Applications
Hunters & Game Processing
The hunt is only as good as the meat it produces. LAVA vacuum sealers have been the choice of South African hunters since 2007 — because nothing else comes close for preserving wild game at its best.
Watch: LAVA — Best in Test for Hunters
In English — LAVA rated best-in-test for hunting and fishing use
Why Hunters Choose LAVA
Wild game is irreplaceable. A blesbok costs money, time, effort and a licence. Losing a significant portion of that to freezer burn — or a failed seal discovered months later — is genuinely painful. LAVA hunters don't lose game meat.
2–3 years
Vacuum sealed venison in the freezer
0%
Freezer burn on a correctly sealed LAVA bag
20 min
Vacuum marinating vs overnight conventional
The Game Processor's Workflow
Bleed and cool immediately
Quality starts at the shot. Quick bleeding and icing prevents enzyme damage and off-flavours that no amount of processing can fix later.
Hang 24–48 hours at 0–4°C
Allow rigor mortis to resolve. Most South African game species need 24 hours minimum. Kudu and eland benefit from 48–72 hours. Don't rush this.
Butcher into meal portions
Think in meal sizes — 500g for two, 1 kg for four. Trim silver skin and damaged tissue. Remove excess fat on older animals (it goes rancid faster).
Vacuum seal with LAVA
Pat dry, load into embossed LAVA bags, seal. Use Liquid Stop for wet or moist cuts. Double-seal the bag for extra security. Label with species, cut and date.
Freeze flat, stack once solid
Flat frozen bags stack perfectly and take half the space of irregularly-shaped packages. Label the flat side so you can read it stacked.
Species Storage Guide
| Species | Hang Time | Vacuum Frozen | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blesbok | 24–36 hrs | 2–3 years | Excellent flavour. Minimal fat — seal fast. |
| Springbok | 24 hrs | 2 years | Premium lean meat. Ideal for sous vide. |
| Kudu | 48–72 hrs | 2–3 years | Best venison in SA. Trim sinew before sealing. |
| Impala | 24–36 hrs | 2 years | Very lean, tender. Vacuum marinating transforms it. |
| Warthog | 36–48 hrs | 2 years | Stronger flavour. Benefit from acid marinade. |
| Eland | 48–72 hrs | 2–3 years | Most beef-like. Treat like premium beef. |
| Wildebeest | 48 hrs | 2–3 years | Best minced or diced. Trim fat before sealing. |
Recommended Machines for Hunters
1–2 animals per season
V.300® Premium X
42 cm seal width. Handles full carcass processing over a few sessions. Liquid Stop for wet cuts. Most popular among SA hunters.
View Machine →Multiple animals / shared use
V.400® Premium
Commercial pump for extended sessions. 50 cm width for large game cuts. Built for processing 100+ kg without overheating.
View Machine →