I Have been impressed by looking at videos of Gutless Field Dressing and a U-Tube- Processing Your Big Game: Part 1.
Both show experienced hunters and even though I am very picky with who I hunt with, any of these guys would be more than welcome in my camp.
In my opinion, both methods have great theology.
I used a combination of both.
Skin the elk first down both front and rear legs (feet to body), cut down belly, skin hide to center of backbone and take off front and hind quarter. This gets the meat away from any contamination and allows the meat to start cooling. Roll elk over to opposite side and repeat same process. Shift elk butt down hill (This allows any blood or urine to flow down hill and away from the elk). cut through pelvic bone, around anal canal away from canal. Remove guts down hill. By removing the guts the elk will cool faster, and it is much easier to remove the tender loins and meat between the ribs with out cutting your self.
I have started using a Cutco Gut Hook Hunting Knife with a Double D edge blade, and it stays pretty sharp. But then again I have used more pockets knives than anything and they were great too. Help full hints only. dsawurt (CLOUD)
