Frequently Asked Questions

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For moose, plan on 20% to 35% of field dressed weight. Bear is often less, depending on fat layer.  Many variables affect the weight of packaged meat. Meat damaged from the bullet wounds, dragging the animal, decay, or meat tainted by waste fluids are discarded. Bones, sinew, fat, and trimmings not suitable for producing good burger are discarded. 

Processing turn-around depends on the timing and number of animals received. Weather can have an impact. The first priority is to quickly get carcasses skinned and chilling to prevent spoilage. When staff starts cutting, the next priority is to handle the urgent needs of people travelling out-of-state and with airline connections. Meat from hunters along the I-95 corridor are the next priority. Nearby residents are handled next. Nationwide FedEx shipping in freezer boxes and home delivery in Maine is available for a fee for those who want this convenience. Generally, allow up to 3 weeks. We may be able to separate prime cuts, such as the backstrap while you wait, if you desire, and if staff is available.

 Full payment is due when the animal is accepted for processing. Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted. Any disputes which may arise between ELWGP and the Client from the assignment, or any agreements shall be heard solely in the appropriate state court located within Aroostook County, Maine and in no other jurisdiction. Client specifically submits to the personal jurisdiction of such court. Client agrees that Maine law shall govern the rights and liabilities of the parties. ELWGP’s maximum liability is limited to a full refund which will constitute final and complete settlement with Client. 

• The animal is skinned, quartered, and refrigerated at least overnight.
• It is then boned out and the fat and silver skin removed for vacuum packing using a commercial grade machine and commercial grade vacuum bags. We do not use meat saws and only package and grind good meat. The unused hide, meat, and bones are disposed of.
• The individual vacuum packages are small enough for fast freezing. Each is labeled with your name, address, license number, and tag number.
• The meat is placed in freezers and rotated until frozen, boxed up, and left in a freezer until pick-up or delivery. (Storage fees may apply if you fail to pick up meat within 7 days.)
• You can bring the cape and rack with you. Or, we can cape the hide for mounting or we can use the diamond saw and cut the rack if you are not doing taxidermy. (fees apply) We can also arrange delivery of the rack and cape to a taxidermist.