flags

CO Div of Wildlife used to have a couple really good videos on field care of game. Don't know if they are still up after they merged with the Parks Dept but it would be worth checking out.

Champlain Islander

I have done a lot of deer and all were field dressed in the field laying where they fell. If you can get the head slightly up it helps. Everything goes out from front to back between the legs. Takes only a minute or two.

Oldtimr

It takes me longer to put on my shoulder length gloves and to prepare to gut my deer than it does to do the job. Once you do a few, it becomes mechanical.

davidg

i would recommend one of those butthole removersi've done my last few w/ one and i think it's worth carrying...don't weigh nothin...helps keep the turds off you meat

vapahunter

Virginia Dept of Game and Fish has a very good DVD on field dressing and Butchering a deer. It was about $15.00 USD for it. You can get it from their website.

Champlain Islander

I hear ya OT. I never used them but at times wished I had them. LOL.

I use the roto cram method. Cut around the bung and stick a forked stick into and turn. it all comes out like a plug.

Oldtimr

CI I never used to use gloves to field dress, I have been getting blood and guts on my hands since I was a kid. However, I now take medicine for RA that knocks back my immune system so I decided to be safe rather than sorry.

mikescooling

IMHO
1) a sharp 3"-4" knife is the tool of choice
2) latex gloves aren't a bad idea
3) the liver makes good catfish bait
4) If you core the butt-hole and flip the deer over
5) find a log or high place for the top half of the deer to be elevated
6) a friend holing the legs of the deer is helpful
7) they make a knife called a Zipper, and that makes it a lil easier
8) pull on the guts as you use the knife to free the connective tissue
9) flip the deer over and drain the cavity
10) cool that deer down ASAP, stuff ice in it, prop it open with a stick
11) treat as you would a T-bone steak at this point, don't let it get too hot, let the mice at it, get it full of dirt, don't let it get wet, BUT it's ok if a dog chews the nose off, dogs love deer noses.

flags

I've got to the point I very rarely field dress. I use the gutless method. Less mess and I'm not packing out bones and inedible parts.

boomer68

Thank you so much guys for the advice and opinions, really appreciate it. I guess the old saying “practice makes perfect” is applicable.