Wild Game Processing FAQs
Common Questions About Processing Your Wild Game at Ford’s Locker, Provo, Utah
For more than 80 years, Ford’s Locker has been trusted by Utah hunters for professional wild game processing.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about how we handle your deer, elk, moose, and other game — all right here in Provo, Utah.
Do you age or hang the meat before processing?
Yes, we hang your meat in our walk-in cooler until it’s ready to be processed. There isn’t a fixed timeframe — the duration depends on temperature, workload, and the condition of the meat.
This ensures every animal is processed at its best, without compromising quality or freshness.
Can I choose how I want my game processed?
Absolutely. Every hunter has different preferences, and we honor that. Whether you want steaks, roasts, burger, jerky, or summer sausage, we process your game exactly the way you request.
If you only want backstraps and tenderloins turned into steaks and the rest made into burger or jerky, we’ll do it your way. Custom cutting is what we’re known for.
How is my meat packaged?
We do things the old-school way — using butcher paper, not plastic. Every package is clearly labeled with your name and the cut type (for example, “Backstrap,” “Tenderloin,” “Neck Roast,” etc.)
and wrapped tightly to ensure it stays fresh in the freezer.
Do I get my own meat back?
Yes — all steaks, roasts, and individually cut portions are guaranteed to be from your own animal.
Any items that require blending (like burger, jerky, or summer sausage) are made in small, controlled batches to ensure consistent flavor and quality.
Do you add beef fat to wild game burger?
Yes. We can add beef fat to your wild game burger for better texture, juiciness, and flavor.
Our beef fat comes from grass-fed cattle raised by local Utah farmers, ensuring clean, natural quality.
The cost for added fat is $3.25 per pound of fat added.
What happens to the bones or hide?
We don’t return individual bones — with the number of animals we process each season, it’s simply not practical to track each set.
However, we will cape out your animal if you plan to send it to a taxidermist. That process takes a little extra time, so we typically ask you to return the next day to pick up the cape.
If you don’t already have a taxidermist, we work directly with Massey Taxidermy, a trusted partner who picks up capes and full animals right from our shop.
It’s a convenient one-stop solution for hunters who want both processing and taxidermy handled together.
Do you make jerky and summer sausage year-round?
Yes. We make Utah’s best beef jerky and beef summer sausage year-round right here in Provo.
While we only process wild game jerky during hunting season, our beef jerky and beef summer sausage are always available in-store or online at
fordsmeatlocker.com.
Do you process elk, moose, antelope, and sheep?
Yes, we process all major Utah game animals including deer, elk, moose, antelope, and sheep.
We also accept buffalo and other large game depending on the season. Each animal is handled individually with precision cuts and clear labeling.
How long do you store processed meat?
We hold your processed meat in our freezers for a reasonable period until you’re able to pick it up.
However, once you receive a text from us letting you know it’s ready, it’s urgent that you pick up your order as soon as possible.
We’re not a storage facility — during hunting season, there are far too many animals coming in to hold meat for extended periods.
Prompt pickup helps us keep your product safe and our operation running smoothly.
What are your hours for drop-off and pick-up?
During hunting season:
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 5 PM for both drop-off and pickup.
Outside of hunting season:
Open Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Address:
Ford’s Locker
776 N 500 W, Provo, Utah 84601
📞 801-373-0172
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and card payments, but cash is king.
Whenever possible, we encourage customers to pay in cash — it helps keep costs down and makes the process smoother for everyone.
We do require a minimum down payment of $100 at the time of drop-off, though we prefer payment in full when possible.
You can pay at drop-off or pickup, whichever works best for you.
We’ll provide an itemized receipt showing all processing fees and jerky or sausage costs.
Do you take walk-ins, or should I call ahead?
During hunting season, it’s always smart to call ahead so we can make sure cooler space is available.
Outside of hunting season, we’re open Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, and walk-ins are welcome during those hours.
Can I bring in boned-out or quartered meat?
Yes, we gladly accept quartered or boned-out animals.
Make sure each bag is clearly labeled with your name and tag number, and keep it clean, cold, and separate from the hide before drop-off.
Do you offer vacuum sealing?
We currently stick to traditional butcher paper wrapping, but it’s done right — tight, clean, and labeled for easy storage.
It’s part of what makes Ford’s Locker a classic Utah locker plant that still does things the old-fashioned way.
Why do Utah hunters choose Ford’s Locker?
- Family-owned and operated for over 80 years
- Located conveniently in Provo, Utah
- USDA-inspected facility and locally sourced ingredients
- Custom processing for every hunter’s needs
- Trusted by generations of Utah families and outdoorsmen
From wild game to jerky to dog treats, Ford’s Locker remains a name built on honesty, craftsmanship, and local tradition.