Got a deer.....how do you get the thing out?

[jasnt]

Hopefully this guy shot a deer and not an elk. I ran into a guy down south and he told me he had shot a big deer and asked if I would help him get it out. Sure, no problem. Until we get to his deer and it was an elk .  Had to tell hinge was on his own.

heard of a guy in davenport (new to WA) that shot a mule and thought it was a deer.  15 years ago or so. 

[elk247]

  congrats on your first Washington deer. Sounds like you had no problem tracking it, nothing beats carrying it out on your back if you are alone and have a ways to go. *Pro tip* buy a few of your best buds a pack frame for x-mas. Next time they will WANT to put it to use and feel guilty if they don't help.  I'd offer to show you how its done if I was closer. 

[elk247]

For future questions; https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xijmge8_NJw

[sakoshooter]

I've packed them out on a cart, drug them, and boned them out and carried in a pack.  The terrain usually dictates what you need to do.  Boning them out makes the job easier and is a step you'll eventually need to do anyway unless you intend to take it to a butcher.  Don't drag if you plan on taxidermy as it can be brutal on your cape.  I packed my MT buck out from over 7 miles back this year.  A lot of work but worth it!  It definitely raise my standards the farther back I get though:-)

 

[TeacherMan]

1/4 it or drag it! But time isn't your friend. Better get to work.

[Steef]

Just to be clear, I didn't leave the animal and then come home to "look it up on the internet."  I really was just looking for tips/pointers from the "experienced crew."  I got a buddy and we dragged the thing out (the pole trick like in the movies worked for most of the way, but seemed really difficult.)  Eventually we made it to one of the old logging roads that had some "character" to it, and he brought his ATV and that got it the rest of the way.  Unfortunately, I'm working without a "mentor" and I'm figuring things out for myself (lesson for today, don't hike in quite so far by myself).  Through some trial and error I can finally say I've successfully hunted a deer including getting the animal all the way home.  Next, I'll be figuring out how to process the deer, but one step at a time, right?

Thanks to everyone taking the time and offering help/insights.  I can take the "ribbing," in fact it's been part of every hunting group I've ever been with (mostly in Texas where the terrain isn't quite like this.)  The guys on this site have been very helpful and for that, I'm deeply appreciative.

S

[_TONY_]

Good job on your deer!

[LeviD1]

steef. I always carry about 20 ft of cord rope with me in my pack / pocket. That way instead of dragging by grabbing an antler i tie it around the head then make shoulder loops and drag it behind me. I find this a much easier drag. Also who knows when you might need a piece of robe.

[RAZORBILL]

Bikes work great! Tip of the day, spin the seat around so it "backwards", the pointy end of the seat slides into the pelvis area nicely and keeps the animal from sliding around on the seat.

[Ripper]

Congrats steef, I'm glad it worked out for you.

[Toptwo]

Congrats Steef! Glad you got it done. During hunting season I keep a wheelbarrow in the back of my rig at all times since I hunt alone. I have found you can get it through a lot of different terrain, and its great to use on the old logging roads. My deer was 2.5 miles beyond a locked gate last year, and I managed to get it out whole by dragging it to the road (about 1000 yd drag) and then wheeling it out Best 75.00 investment I ever made....considering I can use it around the house too ! 

Great job on your first deer!

[bearpaw]

glad you got him out ok 

[h20hunter]

glad you got him out ok 

Now....shame shame shame....no pics yet? Have you learned nothing!!!!!!!! 

[splitshot]

haven't read the I do it so here it is.  I use a "good" packframe.  cut the deer in half between the 4th and 5th rib so there are 2 equal sized chunks.  strap one on the packframe with the head down.  put something bright on the horns.  use tiedown straps that don't give or loosen not bungies or rope.  walk out to rig and lock the front half in truck and return for the back half.  I have done this many times.  it is easier with 2 people.  with elk I carry the head out.  then return to quarter the animal, skin and load each quarter on a packframe.  the packframes can be consolidated, 2 together with straps or 3 together, etc.  you can go one step further and bone the animal out and put the meat in the packbag then you don't need the straps.  I am surprised more people don't get animals out this way .  it aint easy but where I go you cant drag.    good luck.    mike w

[deerhunter_98520]

You should look uno getting a game kart..sounds like its exactly what you need if you don't bike in....oryoucpilddo something like this