Once a hunter has bagged a deer, the work is only half over. How to field dress it, skin it, process the meat and store it for future tasty meals are skills hunters need to know.

Hunters who are interested in learning how to process their own deer will have an opportunity to do so at a Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) “Field to Freezer” virtual program, scheduled to be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 23. This program is open to all ages. People can register for this online program at MDC’s website, https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178698.

According to a press release, at this free event, MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker will provide tips on how to field dress, skin, and butcher a harvested deer.

Officials say field dressing is an important skill for hunters to have, even if they plan to take their deer to a processing facility. For those who want to butcher their own deer, this clinic will show how to turn a harvested deer into neat packages of lean and healthy meat. Other topics covered will be supplies needed and regulations that pertain to stored venison.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Registrants must provide an e-mail so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.