I had a similar situation with my post rut buck this year. Was splitting his tailbone and noticed he had the runs. He just started hitting food sources again about a week ago and didn’t have any signs of infection.
I decided to keep one deer shank whole this year to try a roast. Put it in the crockpot for about 9 hours with carrots and celery. Made some homemade mac and cheese and skillet garlic bread to go with it. Pretty tasty I must say
You probably grew up not too far from me then. Recipe is still a work in progress but it’s better than paying $9/lb at the store.
Recipe:
2 lb cooked meat (70/30 deer/pork shoulder)
1 onion
1 lb pin oats
2 lbs broth
Salt, pepper, sage, garlic, all spice to taste.
Boil meat, grind with onion...