Wild game processing is an essential service for hunters in Wyoming, transforming their successful hunts into high-quality meat for consumption. With vast wilderness areas and abundant wildlife, Wyoming attracts both local and out-of-state hunters seeking elk, deer, and other game animals. Proper processing ensures the meat is handled safely and prepared to the hunter’s specifications.
Wyoming offers numerous reputable wild game processors who provide expert services to maximize the value of harvested animals. These processors typically offer a range of options, from basic butchering to specialty cuts and products like sausages or jerky. Many operate seasonally, with peak times aligning with popular hunting seasons in the fall and early winter months.
1) Cheyenne 2040
Cheyenne’s game processing industry is expected to evolve significantly by 2040. Several established businesses will likely continue to serve hunters and meat enthusiasts in the area.
STK Meat Processing, a veteran-owned operation, may expand its services to meet growing demand. Their commitment to quality and precision could set new standards in the industry.
Wykota Wild Game Processing might introduce advanced technologies to streamline their operations. They may extend their processing season to accommodate changing hunting patterns.
New ventures could emerge, offering specialized services like gourmet sausage making or artisanal jerky production. These businesses may cater to niche markets and health-conscious consumers.
Environmental sustainability is projected to become a key focus. Processors may adopt eco-friendly practices and packaging to appeal to environmentally aware customers.
As wild game consumption trends evolve, Cheyenne’s processors could diversify their offerings. This may include ready-to-eat meals, exotic game cuts, and specialized processing techniques.
STK Meat Processing
[Address and contact details to be added when available]
Wykota Wild Game Processing
[Address and contact details to be added when available]
2) Laramie Game Processing & Taxidermy
Laramie offers excellent options for game processing and taxidermy services. These businesses cater to hunters looking to preserve their trophies and process their wild game.
Monteith Taxidermy specializes in game heads, pedestals, and life-size mammals. They also provide wholesale tanning, antler and horn reproductions, and European mounts. Their main operation is in Laramie, with additional locations in South Dakota.
Laramie Range Processing offers custom meat processing for both wild game and domestic animals. They provide tailored cutting services, including specific package sizes and various meat preparations. The business uses a combination of hand-wrapped and vacuum-sealed packaging methods.
Rainbow Meats has been serving the Laramie community for over 30 years. They process all types of wild game and offer sausage-making services. This establishment is known as a one-stop shop for hunters’ wild game needs.
Monteith Taxidermy
Address: Not provided
Contact: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Laramie Range Processing
Address: 1810 9th St, Laramie, WY
Contact: Not provided
Website: Not provided
Rainbow Meats
Address: 310 S 17th St, Laramie, WY
Contact: Not provided
Website: Not provided
3) Saratoga Game and Fish Processing
Saratoga Game and Fish Processing is a reputable wild game processing facility located in Carbon County, Wyoming. This establishment caters to hunters seeking professional handling of their game meat.
The business operates under the name Hanson Wild Game Processing LLC. They offer a range of services including cutting, packaging, and processing various types of wild game such as deer, elk, and antelope.
Hanson Wild Game Processing has earned a positive reputation in the local community. In 2017, they were voted the “Best Non-Profit” in Carbon County, Wyoming, highlighting their commitment to quality service and community involvement.
The facility maintains regular office hours, operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule allows hunters convenient access to their services during the busiest hunting seasons.
Hanson Wild Game Processing LLC is recognized by the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce as a valued local business. They contribute to the area’s reputation as a prime destination for hunting enthusiasts.
Address: Saratoga, WY 82331
Phone: Not available
Website: Not available
4) Rocky Mountain Processor
Rocky Mountain Processor is a reputable game processing facility in Wyoming. They offer comprehensive services for hunters, handling a variety of wild game including elk, deer, and antelope.
The facility prides itself on maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Their experienced staff ensures that each animal is processed with care and attention to detail.
Rocky Mountain Processor provides various cutting options to suit different preferences. Hunters can choose from standard cuts or request custom processing for specific needs.
