Hunting House » Deer Hunting » Ok, got the gun, got the gear, shot the deer…then what?
Ok, got the gun, got the gear, shot the deer…then what?
Question:
Benny, Call Billy’s Swamp Safari down in the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Res.. They Might be able to hook you up with a Seminole or Miccosukee Guide to get you in and get you out,,,You may not be able to use a vehicle to get were you want to,,,but they can !! Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# This message is NOT meant as a flame. Please think about it before you # head off into the glades. # # The BEST advice for you is very simple. Have a good time, bring lots # of bug spray, don’t forget your compass, and leave your ammunition at # home. I sure you took a couple of years of serious study before you ever thought of taking a loaded firearm with you hunting, yeah right. Give the guy a break, if he’s is taking the time to ask questions, find what are good books on hunting and learn as much as he seems to be trying to, I would tend to believe he’s not the type to go and shoot at everything that moves. Besides that the best teacher is the actual experience of hunting itself. I’m more worried about the people who think they know everything already than those that are willing to admit that they don’t know everything and live with those limitations. My advice is go, have a good time but don’t worry about having to kill something. Many times the hunt itself is more exciting than the kill. Use common sense and hunt within your limitations. If your not sure of the shot, the situation or anything else, don’t shoot. Just enjoy the experience. One last thing is, if at all possible, see if you can’t find someone who has some experience to go with you. Many times there is someone who is looking for someone else to go hunting with. Not just for their experience, but also for their companionship. Being able to share the experience with someone else, makes it that much more enjoyable. So good luck. # AFTER you learn a LOT more about the specific animal you are hunting # AND hunting in general you MIGHT think about going with a loaded gun. # Until then I would bet your odds of shooting another hunter or # wounding and losing any number of fine animals are much better than # your chances of bringing home a trophy. # # Do the deer, the other hunters, and everyone a big favor: blow off # this season and concentrate on getting an education. Don’t just read # one book read them all. Subscribe to a couple of the fine hunting # publications as well. Any fish & game clubs in your area? If so, you # might join one and see if one of the respected ‘old guys’ would be # willing to pass on a bit of tradition along with some sound advice, # tips, etc. Most of ‘em are more than willing. # # Our ignorance in the field provides ample fodder for the AR whacko-s. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# In some states you had better pack out the meat first and then the # head/horns. It’s a law. In Quebec, you’re allowed to cut them in half, at the ribs, only, before you take it in to register. And you have to bring both halves. DJ MacIntyre in Quebec Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# In some states you had better pack out the meat first and then the # head/horns. It’s a law. In Quebec, you’re allowed to cut them in half, at the ribs, only, before you take it in to register. And you have to bring both halves. DJ MacIntyre in Quebec Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#>[ snip ] #> #This message is NOT meant as a flame. Please think about it before you #head off into the glades. #The BEST advice for you is very simple. Have a good time, bring lots of #bug spray, don’t forget your compass, and leave your ammunition at home. #AFTER you learn a LOT more about the specific animal you are hunting AND #hunting in general you MIGHT think about going with a loaded gun. Until #then I would bet your odds of shooting another hunter or wounding and #losing any number of fine animals are much better than your chances of #bringing home a trophy. #Do the deer, the other hunters, and everyone a big favor: blow off this #season and concentrate on getting an education. Don’t just read one book #read them all. Subscribe to a couple of the fine hunting publications as #well. Any fish & game clubs in your area? If so, you might join one and #see if one of the respected ‘old guys’ would be willing to pass on a bit #of tradition along with some sound advice, tips, etc. Most of ‘em are #more than willing. #Our ignorance in the field provides ample fodder for the AR whacko-s. Although based on Benny’s subject lines and the phrasing of his comments we might well presume him to be a novice, that is not necessarily true. For all we know, he is a "seasoned veteran" at hunting all species _except_ "Everglades deer", and is merely "testing" us. Let us be careful not to blindly join the ARs’ "exercise" of "jumping to conclusions"… -jc- — Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# # #Before I begin……. # #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # #much they normally weight.) # # Well, I’ve