Packing out a deer refers to the process of transporting a harvested deer from the hunting site to a location where it can be processed. This is typically done by hunters who are unable to drive their vehicles to the hunting site or who need to carry the deer over long distances through rugged terrain.
Packing out a deer can be physically demanding, so it is important to be properly prepared and equipped for the task.
Equipment needed
Before packing out a deer, you will need to gather the following equipment:
Backpack or game bag: You will need a sturdy backpack or game bag to carry the quarters of the deer. Make sure the backpack or game bag is large enough to hold the quarters and has enough straps to secure the load.
Rope or bungee cords: You will need a strong rope or bungee cords to secure the quarters of the deer to your backpack or to the outside of the backpack.
Knife or gut hook: You will need a sharp knife or gut hook to dress the deer by removing the entrails and other organs.
Latex or disposable gloves: It is a good idea to wear gloves when packing out a deer to avoid coming into contact with any blood or fluids.
Steps for packing out a deer
Now that you have gathered the necessary equipment, you are ready to pack out the deer. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Dress the deer
The first step in packing out a deer is to dress the animal by removing the entrails and other organs. This is known as field dressing. To field dress a deer, follow these steps:
- Start by using a knife or gut hook to make a horizontal cut through the skin and muscle just below the rib cage.
- Reach inside the cavity and cut through the diaphragm to expose the organs.
- Remove the entrails and other organs by pulling them out through the opening you just created. Be sure to cut the windpipe and esophagus as close to the neck as possible to avoid tearing them.
- Discard the entrails and organs in a nearby ravine or other remote location, away from camp or other areas where they might attract scavengers.
Step 2: Quarter the deer
The next step in packing out a deer is to quarter the animal by cutting through the joints to separate the legs and torso. This will make it easier to transport the deer and will also help it cool faster. To quarter a deer, follow these steps:
- Start by cutting through the skin and muscle around the hind legs just above the hocks.
- Cut through the joints to separate the hind legs from the pelvis.
- Repeat the process on the front legs, cutting through the skin and muscle just above the wrists and through the joints to separate the front legs from the ribcage.
- Cut through the spine just above the pelvis to separate the torso from the hindquarters.
- Repeat the process on the other side of the deer to complete the quartering process.
Step 3: Place the quarters in a game bag or wrap them in a tarp
Once the deer is quartered, you will need to find a way to transport the quarters. If you have a game bag, you can place the quarters in the bag and tie the top closed.
If you don’t have a game bag, you can wrap the quarters in a tarp or other waterproof material and secure the edges with rope or bungee cords. This will help protect the meat from the elements and keep it clean.
Step 4: Secure the quarters to your backpack or attach them to the outside of the backpack with rope or bungee cords.
Now that you have prepared the quarters for transport, you will need to attach them to your backpack or to the outside of the backpack. If you are using a game bag, you can simply place the bag in your backpack and secure it with the straps.
If you are using a tarp, you will need to use rope or bungee cords to attach the quarters to the outside of the backpack.
When attaching the quarters to the backpack, it is important to distribute the weight evenly and to secure the load tightly. This will help prevent the quarters from shifting or falling off during transport.
Step 5: If necessary, use a rope to lower the packed deer down from a steep or rocky area
If you need to transport the packed deer down a steep or rocky area, you may need to use a rope to lower it to the ground. To do this, follow these steps:
- Tie one end of the rope around the packed deer and the other end to a tree or other sturdy object.
- Carefully lower the packed deer to the ground, using the rope to control its descent.
- Once the deer is on the ground, untie the rope and remove it from the packed deer.
- Continue on your journey, using the backpack or game cart to transport the packed deer to your final destination.
Tips for packing out a deer
Here are a few additional tips to help you pack out a deer successfully:
- Start packing out the deer as soon as possible after the animal is harvested to avoid spoilage. The sooner you can get the deer cooled down, the better.
- Use a game cart or wheelbarrow if possible to reduce the weight you need to carry. This will make the task much easier and will help prevent fatigue.
- Plan your route in advance and be prepared for challenging terrain. Make sure you have enough water and supplies to make it to your final destination.
- Ask a hunting partner or a group of hunters to help you pack out the deer if it is too heavy for you to carry alone. Packing out a deer is much easier with a team of helpers.
Conclusion
Packing out a deer is an important part of the hunting process and requires proper planning and equipment. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the necessary equipment, you can successfully transport a harvested deer from the hunting site to a location where it can be processed.
Remember to start packing out the deer as soon as possible after the animal is harvested to avoid spoilage, and consider using a game cart or wheelbarrow if possible to reduce the weight you need to carry. Plan your route in advance and be prepared for challenging terrain, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Practicing packing out a deer before going on a hunting trip is a good way to ensure you are prepared for the task. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can safely and efficiently transport a harvested deer from the field to your final destination.
How do I field dress a deer?
To field dress a deer, start by using a knife or gut hook to make a horizontal cut through the skin and muscle just below the rib cage. Reach inside the cavity and cut through the diaphragm to expose the organs.
Remove the entrails and other organs by pulling them out through the opening you just created, cutting the windpipe and esophagus as close to the neck as possible to avoid tearing them. Discard the entrails and organs in a nearby ravine or other remote location.
How do I quarter a deer?
To quarter a deer, start by cutting through the skin and muscle around the hind legs just above the hocks, and then cut through the joints to separate the hind legs from the pelvis. Repeat the process on the front legs, cutting through the skin and muscle just above the wrists and through the joints to separate the front legs from the ribcage.
Cut through the spine just above the pelvis to separate the torso from the hindquarters. Repeat the process on the other side of the deer to complete the quartering process.
How do I transport the quarters of a deer?
To transport the quarters of a deer, you can place them in a game bag or wrap them in a tarp or other waterproof material and secure the edges with rope or bungee cords. If you are using a game bag, you can simply place the bag in your backpack and secure it with the straps.
If you are using a tarp, you will need to use rope or bungee cords to attach the quarters to the outside of the backpack.
How do I lower a packed deer down a steep or rocky area?
To lower a packed deer down a steep or rocky area, tie one end of a rope around the packed deer and the other end to a tree or other sturdy object. Carefully lower the packed deer to the ground, using the rope to control its descent. Once the deer is on the ground, untie the rope and remove it from the packed deer.
How do I pack out a deer if it is too heavy for me to carry alone?
If a deer is too heavy for you to carry alone, you can ask a hunting partner or a group of hunters to help you pack out the animal. Alternatively, you can use a game cart or wheelbarrow to transport the deer, which will help reduce the weight you need to carry.
It is also a good idea to plan your route in advance and be prepared for challenging terrain, as this will help make the task easier and more efficient.