Bro....having mastered and discarded the painful art of 2-3 mile drags a long time ago, I have since learned to pick up a knife and debone in the field. A full pack beats a drag any day. If you're in any decent shape whatsoever, there's no need for a second trip on a blacktail....nothing to leave in the woods except the guts, bones, and hide. A 3 mile drag is just begging for a serious no *censored* hours long ass kicking. If you've never done it, believe me, you'll be biting off more than you want to chew. Right about the 1/2 mile point, you'll be asking yourself "What the F am I doing?" Then there's the fact that by the time you do actually drag it three mile, it'll be damn near hairless, filthy, and bruised. Stash a game cart or even a kids cheap plastic sled somewhere on the way to your spot, that'll make it even easier for the rest of the way back to your rig. Just in case you get a mount-worthy buck, learn how to cape it in the field also......super easy. I think there's probably still a post or two on here that tells you how to do it. Don't sweat the bears....they'll be long gone as soon as they hear you huffing, puffing, and cussing.....especially if you insist on dragging out a whole animal for three miles. Don't sweat the kitties either....carry a sidearm to defend yourself if you're that worried.