This paper analyses changes in the quality of meat (M. longissimus dorsi) of roe deer bucks during 21 days of cold storage (2 o C) under vacuum and modified atmosphere (MA) conditions (40% CO 2 /60% N 2 and 60% CO 2 /40% N 2 ). After 21 days of storage, meat packaged in a MA with 40% CO 2 had higher (P ≤ 0.05) L*, a*, b* and C* values in comparison with meat stored under vacuum and MA with 60% CO 2 . The mean pH and TBARS values of meat packaged under vacuum and a MA with 40% CO 2 were increasing for the first 7 days of storage, and then they decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Following storage, the colour of meat became lighter (L*) and more yellow (b*). The meat stored under vacuum was characterised by increased (P ≤ 0.05) cooking loss. During meat storage, a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total microbial counts and psychrotrophic bacteria was observed.