never been in the ‘Glades, but from what I’ve read in various # places a 120-pound deer there would be a _GIANT_… while the same deer # here in the Great Lakes region would be "puny"… # # #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # #water bottles and my camping gear. # #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # Now you understand why you made room to carry that hank of clothesline # with you into the ‘glades… With a minimum of effort, you can make a # simple "harness" with which to drag your kill out. Simply tie one end of # the rope around the base of one antler, wrap a loop or two around the # foreleg on the same side, let out about 15′ or so in a big loop, wrap the # "middle" once or twice around the neck, let out another 15′ or so loop, # then tie the loose end around the base of the other antler and foreleg… # Now, face the direction you want to go, slip your arms into the big loops # you let out earlier, and start walking… If the going gets rough, the # antlers also make nice "handles"… # # Note that "simple" is NOT a synonym for "easy"… # # -jc- If you are REALLY going to be in the Glades 12 miles, I would suggest that you just bring a frying pan and eat him right where he drops. Woody Williams If you’re too busy to hunt, you’re too busy Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#
# # #Before I begin……. # # # #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # # # # # # #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # # # #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # #much they normally weight.) # #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # #water bottles and my camping gear. # # # #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # # # #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # # # # #Please advice. # # # #Benny # # # Skin it and remove the head with hide attached. Carry this and your # gear the 12 miles back to your rig. Leave gear and hide at the truck, # walk back in with packboard and carry out the carcass. Sounds like a # lot of work, right? # # Try it with a 900 pound bull elk down deep in a ravine in very steep # mountainous terrain…This is why us old geezer elk hunters always # hunt with young strong guys who aren’t too bright. Usually we can con # them into packing out at least two elk before they catch on… # # Richard In some states you had better pack out the meat first and then the head/horns. It’s a law. Woody Williams If you’re too busy to hunt, you’re too busy Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#
# # #Before I begin……. # # # #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # # # # # # #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # # # #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # #much they normally weight.) # #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # #water bottles and my camping gear. # # # #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # # # #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # # # # #Please advice. # # # #Benny # # # Skin it and remove the head with hide attached. Carry this and your # gear the 12 miles back to your rig. Leave gear and hide at the truck, # walk back in with packboard and carry out the carcass. Sounds like a # lot of work, right? # # Try it with a 900 pound bull elk down deep in a ravine in very steep # mountainous terrain…This is why us old geezer elk hunters always # hunt with young strong guys who aren’t too bright. Usually we can con # them into packing out at least two elk before they catch on… # # Richard In some states you had better pack out the meat first and then the head/horns. It’s a law. Woody Williams If you’re too busy to hunt, you’re too busy Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# # #Before I begin……. # #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # #much they normally weight.) # # Well, I’ve never been in the ‘Glades, but from what I’ve read in various # places a 120-pound deer there would be a _GIANT_… while the same deer # here in the Great Lakes region would be "puny"… # # #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # #water bottles and my camping gear. # #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # Now you understand why you made room to carry that hank of clothesline # with you into the ‘glades… With a minimum of effort, you can make a # simple "harness" with which to drag your kill out. Simply tie one end of # the rope around the base of one antler, wrap a loop or two around the # foreleg on the same side, let out about 15′ or so in a big loop, wrap the # "middle" once or twice around the neck, let out another 15′ or so loop, # then tie the loose end around the base of the other antler and foreleg… # Now, face the direction you want to go, slip your arms into the big loops # you let out earlier, and start walking… If the going gets rough, the # antlers also make nice "handles"… # # Note that "simple" is NOT a synonym for "easy"… # # -jc- If you are REALLY going to be in the Glades 12 miles, I would suggest that you just bring a frying pan and eat him right where he drops. Woody Williams If