Meat Processing Supplies to Help You Process Your Wild Game for Jerky, Sausage, and More

There is a unique satisfaction that comes from seeing a harvest through from the field to the dinner table. While many hunters choose to drop their game off at a professional processor, doing it yourself at home allows for total control over meat quality, custom flavouring, and significant cost savings. Taking the DIY approach ensures that every cut receives the care it deserves.

Having the right meat processing supplies can turn meat processing at home from a chore to an enjoyable hobby. At Storm Mountain Outfitters, we carry a full selection of game processing equipment to help you turn every harvest into high-quality meals.

Here’s a list of everything you need to turn your home into your own private butcher shop.

1. Knives and Cutting Boards

Precision is the foundation of any successful butcher shop, and it starts with the steel in your hand. Before you get into grinding or smoking, you must master the breakdown of the carcass with tools designed for the task.

• Boning & Fillet Knives: Look for flexible blades that allow you to navigate around joints and ribs to minimize waste.
• Butcher Knives: A larger, stiffer blade is essential for portioning out steaks and roasts.
• The Surface: Never process meat directly on your counters. Large, food-grade polyethylene cutting boards are easy to sanitize and won’t dull your blades.

2. Grinders and Mixers

If you plan to make burgers, snack sticks, or sausage, a high-quality meat grinder is a vital investment for your kitchen. Having your own equipment allows you to control the exact fat content and texture of your ground meat.

• Electric Grinders: For most home hunters, a .5HP to .75 HP grinder is the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough to process an entire elk without overheating. 
• Meat Mixers: If you’re making large batches of sausage, a manual mixer ensures your seasoning asd fat ratios are distributed evenly without freezing your hands. 

Pro tip: Always chill your meat in the freezer for 30-60 minutes before grinding. Partially frozen meat grinds much cleaner than warm meat, which can become mushy.

3. Sausage Stuffers and Dehydrators

make the process much simpler and more consistent. This specialized tool provides better pressure control, which prevents air pockets and ensures your casings don’t burst during the fill.

For those who prefer a high-protein trail snack, a multi-tray dehydrator is a great way to make jerky. Pair it with our selection of Hi Mountain or Bearded Butcher seasonings for a perfect smoky or spicy finish every time.

4. Vacuum Sealers and Wraps

Air is the enemy of wild game. Freezer burn can ruin a year’s worth of hard work in just a few months. Protecting your meat with a proper airtight barrier is the final, and perhaps most important, step in the preservation process.

• Vacuum Sealers: A double-pump vacuum sealer provides a commercial-grade seal that can extend the life of your meat for years.
• Butcher Wrap: For ground meat, many hunters prefer traditional poly-lined butcher paper and tape, which offers a classic look and excellent protection for 6–12 months.

Meat Prep Step-by-Step

1. Clean and Cool: Ensure your meat is clean of hair and debris. If it’s been aging, trim off any rind or dry edges.
2. The Sort: Separate your meat into three piles: Prime cuts (backstraps/tenderloins), Roasts/Steaks (hindquarters), and Trim (for grinding).
3. The Grind: Mix in pork fat or beef suet for a juicier burger (a 10–20% fat ratio is standard).
4. Seal and Label: Always label your packages with the species, the cut, and the date.

Set Yourself Up for Success

Processing your own game is a tradition that honours the animal and provides for your family. If you’re ready to upgrade your home setup, visit us at Storm Mountain Outfitters in Stettler. From grinders and stuffers to seasonings and casings, we have the meat processing supplies you need to get the job done right.