Deer Jerky need to cook first?

[Win73]

I make my jerky with ground meat. Last season I killed four deer. I had most of the meat ground. I buy jerky seasoning with two packets, one cure (looks like salt) and one spices. I dry it in a dehydrator at 160 degrees. I do three or four pounds at a time. I have no idea how long it will keep. It never lasts more than two or three days. Everybody in the family, everybody at church, and everybody at the office likes it.