you’re too busy to hunt, you’re too busy Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#Before I begin……. #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how #much they normally weight.) Well, I’ve never been in the ‘Glades, but from what I’ve read in various places a 120-pound deer there would be a _GIANT_… while the same deer here in the Great Lakes region would be "puny"… #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, #water bottles and my camping gear. #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. Now you understand why you made room to carry that hank of clothesline with you into the ‘glades… With a minimum of effort, you can make a simple "harness" with which to drag your kill out. Simply tie one end of the rope around the base of one antler, wrap a loop or two around the foreleg on the same side, let out about 15′ or so in a big loop, wrap the "middle" once or twice around the neck, let out another 15′ or so loop, then tie the loose end around the base of the other antler and foreleg… Now, face the direction you want to go, slip your arms into the big loops you let out earlier, and start walking… If the going gets rough, the antlers also make nice "handles"… Note that "simple" is NOT a synonym for "easy"… -jc- — Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#Before I begin……. # #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # # #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how #much they normally weight.) #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, #water bottles and my camping gear. # #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # #Please advice. # #Benny # Skin it and remove the head with hide attached. Carry this and your gear the 12 miles back to your rig. Leave gear and hide at the truck, walk back in with packboard and carry out the carcass. Sounds like a lot of work, right? Try it with a 900 pound bull elk down deep in a ravine in very steep mountainous terrain…This is why us old geezer elk hunters always hunt with young strong guys who aren’t too bright. Usually we can con them into packing out at least two elk before they catch on… Richard Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
First of all, field dress it, and that will lighten your load substantially. Being female, I’ve had trouble dragging a gutted deer to my jeep and would never have made it 12 miles back to camp. I take with me a contraption I designed and had guys at my shop build. I has small wheels, with fold-up bars and canvas between the bars. Unfolded, it turns into a kind of cart, or wheelbarrow that I can load up the deer and wheel behind me. It isn’t what I’d consider lightweight, to carry in a backpack, but you could design something that would work for you. Good Hunting Paige
# # # # Before I begin……. # # # # I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # # from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # # # # # I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # # management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # # # # Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # # Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # # much they normally weight.) # # Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # # water bottles and my camping gear. # # # # How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # # Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#>[ snip ] #> #This message is NOT meant as a flame. Please think about it before you #head off into the glades. #The BEST advice for you is very simple. Have a good time, bring lots of #bug spray, don’t forget your compass, and leave your ammunition at home. #AFTER you learn a LOT more about the specific animal you are hunting AND #hunting in general you MIGHT think about going with a loaded gun. Until #then I would bet your odds of shooting another hunter or wounding and #losing any number of fine animals are much better than your chances of #bringing home a trophy. #Do the deer, the other hunters, and everyone a big favor: blow off this #season and concentrate on getting an education. Don’t just read one book #read them all. Subscribe to a couple of the fine hunting publications as #well. Any fish & game clubs in your area? If so, you might join one and #see if one of the respected ‘old guys’ would be willing to pass on a bit #of tradition along with some sound advice, tips, etc. Most of ‘em are #more than willing. #Our ignorance in the field provides ample fodder for the AR whacko-s. Although based on Benny’s subject lines and the phrasing of his comments we might well presume him to be a novice, that is not necessarily true. For all we know, he is a "seasoned veteran" at hunting all species _except_ "Everglades deer", and is merely "testing" us. Let us be careful not to blindly join the ARs’ "exercise" of "jumping to conclusions"… -jc- — Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#Before I begin……. #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how #much they normally weight.) Well, I’ve never been in the ‘Glades, but from what I’ve read in various places a 120-pound deer there would be