Uvalde Meat Market Gears Up for Hunting Season with Expanded Facility and Expert Tips

In the heart of hunting country, the Uvalde Meat Market is more than just a processing plant—it’s a tradition. David Wilkinson, director of wild game at the Uvalde facility, has seen everything from zebra to mountain lions to bison cross the processing line.

As he puts it, “Just about anything you can imagine being hunted we’ve seen.” This October, with hunting season underway, the market is bracing for a high season of game, including their mainstay—white-tailed deer.

With general deer season set to kick off on November 2, the market expects business to peak through the cooler months, processing between 2,500 and 6,000 deer.

To keep up, Uvalde Meat Market is expanding into a larger, high-tech facility across Wood Street, complete with a new mercantile and butcher shop. Wilkinson notes that this upgrade will help meet demand while maintaining high standards of quality and sanitation.

A big challenge, he says, is ensuring that meat brought in by hunters is in good condition. Wilkinson advises hunters to pack the body cavity with ice within 20 minutes of the kill, saying, “It’s hard for us to produce a good product when it’s already starting to turn bad.”

His colleague Tanner Cox, head of domestic processing, echoes this sentiment, reminding hunters, “The quality of the meat starts with you.”

The Uvalde Meat Market doesn’t just serve as a hub for hunters; it’s a melting pot of experience for its staff. Crystal Rodriguez, intake manager, recalls her first time skinning animals and the occasional surprise of trying exotic meats left unclaimed, like zebra.

Cox adds that his favorite part is seeing young hunters try the sport, while Wilkinson fondly recalls a young woman from Pennsylvania who shot the biggest buck of the day among her brothers.

Located in an area that Wilkinson calls “one of the cradles of all different types of hunting,” Uvalde Meat Market remains a key player in the local hunting community, helping hunters savor the full experience—from field to table.

Looking for tips on ensuring quality meat from your game this season? Head to our homepage for insights and guides from the experts.