Reuseable game bags are an inexpensive yet necessary accessory for any outdoor adventure. Using them to carry your game and storing the meat after you’re done can mean the difference between enjoying steaks from that wild animal and spoiled meat.
They are also great for carrying other essentials like your backpack, a limb driven arrow rest or a backcountry pillow. They can even be used to repair a boot lace.
Keeping Your Game Meat Clean
The most important aspect of breaking down an animal is to take proper care of the meat. Once you’ve separated the meat from the carcass, it needs to be cooled down and kept away from dirt and flies. It’s not as simple as simply putting the meat in a bag, it requires that you make sure it is properly ventilated and hung up so that it can air out.
Keeping The Meat Cold
If you’re packing the meat out on a long haul or in the winter, it’s critical to let it cool down quickly. It’s also a good idea to let it acclimate for at least a few days before you put it in the freezer.
A reusable game bag is the best way to keep your meat cool while in the field or in the truck. The material is lightweight and breathable so it doesn’t smother the meat, but still keeps it out of direct sunlight.
Keeping Them Clean
Using the right method to clean your reusable game bags can make a big difference. You can use a few different methods, depending on the size and shape of your bag. Luckily, most of them are pretty easy to do, and most can be done from the comfort of your own home!
1. Hand Wash Them
You can easily hand wash reusable game bags by filling a bucket with water and an unscented detergent. Just be sure to spray the bag down to make sure you remove all the meat and fat as well as any hair that may have collected. If you’re lucky, this will leave your game bag looking as fresh as the day you got it!
2. Machine Wash Them
Another easy way to clean reusable game bags is to just dump them into the washing machine and run it on hot water. Be careful not to over-soak your bags because this can deteriorate them. If your bags are in very bad shape, you can always hose them off and let them air dry.