Venison from freezer good or bad?

[Jessica Hey]

Hello, I have what would probably seam like an easy question. Is my thawed venison good or bad? I have ate deer meat my whole life, our freezer was empty by the next season so I never ran into meat that is more than a year old until now... my boyfriend has meat as far back as 6 years!!! Now I'm a bit picky so I don't want to use it for hearty meals but I thought I would make jerky out of it. However it looks very wierd to me. Very pale where the meat wasn't exposed but very dark where is was? I don't trust it but it could just be me being well picky.

 

[Kabic]

Personally, I think venison over year old is starting to get freezer burnt and not very good.

 

[Turkey Creek]

At this point it would probably be better used as pet food. I have been known to have a few packages that slip to the bottom of the pile and be a couple of years old before being consumed, but I would draw a line at 2 years.

 

[Seabee]

2 years is my max for me if packaged properly. I just thawed out my last backstrap that was from a deer shot in 2014. It was packaged very well and had no freezer burn. Also, when I take my deer to a processor I verify that they wrap the deer in plastic wrap first then freezer wrap. This will help insure no air gets inside and cause the meat to dry out to quickly.

 

[swat1018]

It can go a long time, if packaged right. I use vacuum packer for steaks/roast, and poly bags and a stuffer for burger. I won't venture a guess, but it will last longer than most think if packaged up good and tight. But, if it's discolored and doesn't look "right" I wouldn't be taking chances on it.

 

[Buckly]

Even when packaged good , frozen meat still degrades over time. Freezing just slows the process but, doesn't stop it. As time goes by it may be "alright" but, certainly won't taste very good. I think 6 years is way beyond any usefulness and I wouldn't chance it. In my State, game cannot be kept legally from one season into the next year and it is a violation so I have never run into that particular problem.

 

[maddog3355]

You can sample cook some but I think it would be excellent dog food.

 

[Cap'n]

I wouldn't hesitate to eat it,you can see if its freezer burnt around the edges or in other areas Cut that off, I go by the color.
6 years? my freezer isnt that big,I cycle through mine quicker than that between fish and deer, elk,& hog.

 

[OkieKubota]

Our freezer is pretty full of deer from the last 5 years or so. When we have a new one processed we do a rotation and put the newer meat under the older meat. We go by color and have not had any bad meat yet...

 

[Jessica Hey]

Thank you everyone!!! I used it as dog food! I believe I could go as long as two years like you guys say if it's rapped nice and tight.