Skinning and field dressing

[Mentokk1]

Dang! I just watched a video on skinning a deer with a golf ball. I gota say thats a pretty sweet technique. I much rather be able to do it the old fashioned way though. A razor sharp Buck knife. I think there is a reason the company is called Buck. IMO they have the best factory edges, strength and sharpness.

 

[CoastieShep]

Self taught. I just knew what needed to be done and figured it out from there. Took a little longer than somebody that really knows what they're doing, but the end result was pretty much the same I'm sure.

 

[Daniel Boone]

My dad showed me how to do it when I was 13 - on my first hunt when we shot a 11 point buck.
The next year when I shot my first buck by myself - he gutted it out also - because I did not own a knife.

When I turned 18 - I bought my own knife and I have gutted and skinned about 200 deer since then.
Most if not all of them with the same knife.

When you get to the point of where you find that one special knife that holds a good edge and will cut almost anything - you can get to the point of where you can gut a deer in about 5 minutes and you won't even have to take your jacket off.

The one gadget that really makes me laugh is that cork screw bung hole puller that they sell in the sporting goods store.

My buddies dad said something to him about shooting his first doe.
It had something to do with throwing it over a stump and getting it while it was still warm. We all got a chuckle out of that one.

 

[rondog]

Actually, there's a slim chance that I might pick up a 35 acre parcel in Southern Colorado soon, and it's supposed to be thick with critters. I talked to the wife, and she seemed to be receptive to the idea, it's really a helluva deal. Maybe I'll actually get a chance to hunt some deer or elk, says there's turkey and bear too. Maybe even lions and tigers, oh my. The property is bounded by roads on 3 sides.

 

[mc223]

Gut your critter as soon as you can. Just try not to open the intestines, Bladder or Tarsal glands on the back legs.
I always leave the skinning till I get the critter hung up in the garage, but do skin while there is still a little warm in the carcass. It is a lot easier when the carcass is warm.