Canning Venison - An Easy Way to Preserve the Product of Your Successful Hunt

Most people don't realize just how easy canning2. Pack your chunks of meat into hot jars, leaving
venison can be. Works for canning elk too. I remember1-inch head space.
checking out what would be involved with canning the3. Add canning salt if desired. 2 tsp per quart as
wild game my guys brought home from hunting camp. Idesired. You can also layer onions into your jars with
could not believe it would be as easy as theyour meat. Do not add liquid! Seriously. This was the
information I was finding made it out to be. Cut it up,hardest part for me to get. You really don't have to
put it in a jar and pressure can it? Surely there is moreadd add liquid. The meat will produce its own juice.
to it than that! Well there is a little bit more.... but not4. Wipe the rims of your jars clean. Place the warmed
much.canning lids and screw bands on the jars.
I wish I would have started canning meat years ago.5. Place filled jars in your preheated pressure canner.
Each year I worried about having enough freezerFollow pressure canning instructions.
space. When I started canning part of the meat we6. For altitudes less than 1000 feet process at 10
had, I freed up a lot of space for other things.pounds pressure. Process Quarts - 1 hour 30 minutes.
I don't can all of this meat. You know just how muchProcess pints - 1 hour 15 minutes. Don't forget to adjust
meat is on an elk right? We save the choice cuts ofthe pressure requirements for your altitude.
meat for steaks and roasts. But the less tender cutsThat's it! So easy. But remember for safety you really
all go for jerky, sausage and canning, both ground andMUST use a pressure canner and you MUST use
cubed.proper pressure for your altitude.
Benefits of canning vs freezingA pressure canner must reach a temperature of 240
* Less worries about freezer space.degrees Fahrenheit in order to stop botulism. To
* Pressure canning the less tender cuts makes themcompensate for altitude differences, you must
more appetizing.increase the amount of pressure used. The time does
* Canned meat is ready to go at a moments notice.not change, only the pressure used. You'll need to add
No defrosting time!1/2 pound pressure for each 1,000 feet above sea
These are directions for an easy raw packed methodlevel.
for canning venison.Use canned venison or canned elk in stews, meaty
1. Slice meat into strips about 1 inch thick. Then cut intosoups, and even chili. You could use it to make Sloppy
chunks the size you desire. Cubed is a convenient size.Joe's and killer Enchiladas. Enjoy your venison!