Even though hunting is often criticized by its opponents as trophy-oriented, the main goal of hunters is usually the acquisition of game meat. Because hunting not only helps regulate the wildlife population and manage the local game, but also provides a high-quality, biological food source. 

The aging process of game meat in cooling is very important for the process of obtaining game meat. But what should one pay attention to when it comes to cooling intended for game meat?

How to cool game meat?

There is a lot of different information available on this topic. Contrary to what the legislator recommends, the ideal storage temperatures for game birds and mammals are +3 °C for at least 2 and a maximum of 8 days. It is also important to note: larger pieces should hang in the cooling for a longer time than smaller ones.

It is generally advisable to let game cool in its skin or fur, as this helps preserve the game meat, provided there is no significant contamination of the game body beforehand. 

However, there are also hunters who let their pieces hang already removed from the skin/fur. In this case, it is crucial to ensure that the game body hangs freely and is protected from external contamination.

Which coolers are suitable for game?

Not every private hunting operation, not every hunting community is in the comfortable position that forestry operations, etc. usually find themselves in, and not every one possesses a fully equipped cold storage room / cold chamber.

But even here, the game meat should ultimately be utilized, and therefore a cooling option is necessary. There are several ways to acquire such a solution.

1. DIY Cooling Chamber:
   If you are somewhat handy, you can build a DIY cooling solution using a clever guide or your own good idea with materials available at the hardware store. There are many plans and reports from other hunters available online. For example, on Geartester.de.
   
   DIY cooling chambers usually have the advantage of being cost-effective compared to professional solutions. However, you will still need a cooling unit, and you should always inquire in detail about its functionality, consumption, installation, etc. beforehand.
   
   DIY cooling chambers typically have a lower capacity and are designed for cooling game for private individuals. However, they offer the advantage of being individually designed to meet personal needs.
    
2. Professional Solution:
   
   Game Refrigerator
   As more and more private hunting operations, hunting communities, and associations require professional cooling options, a market for professional cold room solutions for private households has emerged in recent decades. A pioneer in this field is the company Landig, which offers professional cooling units (also for commercial use) as well as game refrigerators, which are increasingly demanded in hunting households. 
   
   The cheaper models with a smaller capacity and a less powerful cooling unit start at just over €1,000.
   The more professional models can cost up to €10,000.
   
   The advantage of such a solution for the hunter is obvious: the refrigerators are delivered completely and usually only need to be connected to power after installation. There is no further work required for the hunter (aside from regular cleaning with frequent use). It is therefore a practical complete solution.
   
   Cooling/Processing Room
   Especially for larger hunting communities that need to process a correspondingly larger amount of game, a game refrigerator as described above often does not provide enough capacity, and for processing several pieces or a larger amount of game, appropriate infrastructure is required. There are now professional solutions from various providers for this as well.
   
   We are talking about so-called processing rooms (with cooling) or cooling containers, which are also offered as complete solutions. A well-known manufacturer of such a complete solution is the company Feldmeier. Their processing rooms with integrated cooling strongly resemble the products of the company Landig in terms of design and quality. 
   
   In addition to these, there are several other providers for game cooling and processing options.