration of Vermont’s agricultural heritage make it a popular destination, especially during the fall season.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
3600 Waterbury-Stowe Road, Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: (800) 327-7537
Website: www.coldhollow.com
10) Smugglers’ Notch Ski Resort Escapade
Smugglers’ Notch Resort offers a premier winter getaway in Vermont’s Green Mountains. The resort boasts 1,000 acres of skiable terrain across 78 trails, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
With an average annual snowfall of 276 inches, Smugglers’ Notch provides excellent conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort features 8 lifts to transport visitors efficiently across its expansive grounds.
Families flock to Smugglers’ Notch for its renowned children’s programs and ski instruction. The resort’s team of experienced instructors and camp counselors ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for young visitors.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Smugglers’ Notch offers a variety of winter activities. Visitors can enjoy fat-biking, a relatively new addition to the resort’s off-slope offerings.
For those seeking evening entertainment, the resort hosts game nights with prizes on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort
4323 Vermont Route 108 South, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
Website: smuggs.com
Understanding Game Processing in Vermont
Game processing in Vermont involves specific regulations, permits, and seasonal considerations. Hunters must follow state guidelines to ensure proper handling and processing of wild game meat.
Regulations and Permits
Vermont requires hunters to obtain proper licenses and tags before hunting. Deer, bear, and other big game animals must be reported within 48 hours of taking. Hunters can process their own game or use licensed facilities.
Orange Custom Game Processing in Orange, VT offers year-round services for various wild game. They operate a retail shop, Central Vermont Meats, with specific hours for customer convenience.
Many processors handle multiple types of game. Kidder’s Smoke and Cure in Orange and Locke’s Wild Game Processing in Waterville accept a variety of wild game for processing.
Seasonal Considerations
Big game seasons in Vermont typically run from fall through early winter. Deer and bear hunting seasons are particularly popular, with specific dates set annually by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.
Processors often experience high demand during peak hunting seasons. Hunters should contact facilities early to ensure availability and discuss drop-off procedures.
Some processors, like Orange Custom Game Processing, offer year-round services. This allows hunters to process game outside of peak seasons and provides options for farm-raised animals.
Weather can impact game processing. Cold temperatures help preserve meat quality, while warmer conditions may require faster processing or additional refrigeration measures.
Techniques and Best Practices
Proper field dressing and meat preservation are crucial for ensuring high-quality wild game. These techniques maximize flavor and minimize waste when processing harvested animals in Vermont.
Field Dressing Tips
Remove the animal’s internal organs promptly after the harvest. Use a sharp, clean knife and cut carefully around the anus. Make an incision from the pelvic bone to the breastbone, being cautious not to puncture internal organs. Remove the heart, lungs, and other organs. Drain excess blood and cool the carcass quickly.
Wear rubber gloves to maintain hygiene. Avoid cutting into the stomach or intestines to prevent contamination. In warm weather, pack the body cavity with ice or snow if available. Transport the carcass to a processing facility as soon as possible.
Meat Preservation Methods
Proper cooling is essential for preserving wild game meat. Hang the carcass in a cool, dry place between 34-37°F. Allow air circulation around the meat. Age venison for 7-14 days to enhance tenderness and flavor.
For long-term storage, freezing is highly effective. Cut meat into meal-sized portions. Wrap tightly in freezer paper or vacuum-seal to prevent freezer burn. Label packages with the cut and date. Properly frozen wild game can last up to 12 months.
Consider alternative preservation methods like smoking or canning for variety. Smoke meat using hardwoods like hickory or maple for added flavor. Follow approved canning procedures to ensure food safety.