How long is game meat good for?

[G.I.Bill]

Help, I'm a noob!

I had two rabbits in my freezer that were taken in the beginning of January of this year (my first successful hunt). I had not had the chance to cook them yet because of military schools and what not. Anyways now it is the end of March and my refrigerator broke so I commenced to moving things out and into a smaller fridge. The wife said there wasn't room for the rabbits in the other freezer so they thawed today and I was thinking of cooking them. They have been frozen solid in a mixture of salt and water for the better part of three months. They should be fine to eat right? I checked the livers for spots and they were clean each had a tapeworm sac on it though (as far as I can tell by comparing online pictures) I read that they affect dogs not people and are pretty much harmless if the meat is cooked well anyway. So someone school me here.

Thanks for the help

 

[trickyasafox]

not sure on rabbits but I eat well packaged venison 12-18 months after it has been frozen. we don't always turn our whole freezer over between seasons.

I don't do any rabbit hunting though so I can't help ya on your specific case.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

Also not a rabbit hunter, although rabbit might be more dangerous. (I hear they are more likely to be diseased)

 

[mbt2001]

Depends on the packaging and how the meat was cared for in the field. If it was taken by snare / trap and could have been dead for 8+ hours it doesn't last long. If it was cleaned, skinned and brined right after the shot and then vacuum packed and frozen then I would say it could be good for 18 months or 2 years. Supposing it is parasite and disease free.

 

[Art Eatman]

I've no idea how long meat can be kept in a freezer before it somehow becomes inedible. The main problem is in the packaging, so that it doesn't dry out. I've eaten lots of game meat that had been in the freezer for well over a year...

 

[davec921]

My family an I have hunted rabbits for years.
We would go out shoot a few then field dress them in the field.
Then go home butcher them soak them in salt water over night.
Then freeze them in good zip lock bags after draining most of the water off.
They have stayed good for up to two years. After that we make sure we use them.
Hope this helps

 

[BFE]

The are fine

 

[61chalk]

My mom was from the farm, she always said meat will stay good up to 2 yrs. although prefered to use it with in a year. I have had stuff right at 2 yrs. an I'm still alive!!! I know dad froze rabbits for eating during the summer.

 

[Grizfire]

I have had packaged elk/deer/moose for up to 3-4 years after freezing. The only issue really is freezer burn, which you can just cut off.

You said you checked the liver? These rabbits have been cleaned right? I have never heard of anyone freezing meat in salt water before. so I can't be of much help there.

Your nose is your best friend. If they don't make you gag when you smell them, then you are fine. This pretty much goes for any food.