HOWARD, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Although preliminary harvest totals for Deer Hunt 2024 aren’t expected until Tuesday, many hunters are already getting their deer processed into venison.
It is also a time to reflect on the nine-day gun deer campaign.
At Maplewood Meats in Howard, the venison processing section is a popular place right now.
“There are a lot of deep-rooted traditions in the rifle season. So it’s very exciting now, after this week has come to a close, to see everyone bring in their harvest, and we get to make it into some great products for them,” said Brad Van Hemelryk, Maplewood Meats plant manager.
Van Hemelryk says people are looking to get their harvest turned into snack sticks, summer sausage and even bacon made with venison. And that’s not all.
“We do meatloaf. We do grindings. We do brat patties. All different types of items, where a customer can use on a daily basis for their meals. As we see beef and pork prices continue to fluctuate, I think people are looking for alternative proteins. And that’s a big source here in the state,” said Van Hemelryk.
Hunters also took the chance to talk about their season. Jerry Meulemans says his group only saw four deer, but bagged two.
“Opening weekend Sunday, it was breezy. Kind of kept the deer down. Then it got cold. But a lot of people got enclosed blinds, so we were out in the elements a little more, which makes it a little bit tougher hunting,” said Meulemans, who is from Winnebago County.
Miles Horton is from Wittenberg. He brought trimmings from a buck and a doe Monday morning and called the season a success.
“Actually, they’re pretty good. A little windy, but great conditions this year. Wish we had a little more snow, but it is what it is,” said Horton.
Meanwhile, Van Hemelryk says a reconstruction project at Maplewood Meats is wrapping up.
“If you haven’t been here since last gun season, we remodeled the entire storefront and added on as well for a little bit easier check-out process. We also opened up our brand new to-go area last Tuesday. So, 5 a.m., to 10 p.m., seven days a week. So really, really exciting stuff for our retail area as well,” he said.
At Maplewood Meats they say it takes about three to four months to process the typical venison order.
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