mythbusters question: can you keep meat cool by keeping it in the creek?

[Montana_BackCountry]

I've heard this from several guys in conversation but never practiced it.  Anybody out the have 1st hand info on this one?  With 90 degree september weather it would be convenient but my gut says no.  What say you out there?

 

[cindyculberson]

i dont think it would be a good idea unless the weather permitted it like in the winter sure but in the spring summer and fall i think not

 

[turbo1967]

I have found bad results from putting it in the creek the meat will get slimy after a while but I do use the cold air off the creek to keep it cool,lay some sticks about an inch over the water and put the meet on top then cover them with green branches to keep the bugs and sun off.It works like a natural refrigerator.works best if the meat is put in meat bags to keep the bugs off and then poor cold water on them to start the cooling.

 

[nclonghunter]

A thread was started earlier on this subject and is worth reading;
http://elk101.com/forums/index.php/topic,678.msg6973.html#msg6973

 

[Backpack Hunter]

You can definitely keep meat in a stream to keep it cool. I have done it on many occasions, packed it in snowbanks too.
I debone, put everything in meat bags, place the meat bag in a trash bag, and submerge everything.

 

[Montana_BackCountry]

Thanks for the great information folks!  I will definitely be trying the ideas out this year. Much appreciation.

 

[WardDawg7]

You can do it a couple of ways if you need to.  You can store it by the creek ( not in it ) and if you need to cool it and it is your only option put the quarters into trash bags then into the water.  We just used 4 wheeler ramps across the creek and had the meat laying on top and covered with a tarp until we could get it to a locker.  It worked out well for my friends bull.

 

[GameSlayer]

Yep I think the trick is to just keep the water off the meat. But will work great if just above or in a container of some type. Just saw Nate Simmons on Western Hunter do this with his archery bull.