by Heather » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:26 pm
WW, thanks for the response.
The fallow deer are from the local National Trust estate (Ashridge Estate in Herts), I also thought his prices were quite reasonable, considering what the farm shop sells the same meat for (yes I know everyone has to make a living). He is the authorised game dealer for the Ashridge Estate, so I presume there are not too many middle-men involved.
I have ordered 5kg trim for collection tomorrow, he said this is the price he sells onto butchers, etc. so Sunday will be sausage-making day.
I have considered buying a whole or half carcass, time and freezer space are more of a constraint than the process of butchering. We used to hunt antelope in South Africa, and as I have a degree in biology and thus know how an animal fits together (OH's logic), I used to get the job of skinning and butchering, which I actually find quite rewarding. In fact, I've probably prepped more antelope than rabbits! However, the job is much easier on a friend's farm than in a relatively small kitchen, but that's not to say I may not give it a go toward the end of the season.