DIY Deer Cooler – Full Guide

If you’re an avid hunter, you know a reliable way to keep your deer meat cool is essential.

If you don’t have an excellent way to keep the meat chilled, it can spoil quickly and become unusable. A DIY cooler is perfect for keeping your deer meat fresh during hunting.

You can easily construct a cooler with just a few simple supplies to keep the flesh chilled for days. And because it’s DIY, you can customize the cooler to fit your specific needs.

This article will show you how to build a walk-in chiller using a few simple supplies. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your deer fresh for extended periods.

Tools Required For DIY Deer Cooler

Following are the tools required for making a DIY cooler:

• Tape measure
• Plywood
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Drill
• 1-inch hole saw
• Ruler or a straight edge
• Pencil
• Sandpaper
• Staple gun
• 1/2 inch staples
• Outdoor carpet
• Utility knife

Step By Step Guide

To make a container for hanging deer, follow the below steps:

Step 1: Measure And Cut The Plywood

Before building your DIY chiller, you need to measure the planned area to place it.

It will ensure that your finished product is of the right size and will fit in your available space.

First, you need to measure and cut the plywood according to the desired size of your box. You can make the container as big or small as you want.

But keep in mind that you’ll need to be able to fit a chunk of ice inside.

Once you’ve decided on the size, use a tape measure and pencil to mark out the dimensions on the plywood. Then, use a circular saw or jigsaw to cut out the pieces.

Step 2: Drill Holes For Ventilation

Next, you need to drill holes into the sides of the box for ventilation. It will ensure that air can circulate inside the chiller and keep the flesh from spoiling.

Use a drill, and a 1-inch hole saw to create four holes on each side of the wooden box.

Step 3: Create The Lid

Now you need to create a lid for the walk-in chiller. To do this, trace out a rectangle on another piece of plywood.

Make sure the piece is slightly larger than the top opening of the wooden box. Then, use a jigsaw or circular saw to cut out the rectangle.

Step 4: Attach The Lid

After the lid is cut out, you should sand down any rough edges and attach it to the top of the box using a staple gun and 1/2-inch staples.

Step 5: Line The Cooler

To keep the flesh from spoiling, you must line the container with an insulator. You can use various materials for this, but we suggest using outdoor carpets.

Cut the carpet to size. And then, attach it to the inside of the wooden box using a staple gun and 1/2 inch staples.

Step 6: Add Ice And Deer Meat

Now you’re ready to add ice and meat to your chiller. Fill the chiller with ice, then add the flesh on top.

Ensure that the flesh is correctly packaged so it doesn’t come into contact with the ice.

Step 7: Close The Lid And Store

Once you’ve added the ice and flesh, close the lid and store the chiller in a cool, dry place. The box will keep the flesh chilled for several days.

Enjoy your freshly-cooled meat!

Considerations

When it comes to building a DIY walk-in cooler, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. These factors ensure that your deer-hanging refrigerator will last for years.

Plywood Selection

The first and arguably most important thing is to make sure that you select rot and decay-resistant plywood.

We recommend using exterior-grade plywood for the best results because this type of plywood is more durable and less likely to warp or swell when exposed to moisture.

Additionally, it is essential to use screws or nails rather than staples when attaching the plywood to the frame.

It will provide a stronger hold, preventing the panels from coming loose over time.

Add Lining

We suggest lining the bottom and sides if you’re looking for a DIY meat cooler for deer that will stand up to the elements.

You can use aluminum foil before attaching the carpet. It will create an additional layer of insulation and protection, making it ideal for use in hot weather.

The foil will also help to reflect heat, keeping your box contents colder for longer.

And because it’s easy to clean, you’ll be able to keep your DIY chiller looking like new for years to come.

Carpet Type

When selecting a carpet, we suggest using an outdoor one. It is specifically designed for use in high-traffic areas.

This type of carpet is durable and can withstand the weight of heavy contents without breaking down over time.

It’s also essential to select a carpet that is easy to clean. We recommend a carpet with a short pile that can easily be vacuumed or spot-cleaned.

Ice Selection

If you want to use ice in your refrigerator, we suggest blocking ice over a cubed one. Not only does it last longer, but it also melts more slowly – perfect for a chiller!

You can find block ice at most convenience stores.

You’ll create a barrier between them by layering ice on the meat before adding more flesh.

It will prevent the rapid melting that can occur when meat and ice come into contact.

Additionally, you can also use dry ice in your DIY cooler. Use proper safety precautions when handling dry ice and keep it away from children and pets.

Insulating Materials

Diy deer coolers are a great way to keep your meat fresh and safe to consume. Choosing a suitable insulating material is essential to ensure that your box is adequate.

Outdoor carpet is one option. But there are also a variety of other materials that can be used, such as foam pipe insulation or styrofoam.

Make sure that whatever material you choose is moisture resistant so that it doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria.

With the proper insulation, your DIY portable chiller will keep your meat fresh and safe to eat for weeks to come.

This DIY cooler is the perfect solution for keeping your deer meat fresh during hunting season.

By following the steps above, you can quickly build your DIY homemade freezers that are both durable and effective.

So what are you waiting for? Get started on your project today!

I hope this guide helped teach you how to make walk-in coolers for handling deer.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy hunting!

Key Takeaways

• Choose the right sort of plywood for your cooler.
• Secure the plywood to the frame of your box using screws or nails rather than staples.
• Line the bottom and sides of your chiller with aluminum foil before attaching the carpet.