How to Butcher Bone-in Venison Chops

When it comes to butchering a deer, there are many ways to do about it. And although I have never done up a deer in the way this guy does, it’s worth a look at the very least.

I’ve always just taken out the backstrap whole, but this video shows how to cut it into bone-in steaks or chops instead.

To begin with, this guy is using a huge knife for this job. Something smaller has always been a lot more handy for me on the 60+ deer that I’ve cut up, but he seems to be used to it. I’m mentioning it so inexperienced folks don’t think they need to rush out and get a big ol’ knife.

He first carves off part of the backstrap. I generally go higher (up behind the hams a bit) myself.

Why do people feel the need to add background music to videos? It’s pretty much worthless — except when someone is also talking. Then it’s worse than worthless, because it interferes with what you’re trying to hear. But I digress.

Then he saws down the ribcage using a miter box saw. I would recommend using two hands, but perhaps he thought that would obstruct the video camera.

A few steps later he’s removed a hunk from the deer and headed inside to the cutting board, where he trims away tough sinew as well as way too much of the fat. I’m not sure why he feels the need to remove every trace of fat from a chop that’s going to cook up dry anyhow because it’s so lean.

Am I the only one who laughs at the idea that “two or three” of these would be enough for a hungry man?

Anyhow, enjoy.

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.