The scenario is the deer was shot at 5:15 in the evening with sunlight fading fast due to overcast skies and rain moving in. Rain quickly washed away the blood or there wasn't much of blood trail. Turned out to be a good shot and the deer didn't go far but died in tall grass. My friend who shot the deer wasn't able locate it that night with a flashlight and was unable to get back early in the morning. The evening was warm in the upper 50's, but dropped through the night and then all the next day to the upper 30's. Found the deer about 22 hours after the shot. Took all the meat that we could and it seems alright.
What is everyone's opinion or experience with salvaging meat after an extended recovery time? I know it depends on temperatures. In my experience, meat has been fine in warmer conditions after leaving over night for 10-12 hours, but I have never gone much past this.
What is everyone's opinion or experience with salvaging meat after an extended recovery time? I know it depends on temperatures. In my experience, meat has been fine in warmer conditions after leaving over night for 10-12 hours, but I have never gone much past this.