Birds on ice?

[Shooter7]

Thought I'd get some opinions on how long after a bird has been put in your game bag before you put them on ice? Does it need to be instant? Would times differ between game birds? Here's a step by step on how I currently operate:

1) Shoot bird
2) Put bird in game bag
3) Continue hiking
4) Put bird in ice cooler when back at truck

How long can step 3 be is basically what I'm askin'. Can dove/quail/chukar/pheasant be in a game bag for 2-3 hours before putting them on ice? Or maybe shorter amounts of time before the meat begins to spoil?

Thanks in advance guys!

 

[SurfNHuntSD]

With dove/quail I haven't had problems after a few hours even in the IV heat. Probably not ideal but I've hunted long afternoons and drove home without icing them before cleaning.

 

[Aeon]

The short answer is yes, we have all shot birds on a hot day and had many hours between kill and cleaning. If it's hot I try not to let birds sit all day.

 

[ilovesprig]

I normally clean the birds the following day.......How hot it is does make a difference......Your ground birds (quail, chukar, turkey, pheasant), can stink quickly......Getting them on ice quicker is more important than ducks, doves, etc. IMO.

 

[nicapopolis]

Your number 3 doesn't really matter in my opinion. Unless you are walking for a week straight.

Getting back to your truck and keeping them somewhere shady is good, but not necessary.

Small game doesn't quite heat up to the extent that big game does.

 

[longbowhunter2]

Like hearing other advice all good stuff, Just me I like to clean them up same day and throw in the freezer, or cook them up fresh.

 

[TRICER]

Rigormortis is generally starting to set in by the time I clean my birds late at night lol. Rarely do I put them in a cooler and I haven't died yet.