The company is known for its quick turnaround times, especially during peak hunting seasons. They use modern equipment and techniques to efficiently process game while preserving meat quality.
Hunters appreciate the facility’s vacuum sealing service, which helps extend the shelf life of processed meat. Rocky Mountain Processor also offers additional services such as sausage making and jerky preparation.
Address: [Address not available in search results]
Contact: [Contact information not available in search results]
Website: [Website link not available in search results]
5) Jackson Hole Wildlife and Game Processing
Jackson Hole offers several reputable options for hunters seeking quality game processing services. These businesses cater to both local and out-of-state hunters, providing expert handling of wild game.
Jackson Hole Ice & Game is a well-known processor in the area. They specialize in wild game processing and have experience with various types of game meat.
1655 West Berger Lane, Jackson, WY 83001
Phone: 307-732-0496
Matt’s Custom Meats is another trusted option for hunters. They offer comprehensive game processing services and participate in the Hunters for the Hungry program.
1655 Berger Ln., Jackson, WY 83001
Hog Island Meats provides game processing services to hunters in the Jackson Hole area. They have a reputation for quality work and attention to detail.
Phone: (307) 413-0343
These processors ensure that hunters’ harvests are handled properly, maximizing the quality and yield of the meat. They offer various cutting and packaging options to suit individual preferences.
6) Casper Custom Meats
Casper Custom Meats offers high-quality game processing services in Casper, Wyoming. This local butcher shop specializes in custom meat processing for hunters and provides a range of options for wild game.
The facility is equipped to handle various types of game, including deer, elk, and antelope. They offer professional cutting, wrapping, and packaging services to ensure the meat is properly preserved.
Casper Custom Meats takes pride in their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction. They work closely with hunters to meet specific preferences for cuts and processing methods.
The shop also provides additional services such as sausage making and jerky production. This allows hunters to diversify their game meat and enjoy it in different forms.
Casper Custom Meats
7621 W Yellowstone Hwy, Casper, WY 82604
Phone: (307) 265-4744
7) Gillette Game and Fish Processing
Gillette offers excellent options for game processing services. Two notable establishments stand out in the area: Wild Country Processing and Koehlers Processing.
Wild Country Processing is run by Scott Benjamin and Peyton Koehler, who bring over 25 years of combined experience to their craft. They specialize in high-quality wild game processing and have set a new standard for customer service in Gillette and surrounding areas.
Koehlers Processing has a strong reputation in the community. They provide custom domestic and wild game processing services, catering to hunters’ needs with skill and expertise.
Both businesses are known for their fair pricing and excellent local service. They offer professional packaging and handling of meat, ensuring customers receive top-quality products.
These processors have gained positive feedback from clients who appreciate their attention to detail and knowledge of various game meats. Their services are particularly valuable during hunting seasons when demand for processing is high.
Wild Country Processing
Address: Not available
Contact: Not available
Website: Not available
Koehlers Processing
Address: 4709 Rocky Point Dr, Gillette, WY 82718
Contact: 307-682-5266
Website: Not available
8) Buffalo Game Kitchen
Buffalo Game Kitchen is a respected wild game processor located in Buffalo, Wyoming. They offer comprehensive processing services for a variety of game meats, including elk, deer, antelope, and more.
The facility prides itself on its clean, professional operations and attention to detail. Hunters can trust Buffalo Game Kitchen to handle their prized game with care and expertise.
Their processing options include standard cuts, sausage making, and specialty products like jerky. The experienced staff works efficiently to ensure hunters receive their processed game in a timely manner.
Buffalo Game Kitchen maintains high standards for food safety and quality. They use proper cooling and storage techniques to preserve the meat’s freshness and flavor.
Hunters appreciate the facility’s convenient location and flexible drop-off hours during hunting season. The staff is known for their helpful customer service and willingness to accommodate special requests when possible.
Address: 121 US Highway 16 East, Buffalo, WY 82834
Phone: (307) 684-5387
Website: www.buffalogamekitchen.com
9) Rawlins Wild Game Processing
Rawlins, Wyoming offers several options for hunters seeking quality wild game processing services. These processors cater to the needs of local and visiting hunters alike, providing expert handling of various game meats.
