Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: dsawurt on August 04, 2012, 09:16:12 PM

Title: Elk Gutless Field Dressing VS. Gutted
Post by: dsawurt on August 04, 2012, 09:16:12 PM: 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)
Title: Re: Elk Gutless Field Dressing VS. Gutted
Post by: stickbuck on August 04, 2012, 09:27:48 PM: I've never tried it that way, but I find it very interesting and I'm definitely contemplating it this year.
Title: Re: Elk Gutless Field Dressing VS. Gutted
Post by: windygorge on August 04, 2012, 09:44:28 PM: gutting method is the best. watch this to prove it.

http://youtu.be/HGHgyVCUn6g (http://youtu.be/HGHgyVCUn6g)
Title: Re: Elk Gutless Field Dressing VS. Gutted
Post by: dsawurt on August 05, 2012, 12:53:17 PM: It should be noted- Warning! Anyone attempting a total gastrectomy on an elk with belly down hill is well advised to wear proper Hazmat clothing (helmet, goggles, rubber gloves, disposable jump suite and rubber boots).
dsawurt (AKA Cloud), reference reply #2 video.
Title: Re: Elk Gutless Field Dressing VS. Gutted
Post by: spin05 on August 05, 2012, 03:26:40 PM: We tried it on my buddies last bull about 4 or 5 years ago. We liked it ....Works well with 2 guys forsure. In the Early archery season i thought it helped reduce the amount of bee's and speed up the time so less chance of getting stung. Being we were 3 miles behind a locked gate too i believe it made for less trips packing meat. Now if it was late season i may go the more traditional method