September 2026

Dry Ice for Hunting: How to Keep Your Harvest Cold Longer This Season

Dry Ice for Hunting: How to Keep Your Harvest Cold Longer This Season

A Successful Hunt Doesn't End in the Field

After days of preparation and long hours outdoors, protecting your harvest is just as important as making the shot.

Whether you're transporting deer, moose, elk, or waterfowl, maintaining proper temperatures helps preserve meat quality and reduce the risk of spoilage. That's why many Canadian hunters rely on dry ice to keep game colder for longer during transport and processing.

At Linde, you'll find dry ice along with hunting-season essentials such as coolers, insulated gloves, flashlights, propane, and safety gear, making it easy to prepare for your next adventure in one stop.

Shop online or visit your local Linde store before hunting season begins.


What Is Dry Ice and Why Do Hunters Use It?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Unlike traditional ice, it doesn't melt into water. Instead, it turns directly into a gas, helping maintain colder temperatures without creating a watery mess in your cooler.

Hunters use dry ice because it:

  • Keeps meat cold for extended periods
  • Helps reduce spoilage during transport
  • Eliminates melted ice water
  • Supports multi-day hunting trips
  • Improves cooler performance

Whether you're heading to camp for a weekend or bringing home a large harvest, dry ice can help protect the time and effort invested in your hunt.

How Long Does Dry Ice Last in a Cooler?

"Will dry ice last long enough for my hunting trip?"

The answer depends on:

  • Cooler quality
  • Outside temperature
  • Cooler size
  • Amount of dry ice used
  • How often the cooler is opened

For best performance:

  • ✓ Use a high-quality cooler
  • ✓ Keep the lid closed as much as possible
  • ✓ Pre-chill your cooler before loading
  • ✓ Store coolers in shaded areas when possible

Before your trip, consider upgrading your cooler. A quality cooler paired with dry ice can significantly improve temperature retention during long hunting weekends.


How Much Dry Ice Do I Need for Hunting?

The amount you need depends on your cooler size and trip duration.

Day Trip

2-5 kg

Weekend Hunt

5-9 kg

Extended Hunting Trips

9+ kg

If you're uncertain, the team at your local Linde store can help determine the right quantity based on your plans.

While picking up dry ice, don't forget:

  • Insulated gloves for safe handling
  • Extra coolers
  • Flashlights and work lights for early morning setups
  • Portable propane cylinders for camp cooking and heating

Is Dry Ice Better Than Regular Ice?

Many hunters combine both.

Dry Ice Benefits

  • Colder temperatures
  • Longer-lasting cooling
  • No standing water
  • Ideal for transporting game meat

Regular Ice Benefits

  • Readily available
  • Suitable for shorter trips

The ideal setup often uses dry ice for long-lasting cooling and regular ice where moisture is less of a concern.


How Do You Pack a Cooler with Dry Ice?

Proper cooler setup helps maximize dry ice performance.

Step 1

Pre-cool your cooler.

Step 2

Place cardboard between the dry ice and meat.

Step 3

Place dry ice on top of the contents.

Step 4

Fill empty air spaces if possible.

Step 5

Limit the number of times the cooler is opened.

Proper packing helps maintain colder temperatures throughout the trip.


What Other Supplies Should Hunters Bring?

Preparing for a hunting trip is about more than keeping your harvest cold.

Many hunters stop by Linde before the season to stock up on:

Insulated Gloves

Dry ice should never be handled with bare hands. Insulated gloves help protect against cold-contact injuries.

Flashlights and Work Lights

Perfect for:

  • Early morning setup
  • Tracking after sunset
  • Camp chores
  • Loading equipment

Propane Cylinders

Popular for:

  • Camp stoves
  • Portable heaters
  • Outdoor cooking

Safety Glasses and PPE

Useful for:

  • Equipment maintenance
  • ATV repairs
  • Camp setup
  • General outdoor tasks

Vehicle and Trailer Accessories

Don't let a dead battery or trailer issue cut your trip short. Many hunters keep emergency equipment on hand during hunting season.


How Do I Transport Game Meat Safely?

Temperature management is crucial after a successful hunt.

Dry ice can help when:

  • Traveling long distances home
  • Waiting for processing
  • Storing meat temporarily
  • Managing warm-weather hunting conditions

Combining dry ice with a high-quality cooler helps ensure your harvest stays protected until it can be properly processed.


Is Dry Ice Safe?

Yes, when handled properly.

Always:

  • ✓ Wear insulated gloves
  • ✓ Store in a well-ventilated area
  • ✓ Transport safely
  • ✓ Follow handling instructions

Never:

  • ✗ Touch dry ice with bare skin
  • ✗ Store in airtight containers
  • ✗ Leave it in enclosed, unventilated spaces

Ask your local Linde team for handling guidance when purchasing.


Where Can I Buy Dry Ice for Hunting?

Select Linde stores across Canada and LindeCanada.ca make it easy to get hunting-ready with:

Instead of making multiple stops before your trip, visit your local Linde store or shop online.


Get Ready for Hunting Season

From preserving game meat to keeping camp running smoothly, the right supplies can make all the difference.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend hunt or planning an extended trip, Linde has the dry ice and hunting essentials you need to prepare with confidence.

Order online or visit your nearest Linde store today.