One notable establishment in Rawlins is Tom’s Wild Game Processing. They have built a reputation for their skilled meat cutting and preparation techniques. Tom’s specializes in processing elk, deer, antelope, and other wild game.
The staff at Tom’s Wild Game Processing takes pride in their attention to detail and commitment to food safety standards. They offer a range of services, including basic processing, custom cuts, and specialty products like sausages and jerky.
Hunters appreciate the quick turnaround times and professional service provided by Rawlins’ game processors. Many of these businesses have years of experience in handling wild game, ensuring that the meat is properly processed and packaged for optimal quality and flavor.
Tom’s Wild Game Processing
Address: Not available
Phone: 307-358-4377 or 307-359-9458
Website: Not available
10) Teton Valley Meats
Teton Valley Meats offers high-quality game processing services in the Jackson Hole and Teton Valley area. They specialize in handling wild game and domestic livestock for local hunters and farmers.
The company prides itself on its custom meat processing techniques, ensuring each cut meets the specific preferences of their clients. Their experienced staff expertly handles a variety of game meats, from elk and deer to bison and moose.
Teton Valley Meats maintains strict hygiene standards and uses modern equipment to deliver safe, properly processed meat products. They offer a range of services including cutting, wrapping, and packaging.
Hunters appreciate their attention to detail and respect for the animals they process. The business has built a solid reputation among outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
Contact:
Homestead & Harvest
208-607-5101
[email protected]
Website: homestead-and-harvest.com
Understanding Game Processing
Game processing transforms hunted animals into edible meat and usable products. It ensures proper handling, preservation, and preparation of wild game.
Why Game Processing Is Important
Proper game processing is crucial for food safety and quality. It prevents spoilage and contamination of meat, maximizing its usability and shelf life.
Game processing also reduces waste by utilizing as much of the animal as possible. This practice honors the animal and promotes responsible hunting ethics.
Professional processors have specialized equipment and expertise to handle game efficiently. They can create a variety of cuts and products that hunters may not be able to prepare at home.
Basic Steps in Game Processing
- Field dressing: Removing internal organs promptly after the kill
- Cooling: Lowering the carcass temperature quickly to prevent bacterial growth
- Skinning: Carefully removing the hide to protect the meat
- Butchering: Cutting the carcass into manageable pieces
The next steps involve breaking down the meat into specific cuts. This includes separating steaks, roasts, and ground meat.
Processors may also offer additional services like sausage making, jerky production, and vacuum sealing. These value-added products extend the shelf life and variety of the harvested game.
Proper labeling and packaging are final crucial steps. They ensure easy identification and storage of processed meat.
Game Processing Regulations in Wyoming
Wyoming has specific regulations governing game processing to ensure food safety and wildlife conservation. These rules cover licensing requirements for processors and guidelines for handling wild game meat.
Licensing and Permits
Game processors in Wyoming must obtain proper licensing from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture. The department categorizes meat plants into three types: state-inspected, custom exempt, and wild game processing facilities. State-inspected plants undergo regular inspections and can sell meat to the public. Custom exempt facilities process meat for individual owners’ personal use.
Wild game processors have specific requirements tailored to handling hunted animals. They must maintain sanitary conditions and keep accurate records of received game. Processors are required to label all packages with the hunter’s name and license number.
Wildlife Conservation Considerations
Wyoming’s game processing regulations aim to support wildlife conservation efforts. Processors must verify that animals were legally harvested by checking hunters’ licenses and tags. They are prohibited from accepting or processing any game that appears to have been taken illegally.
Abandonment of game meat is addressed in Wyoming regulations. Processors must notify authorities if customers leave meat unclaimed for more than 45 days. This rule helps prevent waste of wildlife resources.
Processors play a role in wildlife disease management. They are required to report any signs of illness in processed game animals to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. This helps monitor wildlife health and prevent the spread of diseases.