What’s it about?
Located between Canterbury and Ashford, join us at our ancient woodland camp on the beautiful Kent Downs for this 1 day deer butchery course and learn how to skin and butcher a deer., as well as other game.
We understand that this is an emotive subject for many people but we believe that it’s an important skill for those of us that have an interest in how our hunter gatherer ancestors lived. There’s a disconnect in the modern world between people and their food; on this deer preparation course we aim to re-establish that connection and remind ourselves where meat comes from.
Crucially we believe that the whole process must be conducted in a way that is respectful to the animal. The animals that are used on this course are carefully selected so that the population as a whole benefits; we do not advocate trophy hunting, we don’t use stags nor females that are pregnant or have young.
We make use of as much of the animal as possible, including the bones and skin.
What will I do on this deer butchery course?
During your time spent with us on this 1 day deer butchery course, you will:
- Learn how a deer is selected for culling, where and when it can be culled, how the animal is stalked and how it’s dispatched,
- Understand about the safe use of firearms when deer stalking,
- Find out about the various diseases that the animal must be checked for,
- Be shown meat hygiene techniques and methods,
- Skin the deer with minimal damage to the hide or the meat,
- Butcher the deer to ensure that as much meat as possible is produced,
- Learn about the different cuts of meat produced and how to cook them.
Once the animal has been butchered we will light a fire and cook some of it.
Bring a bag so you can take home a venison steak or two!
We’ll also start the process of tanning the hide by fleshing it. We use the bones on our Bone Tools workshop.
The course isn’t just about deer butchery we’ll also look at preparing rabbit and pigeon.
We only run this course during the stalking season, so dates are typically over the winter.
You can see our complete course schedule here.
More information about our deer butchery course
Location: Westwell, Kent
Duration: 1 day
Start: 10am
End: 3pm
Course size: Maximum of 8
Catering: We’ll provide tea & coffee, you’ll need to bring a packed lunch
Note: There’s a short walk from the meeting point to the camp.
What happens next?
Once you’ve made your booking you’ll receive an automated booking confirmation from Ecwid, our e-commerce platform provider.
We’ll send you a comprehensive joining pack 6 to 8 weeks prior to the start of your deer butchery course.
This includes the location of the meeting point and what to bring.
Please read the joining pack when you receive it as it contains essential information about attending our deer butchery course!!
FAQs
If you have any questions, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you still have a question, feel free to email us at info@jackravenbushcraft.co.uk
Please note that as we work predominantly in the woods, it’s not easy for us to be in contact 24/7. We can be contacted by phone at any time, although during teaching sessions it’s kept on silent. Email is checked as soon as we get back from the woods.
Our blog
There are loads of posts on our blog related to our deer butchery course, including disease in deer, as well as preparing rabbits and pigeons, so feel free to take a look.
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What our customers say about our deer butchery course
We also have reviews on our Facebook page and our Google Business page so you can check out those as well.
Submit your review | |
Grateful to Jack Raven for my recent experience on their Deer Butchery course. Having fished while growing up & living in Canada, connecting with nature here through the guidance & expertise of Gary, Nicola and Phil, bridged time by being provided with an essential experience. Thank you.
Very interesting and informative day, thanks to all the team at Jack Raven Bushcraft. I learnt some good butchery tips which was just what I wanted from the day.
Brilliant day learnt a lot thanks Gary Phill
Did the deer butchery course today. Absolutely brilliant. We got to skin and process a rabbit, partridge and helped with a deer. Very intuitive and interactive course you can help out with whatever you want or not either way it’s a lot of fun. Definitely recommend to anyone as it is a great skill to have and to understand more.
Great butchery course, vey informative
