How do you drag game out?
- Thread starter SavageHunter11
- Start date
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I've used almost all the methods listed. Easiest is to back a truck or 4 wheeler up to animal. Often I've been back in somewhere where you can't take vehicles. I debone the animal. A deboning knife or a 7'' fillet knife work good. I skin one side of animal then debone it. Then it's a lot lighter. I can flip the carcass onto the skinned hide and skin and debone the other half. Used this method on moose, elk, deer ,and antelope. You need a good pack, bags to put meat in, a saw to remove horns, and a big cooler in truck to cool meat in if you need to make trips.
In WI I often use plastic sleds to haul deer or cart or just a strap.
Know game laws in state before cutting. Some need proof of sex or don't allow animal to be cut up.
In WI I often use plastic sleds to haul deer or cart or just a strap.
Know game laws in state before cutting. Some need proof of sex or don't allow animal to be cut up.
Bruce Hall
Well-Known Member
A boning knife is way cheaper, but you rich young guy's don't have that care? lol
Rhett Crider
Well-Known Member
Even better
bomberodevil
Well-Known Member
I carry an EXO 2000 or 3500 pack, with synthetic game bags, knife with sharpener and strop, and bone saw. I use the gutless method to quarter and de-bone, then carry out.
SavageHunter11
Well-Known Member
i definitely gut them first, no use dragging unnecessary weight out plus i can hunt coyotes over the gut pile that night.
Wswim
Member
I love the capstan winch but never had the $1200 burning a hole in my pocket. I use the harbor freight winch. It's rated for 2000 pounds but with a couple of snatch blocks I've pulled boulders out of the creek where I was mining that were the size of a VW bug. And it's about a grand cheaper. The capstan is nice because you can make a pull as long as the rope you're using. The harbor winch has about 80 feet of cable so you have to reset it every 80 feet. Still... it's a grand cheaper.
Copy done that. Mules do it all now but most unusual method when back backing to top of Tetons I strapped onto my pack a light round kids snow sled disk for quarters. Worked great just had to put up with my partners calling me turtle hiking up.
Canhunter35
Well-Known Member
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Field dress the animal.
A bale deck does wonders to load an animal
VTbluegrass
Well-Known Member
I started hunting at the age of 18 in the mountains of VA and hunt mostly hardwood swamps with some ag land now in eastern NC, with the exception of a few hunts, all public land no vehicle allowed. Fourteen years I dragged or carried deer off mountains or out of swamps because you can't legally take whitetail deer apart in either state until the harvest is reported, not just notching the tag. I still remember getting back to the truck hours after dark because of long drags. Last year I borrowed a cart and my life was forever changed. I still have to drag them out of swamps or to the nearest logging path but getting to the cart almost has the same relief as getting to the truck because I know the hard part is over. I normally hunt with a climbing stand so on the way in I use the cart part of the way for the stand too.
The cart I use is a homemade thing from an old tow behind bicycle stroller. Took a little welding but it works fine. Thinking of buying a folding game cart just for the sake of space in the bed of the truck.
If you hunt where you routinely have to drag or carry deer out don't let the money of a cart stop you; it will pay for itself the first time you get to the truck and don't feel like collapsing.
The cart I use is a homemade thing from an old tow behind bicycle stroller. Took a little welding but it works fine. Thinking of buying a folding game cart just for the sake of space in the bed of the truck.
If you hunt where you routinely have to drag or carry deer out don't let the money of a cart stop you; it will pay for itself the first time you get to the truck and don't feel like collapsing.
capstick58
Member
depends on how close. I typically drag big game out on a tarp or plastic sled to preserve hide and meat if close . if available I use atv or truck if I can get close enough
1000yrd plate pounder
Well-Known Member
myself i usually get/keep a kids plastic snow sled in back if my truck they work well to pull stuff into my long range spot( pack /saw/food /drink/tripod/chair/blind) if and when you get a chance to "pile drive" one into the dirt i gather up my stuff and head to site strip hide off /dress it out usually have a jug of water along and wash carcass off sometimes quarter it if severe damage (usually is with lapua mag) leave something for critters as they gotta eat too (or create a predator pile) pack meat and bones into bags throw it into sled and head for the truck the plastic sled glides pretty easy over rocks and branches as front has a upward turn to help pop it up and over stuff in your way and if you have snow and get something up top of mountain you can ride it down the hill !!!
Joe Hooker
Active Member
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- Sep 12, 2017
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- 43
Hello, RIPCORD, I cut my finger.....
KiwiIan
Active Member
Refer to my avatar, and you'll see how I've brought 90% of my game out.
