To help with that endeavor, here is a stepbystep pictorial guide to fielddressing a whitetailed deer. By implementing a few precautionary measures during field dressing, the hunter can help ensure the final product is fit to consume. Field dress the deer immediately to ensure a rapid loss of body heat. A different perspective in field dressing your deer. Heres a welldone video on this technique, in which you can quickly field dress and elk with very little mess only your hands. Field dressing, removing entrails, right away is the first step in cooling your meat harvest down quickly. In the gutless method, take the outside off and leave the rest. Properly field dressing your game animal is an essential first step in preserving the meat and preventing the occurrence of diseasecausing bacteria. However, the gutless method is a great choice to have if you are close to your processing facility, or if you are packing out meat. Nov 06, 20 sportsmanship includes the responsible care and use of meat obtained while hunting. I do not have pictures of how to do this but you position the animal on its belly with the back in the air.
Gutless field dressing and boning video nic barca is a hog hunter and wildlife biology or something like that student in hawaii. You should eventually field dress the animal so that you can cut out the tenderloins. Field dressing big game how to field dress a big game. There are pros and cons to gutless field dressing of your game. The key to any field dressing is to render your animal ready to move. Field dressing becomes unnecessary because we arent going to transport the animal whole, so we dont need to let the heat escape the body. Our friends over at eastmans hunting journals have put together a great compilation working through the gutless method for big game animals. Field dressing methods for black bear havalon knives. For now, use the hide as a tarp it will be a clean place to lay meat while you work. There is a video below on gutless field dressing and quartering elk in the field provided by dax mccarty of wagonhound outfitters. Moose, field dressing, meat care, caribou created date.
Because whitetails are herbivores and because they are generally hunted in cooler weather, deer hunters can field dress deer improperly without serious consequences. Make an opening into the body cavity by cutting the thin belly muscle without puncturing intestines or rumen figure 3. The gutless method will require multiple knives, extra blades, or at least a sharpener. How to field dress, skin, and quarter a deer deer recipes. Quartering or deboning elk in the field are common options among experienced hunters. When doing the gutless method, most people will start the skinning process by making the long, lengthwise body cut on. Plus you are able to cool down the meat much faster, which helps reduce the chance for spoiled meat. The gutless field dressing method photo galleries, lists. If you choose to do so, lay the animal with head downhill and cut.
How to field dress a big game animal using the gutless method. Dec 16, 2010 now the gutless part use your knife to cut the connective tissue at the base of the gut where the hind legs join. There are many scenarios when typical field dressing is absolutely critical. Field dressing deer pocket guide penn state extension. In this article how to skin an elk skinning an elk how to quartering an elk how to quarter an elk field dressing field dressing an elk keith wood build your skills know how. However, the best one to view is the one right here on. Most hunters learn the triedandtrue field dressing technique of opening the body cavity to remove entrails. The gutless field dressing method with kristy titus duration. Some people empty the guts and drag the deer, but that can be quite difficult, especially if you are several miles back in the backcountry. Frankly, if you know youre going to quarter an elk up to get it out, then gutless is the way to go. Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 205,000 strong, rmef has conserved more than 6. Over the years, there have been a few videos and numerous articles written on the subject. Yes, gutless field dressing is an alternative method to field dressing big game. How to perform the gutless method on big game gohunt.
It is a long process that begins with proper shot placement. If your goal is to quickly get the meat from the body, then consider the gutless method. Bruhn, cooperative extension specialist, university of california, davis recent outbreaks of foodborne illness traced to venison, as well as the emergence of. Field dressing, skinning, and quartering a deer is a touchy subject for some and im sure ill probably receive lots of hate for posting this instructional from antihunters, but it will be worth it if i have helped other hunters or potential hunters in the process. If you are thinking about deer hunting you how to field dress, skin, and quarter a deer read more.
