that I could speed thaw a head that was frozen in about an hour if I submerged it in water.
The head in question was shot and put in a cooler for two and a half days before it was brought to me. I told the guy that it could cause problems but that it would probably be ok. It is thawing now but has take longer that usual due to I guess to the new freezer possibly being colder than the old one.
It has some smell but not too bad. Will thawing it in water hurt anything?
John
Return to Beginners Category Menu
Thawing in water will increase the possbility of bacteria growth - If possible, thaw it in a cool place or in a fridge. It should only take overnight. If you are worried about the rest of the hide, give it a good salting to deter bacteria growth.
The sour smell could be from the stomach and throat acids in the neck/mouth. IT could also be from sour blood.
since 7:30pm yesterday still partially frozen. Any ideas.
..should be shot and put in a cooler for 2 and a half days.
How would you Speed-Thaw a frozen 12# turkey with out growing salmonella? Think about it.
Thank you for the laugh! That was funny! LOL
i always thaw my foxes in the pickle bath, just throw them in whole until thawed. i have never had a problem.
I would take advantage of the cold and make a cut as the area in the cut thaws skin it...Works fine for deer heads from butchers where ya got the neck cut off at the head..
Earl I can see where the soaking in a pickle would work to kill bacteria BUT isnt the mess from the soaked hide more of a handicap?/Just wondering..
It takes several days to thaw a frozen head in the cooler.
As my animals thaw, (as most hunters seem to curl up life size animals when they freeze them).
I skin out the head first thru the mouth to the ear butts, turn the ears and salt it well then i work on the body.I make my cut and apply salt into that cut. It seems to defrost an area enough to be able to peel the skin away.
While i wait a few minutes for that, i start on the feet/hooves thru a small insision.