I appreciate the op posting up my video and all the feedback on it. I hope it’s helpful for folks.
I’ve got the way that I do it, and I’ve done it a lot, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way. I’d love to see this thread keep going with other tips and tricks people use. I’ve read plenty of comments under videos like this where someone drops a little idea and I think, “holy shit, I’ve never thought of that.” I’ll go try it, and a lot of them end up sticking. they become part of my routine.
On the bull in the video... yeah, flat ground, pretty atypical setup. That’s why we filmed it. It wasn’t planned, but it was a perfect spot to show the process, and the clients were willing to help. Imagine paying for a guided hunt and then getting put on camera duty, bwhahaa, so I’m grateful they were good sports about it. great guys
For reference, I do the exact same process even when a bull’s in a nasty hole or on a steep angle. Sometimes I’ve got to tie him off or brace him, but the steps don’t change. I never need a saw, just a knife. Works for me, but I get that everyone’s got their own style.
As for belly cut vs. dorsal cut, I almost always go with a belly cut. It keeps things cleaner and is more intuitive, especially if clients are helping. The only time I’ll do a dorsal cut is if I’m caping for a shoulder mount.
Last note. some folks mentioned the tenderloins. I did talk about that in the original footage, but I think part of it got edited out. If you have the belly going downhill and do a big belly cut to let the guts roll out a bit. It relieves pressure and makes it a lot easier to get in there for the tenderloins. I showed it the hard way in the video, but the key takeaway is take your time, don’t cut yourself, and remember that tenderloin is longer than most people think.
. I’ve been had!!!!
here is the reason you have to adapt and improvise. Also, the reason I pack a saw every time. 95% of mine have been alone, so you learn what not to do and just take them apart piece by piece. Typical fashion, hang pole. Position as best I can or not. Take lower leg off arm. Take arm off. Hang, skin, bag. Take rear leg off, skin, bag. Pull hide back, take off blackstrap, neck, rib meat. Now comes the fun, sometimes have had to gut to flip him over and do the same process. Then on to tendies. This years bull was wedged alongside two very large trees. No way to move until first side was off, then struggle to flip. Rockslide bull no options but to do the same and NOT step into a snow buried hole and roll ankle. Jungle bull spent an hour sawing limbs around him, just to begin working on him. Be very great ful and count your lucky Stars if and when you get one on a table top. Also, another set of hands and a small bull are a blessing during this part of the hunt. Best tip. Go slow, take breaks and don’t rush it and stick yourself with a knife in a bad location or deep. Learn the anatomy and where to make the cuts as needed. Paracord can become a best friend. Some bulls simply make you pay for shooting them
And from another post a very good reason to pack extra headlamp.
Rope or twine will hold that leg too.......if there's something to tie it off to. That really helps as well when it's almost off and I have to make sure I get the evidence of sex attached underneath it.
I can’t imagine not taking it and never felt like it lowered the quality of the grind. Maybe it does in some way but we’ve always thought it eats great with it.