How to field dress a deer the gutless method youtube. This 22page booklet is a great resource of alaska moose hunter, regardless of experience level. The gutless method is great, if quartering is done immediately. If gutless field dressing is an option, decide how you will handle the process before leaving camp. Gutless field dressing can save you time, weight and handling of entrails with no significant loss of meat. If youve got a few elk under your belt or if youre with someone who has gone gutless before, then leaving the guts in might be an option for you. Field dressing and quartering gutless method for deer.
This video from is a good tutorial for how to field dress an animal without gutting it. Proper field dressing and handling of wild game and fish. Check your own states regulations as some states have specific requirements for removing meat from the field. Mark site owner thanks for your question and suggestion ray. I dont like to mess around with the guts, its just as fast if not faster and easier yeah, if your trucks right there and you can just throw the deer in it and go hang it up and skin it and do all that, great, but if not, like i am, ive got to pack this thing out, so, this is. Rinse off any rumen, bile, or urine that gets on the meat.
Keep cutting until the inside loins are exposed sufficiently to remove them. Gutless field dressing method outdoors international. The series of videos walks through removing the backstrap, removing the tenderloins, deboning the hind quarters, deboning the front quarters, caping an elk, and removing the head using only a knife. Field dressing and quartering elk with the gutless method field dressing and quartering big game is something thats been covered a thousand times. How to field dress elk the gutless method hunting field. Be sure your knife is sharp, maintain a fine edge blade as you work. An important step toward placing quality venison on your dinner table is proper care of the animal immediately following harvest.
Start field dressing it at once with a good, strong bladed knife. The first way is to use the basic field dressing method, which requires you to gut the animal before packing the animal out whole or cut into quarters. There are many ways to field dress a deer, but my favorite is what i call the gutless method. Gutless field dressing traditional bowhunter magazine. A er shooting an elk, most hunters still fielddress the carcasscutting open the body cavity and removing. If youre a backcountry diy hunter and you want to quickly break an animal down into manageable pieces and get it cooled down, the best way to do that is called the gutless field dressing method. Now the gutless part use your knife to cut the connective tissue at the base of the gut where the hind legs join. Protecting food safety when shooting, field dressing. Of course, it doesnt hurt that elk taste pretty good, too, but they are big critters and facing the task of fielddressing one is daunting to say the least. Field dressing and handling of deer and other large animals. How to field dress elk the gutless method hunting field care of meat duration.
Ensuring that you have tasty venison from the deer is no accident, however. Protecting food safety when shooting, field dressing, bringing a deer home, and cutting the carcass christine m. Know what you need before you begin field dressing your animal. This approach is very clean and leaves the guts inside the body cavity. A field dressing guide for elk and deer big game hunt. Jul 27, 2015 join s corey jacobsen as he provides a step by step tutorial on the gutless method for processing an elk in the field.
The alaska moose hunting guidebook is now available. Aug 10, 2018 if youve got a few elk under your belt or if youre with someone who has gone gutless before, then leaving the guts in might be an option for you. Whether the end result is to drag the animal whole or to carry it on a backboard to your camp or home. So, youve found yourself standing over a bull elk, a caribou, or even a moose. This is the gutless method, this is how i like to do it. Sportsmanship includes the responsible care and use of meat obtained while hunting. Skin the critter, take the shoulder, the hind quarter, backstraps, tenderloins, neck and rig meat, and bingo youre done. Jul 21, 2017 if gutless field dressing is an option, decide how you will handle the process before leaving camp. Validate your tag and attach it to the carcass immediately. This method also allows hunters to skip the traditional step of splitting and handling the spine, which can contain fluids associated with chronic wasting disease. It is a great leadin question that usually allows me to discuss and explain the benefits of gutless method. Very important is a sharp, stout knife with a strong blade. The goal of deboning an elk using the gutless method is to get the meat just the meat off of the animal as quickly as possible.
