Processing a deer in the field?
You may be wondering if it’s even legal to process a deer in the field. Most states allow this, but there are some restrictions. You can only process a deer in the field in your own county or within a state-designated wildlife management area. And you have to follow all the state-required steps. If you want to check your state’s regulations, you can look them up online.
How to process a deer in the field without attracting predators?
If you can’t process your deer at home safely, you need to find a safe location to do so. A location that is easily visible to you (and other animals) will help deter any predators from approaching your carcass. You can also use a vehicle to block any potential access from the outside to your deer.
How to process a deer in the woods?
When you take that big buck home, you’ll need to process it right away to make sure it doesn’t go bad. If you don’t process it as soon as possible, you can end up with freezer burn and rancid meat. For caching, it’s a good idea to hang the buck somewhere outside but close to your cabin or home. That way, if a family member or friend comes to visit, they can help you process the deer. If
How to process a deer in the field?
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, your next best option is to use a sled to drag the animal out of the woods. The sled can be a large tarp or a flat board, covered in thick padding. A long cable or tow-line is attached to the deer, and it’s pulled from the woods to your vehicle. This method is only suitable if you don’t have a lot of vegetation around, because the sled could easily get entangled.
How to process deer meat in the field?
If you don’t think you can safely do field processing, or if you don’t want to, you can still have a great time hunting deer. Just hang your deer head and antlers somewhere until you get home. If you don’t have a place to hang your deer, use a sturdy tree limb to hang it. Don’t hang it up by the antlers, as this could damage them. If you don’t have access to a vehicle