Author Topic: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?  (Read 2093 times)

Tuc

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How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« on: September 03, 2011, 12:19:33 AM »
We all know that elk spoil easy and it's best to get that hide off the animal and cool it down as quickly as possible.  On occassion, after paunching out my elk, I have dumped a carcass or two in a stream when there was one near by. Sometimes hide and all just simply for that reason.....too get it cooled down quickly.

Hunters have different methods for field dressing their elk and if possible I like to get rid of the head and hide as quickly as I can. Here's something new I learned recently and something I have been doing wrong for a good many a years. First off, when I shoot an elk, moose, deer, whatever, I instinctively cut the throat. I know this isn't always necessary but I do it any how. Then I use that same knife to continue skinning and cleaning the animal.
Recently, I read on another forum that an elk’s windpipe and esophagus sour quickly and will taint meat if not removed pronto......the reason for this, elk are vocal animals and carry alot of bacteria in their throats. Also semidigested food is sometimes expelled into the gullet where it can spoil the meat.


Dark Wing

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #1 on: September 03, 2011, 06:30:38 AM »
That's a good tip Tuc and really improves the taste of your animal. I'm a strong believer in getting the hide off asap. I was also taught to remove the windpipe but didn't know the specifics, eg. vocal and undigested food. My last elk was shot in 24 C weather and the black flys were thick, we had it in the cooler with in 6 hours and I ended up with some great tasting meat.

Pottymouth

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2011, 05:42:12 PM »
Found out the hard way long ago. Now it's one of the first things we do, is remove that stinking wind pipe!

70chevy

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2011, 06:58:49 PM »
Great info Tuc,Thanks

Weste

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2011, 09:24:08 PM »
Good info Tuc.  Been doing it for years as stomach juices will often travel up the esphagus and is one of the quickest ways to spoil an animal.  It is extremely important to do if any of the stomach fluids get into the respiratory system of the animal while it was dying as it will easily travel up the windpipe.

wildmeat

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2011, 07:01:02 PM »
yep... especially for the early season hunters when the temperatures are working against you.. ive also heard about the windpipe thing but never knew why... but i am also a firm beleiver in getting the hide off instantly... when i take an animal its guts are out basically b4 the heart stops beating and its taken to camp to be dressed right after... i cut out as much bone and fat as possible right there too

Doug N

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Re: How many didn't know this about elk windpipes?
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2011, 09:22:21 AM »
For sure- and it's not reserved to elk only- applies to deer, moose, birds....everything.