In regular field dressing, take the inside out and keep the rest. Hang the animal headup or lay it on a slope with the rump lower than shoulders. Strong juices from the paunch will taint the meat and should be removed if the animal was shot in the gut or if you accidentally cut the paunch while field dressing the deer. The sooner you bring the meat to a cool temperature, the better it will taste on the table. Aug 14, 2018 our friends over at eastmans hunting journals have put together a great compilation working through the gutless method for big game animals. Ive long sat and drooled over his stories of hunting in the islands for wild hogs, goats, and wild cattle dont laugh these cattle are wild and rank the poor mans cape buffalo.
Cut along the spine from where the last rib ends back towards the pelvis. Make a small incision in front of the groin figure 4, insert your hand, and cut the opening all the way to the rib cage. Sep 09, 2015 of course, it doesnt hurt that elk taste pretty good, too, but they are big critters and facing the task of fielddressing one is daunting to say the least. A surprising number of hunters lose or spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to relocate, knives, gloves and other equipment in the snow and leaves at their fielddressing site. If you want to haul an elk out whole, gut it right away. Instead of making an incision on the animals belly, make your incision along his spine using a havalon skinning knife. Field dressing big game how to field dress a big game animal using the gutless method pdf 984 kb keeping the meat cool, clean, and dry. The gutless method is great, if quartering is done. Backcountry meat care how to debone an elk using the. The goal is to get the meat away from the hot visceral insides as soon as possible. For an excellent video on gutless field dressing, contact longtime wyoming outfitter and rmef supporter ron dube at 3075277815. The gutless field dressing method can be used if you can get the elk quartered quickly. Jun 27, 2016 randy newberg shows how to take care of an elk in the field, without having to remove the entrails, also know as the gutless method. Corey shows the entire process including removing the tenderloins.
Proper field dressing of a bear requires skill and knowledge. An elk can provide well over 100 pounds of delicious protein. Techniques for field dressing deer and other large animals depend on the size of the kill. When it comes to the skin, you have two different options. Field dressing your deer r egardless of whether you are hunting with a bow or firearm, your patience and effort have finally paid off. Going gutless when field dressing may not be required. Sep 26, 2008 gutless field dressing and boning video nic barca is a hog hunter and wildlife biology or something like that student in hawaii. Elk hunting success requires care of your meat in the field, field dressing, quartering, and sometimes deboning. You can extract it either by traditional field dressing or you can remove it actually after doing the gutless method but its fairly tricky. Fieldtofreezer meat care in alaska, alaska department of. Moose pelvis gutless field dressing alaska outdoors forums.
Field dressing big game alaska department of fish state of alaska. How to field dress elk the gutless method hunting field care of. Designate a specific area at the field dressing site where you can monitor and easily locate your knife and other equipment. Jul 24, 20 the goal of deboning an elk using the gutless method is to get the meat just the meat off of the animal as quickly as possible. With the animal on its back, the first cut starts at the genitals and runs up the stomach to the brisket, or bottom of the rib cage, through the skin only. Field dressing big game how to field dress a big game animal using the gutless method author. Make sure that you skin one side at a time and work on the skin to keep your meat clean from contamination. Carefully cut the connective tissue out of the way, letting the gut collapse down into the deers intact chest cavity. Gutless field dressing and boning video skinny moose. The first way is to use the basic field dressing method, which requires you to gut the animal before packing the animal out whole or cut into. Alaska department of fish and game wildlife conservation subject.
The gutless gutting method rocky mountain elk foundation. Designate a specific area at the fielddressing site where you can monitor and easily locate your knife and other equipment. The gutless method is also preferred when you are dealing with heavy animals such as elk and moose. Proper field dressing photos courtesy of digital bucket improper handling of the deer can contaminate the carcass with potentially harmful bacteria and compromise food safety and quality. A surprising number of hunters lose or spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to relocate, knives, gloves and other equipment in the snow and leaves at their field dressing site. After killing your game after you have shot your game, approach it from the rear carefully, making sure it is dead.