a _GIANT_… while the same deer here in the Great Lakes region would be "puny"… #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, #water bottles and my camping gear. #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. Now you understand why you made room to carry that hank of clothesline with you into the ‘glades… With a minimum of effort, you can make a simple "harness" with which to drag your kill out. Simply tie one end of the rope around the base of one antler, wrap a loop or two around the foreleg on the same side, let out about 15′ or so in a big loop, wrap the "middle" once or twice around the neck, let out another 15′ or so loop, then tie the loose end around the base of the other antler and foreleg… Now, face the direction you want to go, slip your arms into the big loops you let out earlier, and start walking… If the going gets rough, the antlers also make nice "handles"… Note that "simple" is NOT a synonym for "easy"… -jc- — Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
#Before I begin……. #I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson #from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. #I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a #management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized #Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. #Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how #much they normally weight.) #Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, #water bottles and my camping gear. #How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? #If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. #Please advice. # #Benny # This message is NOT meant as a flame. Please think about it before you head off into the glades. The BEST advice for you is very simple. Have a good time, bring lots of bug spray, don’t forget your compass, and leave your ammunition at home. AFTER you learn a LOT more about the specific animal you are hunting AND hunting in general you MIGHT think about going with a loaded gun. Until then I would bet your odds of shooting another hunter or wounding and losing any number of fine animals are much better than your chances of bringing home a trophy. Do the deer, the other hunters, and everyone a big favor: blow off this season and concentrate on getting an education. Don’t just read one book read them all. Subscribe to a couple of the fine hunting publications as well. Any fish & game clubs in your area? If so, you might join one and see if one of the respected ‘old guys’ would be willing to pass on a bit of tradition along with some sound advice, tips, etc. Most of ‘em are more than willing. Our ignorance in the field provides ample fodder for the AR whacko-s. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
Before I begin……. I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how much they normally weight.) Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, water bottles and my camping gear. How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. Please advice. Benny Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# # Before I begin……. # # I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # # I’ll be hunting in the middle of the everglades y Florida, in a # management area that does not permit any type of motorized or mechanized # # Let’s assume I get so lucky that I shoot a deer. # Let’s assume is a small one……maybe…….120 lb.. (I don’t know how # much they normally weight.) # Now I’ve already walked 12 miles into the glades and I got the rifle, # water bottles and my camping gear. # # How in the world do I bring this thing back with me ?? # # If it’s a nice one, I want to have it stuffed..not to mention a BBQ. # # Please advice. # # Benny # Hey Benny, You didnt mention if you’d be camping overnight or what. Here in FL, you need to clean your game fairly quick and put it on ice if you want it to taste good. 120LB is a nice size deer in the glades. I’ve draged deer 1/2 mile and that can be a real chore. If you are going to be in water, you might want to think about floating it out, maybe on a small raft. Good Luck! cleaner Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
# # # # Before I begin……. # # # # I already ordered "White-tailed Deer" by Gary Clancy and Larry R Nelson # # from Amazon.com but it will take another 4 days to get the book. # # Benny, Unless you are gonna go poach deer, you have plenty of time till hunting season opens in S. FL. to learn more about deer hunting. Read lots of deer oriented magazines for the most current information. IF you are going hunting with friends, consider using a backpack to transport meat (it may take more than one person). You will be lucky to shoot a deer over 100lb. in the Glades. You will be even luckier to shoot one that you would want to mount. The technique I would use is to de-bone the deer and carry just the meat out. If you do happen to shoot one that could be mounted, carry out the cape and head as well. My .02 worth, Jeff Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
I’ll add to Richard’s advice, the aluminum packboards with the padded belt and shoulder pads are allot