Fielddressing tips to make it easier

[Hoghead]

I normally put the deer on its belly and cut from the base of the skull to the tail. Set a tarp in the shade. Make a ring cut around the neck then put the back of the deer up hill laying on a side. I skin frome the backbone down.I normally remove the front shoulder first and lay it on the tarp or hang it in a game bag in the shade depending on temp and bugs. After the front shoulder is off the back straps and lower neck meat are clear. I will pull the neck meat off then backstrap. I will cut the rear leg off next. Normally follow the spine to between the legs around the but. Then I hold the leg away frome the body and cut the inside of the leg carefully do not cut the guts or bladder. Find the hip joint cut tendons and remove. Repeat on the other side.

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[Jpsmith1]

One reason to leave meat on the bone past rigormortis is to prevent over contraction of the muscle resulting in more tough meat.

I understand a lot of people are going to argue anecdotal points that their xxx done as gutless method is soooo tender.
With my background in food science and technolgy, it is inarguable that meat left on the bone through rigormortis is better. I also understand dragging a whole carcass at times is just not possible.

Whitetail aren't that heavy anyway. Quarter and pack bone in is my plan when I get one that isn't 100 yards from the truck

 

[Rich M]

Its funny when you open an animal and it is soup in there. No better time to flip it over and let it drain before doing anything else.

It is a perishable skill - do it a couple times and takes 20 minutes to totally break down a deer. The first one takes a lil bit.

 

[RME]

An interesting field dressing video

 

[cnelk]

Do as many as you can.

Tell your hunting buddy’s or friends you’ll gut their deer.
Gut them at night - by yourself

I started gutting deer 52 years ago.
It takes me about 4 mins - even in the dark

Gutless takes a few mins longer

 

[Bullseye289]

Make all of your cuts in the direction the hair lays. I start at the pelvis and work to the neck when field dressing, but my cuts are in direction the hair flows (i.e. cut from the sternum to the pelvis). Keeps the blade sharp longer, less fatigue, and keeps hair pieces off of the meat.

 

[BooneHunter]

It may go without saying, but once you get the deer back to wherever you’re going, hose it out good. It’s gonna be a mess not matter what. I think that’s the key.

When you’re gutting it don’t overthink it and take your time. Be careful not to cut stomach, pull b-hole and bladder out the back, and keep it as clean as you can in the field.

Gutless is definitely the easy button when solo and saves time later when processing.