Sweet smell, Elk

[acedave3]

A friend of mine has asked me to help him cut and wrap an elk that he shot. It has been hanging for 3 days, and the meat looks good and is aging properly. Recently, I noticed a very distinct sweet smell in the barn where it is hanging and was wondering if anyone else might have experienced anything similar to this. Thanks.

[deanmc]

I have noticed the same thing.

[mudkid]

It's the sweet smell of success.

[acedave3]

Thanks, more responses would be appreciated.

[Tuc]

Be carefull hanging an elk in a barn during this mild weather. You might want to consider cold storage. Elk sour easily.

[Elkhunting]

Generally, when the smell is sweet, all is well. Any hint of a disagreeable odor indicates areas of the carcass may be in trouble.

According to all the research I have done, the optimal "aging" time is 7-9 days at 40 degrees fahrenheit. Trouble is, it is a rare barn that allows us to maintain the perfect temperature. Periods of higher temperatures shorten the hang time, and high deviations will result in rot.

We always give the carcass a sniff test every day if temperatures are suspect. If they are in the 60's or above (fahrenheit) for 24 hours, you had better get cutting!