more comfortable than the old packer nelson types, noisier though. Try to find one without the "horns" on the top of the frame, they catch on treelimbs. I spray painted mine with flat paint to camoflage it, removed all the ratling things, or padded the ones that had to stay with electrical tape. I leave as much of the inedible parts of the deer in the woods that the law allows, leave the lower legs and feet, ditto for the hide if your not tanning it. If your a long ways out, you can even bone out the neck, backstraps, and tenderloin, and quarter the quarters. Pack it all in a deer bag, strap it on, and shuffle on out. Use a stout tree limb for a third leg. — Good fishing, Matt Moore Visit Matt’s Severum World at: http://www.virtualseeds.com/matt.html Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING
Response:
You’ve got a couple of options, the first is dragging it, tie the forelegs up between the horns and drag with a rope, tie a tree limb about two feet long to the other end and put one end against your chest and the other in the crook of your arm and pull. If you’ve got to move the deer more than a mile or so, I’d split the carcass in half, and tie one half on a packframe. Count up two ribs, and spilt it there. This will likely ruin some of the backstrap meat, and the tenderloin as well, the best meat on the deer. You may want to at least fillet out the tenderloins first, they lie alongside either side of the spine in the body cavity, put them in a cotton bag, a plastic one will sour the meat, ditto for heart and liver. I’d pack out the forequarters first, they’re the heaviest, leaving the lighter hind quarters for the second trip. If your hunting partner is there to help, give him the lighter hind quarters, unless he’s younger than you are;) Also get rid of the legs at the "wrist" and hock joints, I’ve never seen anyone eat the lower legs, they’re just extra weight. Carry a couple of deer bags to to put the carcass halves in to keep the flies off, this’ll also help keep the meat clean, especially if you’ve skinned the carcass. The deer bags will also camoflage the deer, so some bastard doesn’t shoot you. You may want to flag it with orange tape for the same reason. A can of pepper would be good too, sprinkle it all over the exposed meat to help keep the flies off. If your really out in the sticks, you may want to skin the deer, fillet out the tenderloin,, backstraps, neck, and quarter the front and hind quarters, if the deer is small enough, you could get it all in one trip. If your really wanting to mount the deer, talk to a taxidermist beforehand and get his advise on field care. I imagine Florida is hot and muggy, depending on when the season runs, this is the worst weather to try to keep meat in good condition. The sooner you can get the skin off the quicker your meat will cool down, also splitting the breastbone and pelvic bone will let the carcass cool more quickly. If the season runs during cool weather the heat worries will be less. The farther out I am, the pickier I am about what I’m willing to pack. I don’t like liver, but if it’s a short haul, I’ll bring it in for someone who likes it, otherwise it’s coyote food, ditto for lower legs, sometimes the hide, heart, even the head, if legal where your hunting. In Oregon where I live you just need the antlers and scalp, the regulations spell out what has to be brought in. For packboards, the aluminum jobs with the padded belt and shoulder straps, are much more light and comfortable , but noisier. The wood trapper nelson style are quieter, but tougher on the body if your having to pack half a deer on one. I spray painted my aluminum frame with flat paint to kill the shine, it also helped quiet it. Try to remove everything on the board that isn’t nessisary, and pad any rattling places with electrical tape. Carry 20-30 feet of 1/4 inch nylon rope to tie on the deer with, as well as the deer bags. A small packsaw helps too, you can do it all with a knife though. Split the breastbone by strattling the deer and grab the knife with both hands and rip through the breastbone with up and foreward motions, then prop the rib cage open with a stick. The pelvis is split between the legs, there’s a weak spot where the to halves join, you can force the knife through this, using a tree limb for a mallet helps. the carcass can be split at the second rib by cutting between the ribs to the backbone on each side, cut through all the meat at this juncture, grab the hind legs, and twist the spine in half. This is allot easier if someone else is there to keep the forequarters from turning with the hind. Frankly I only go to the work of packing a deer if I have a long way to go, or rough terrain to travel over. It’s allot of work to pack a deer, but it’s sometimes better than having to drag it. Find a stout limb for a walking stick, the third leg will help you keep your ballance while carrying the extra weight. — Good fishing, Matt Moore Visit Matt’s Severum World at: http://www.virtualseeds.com/matt.html # # Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/ To leave the Hunting listserv list, send a message with SIGNOFF HUNTING