After the Harvest: Methods for Removing Your Deer From the Woods

As the hunting season kicks off, many gung ho hunters will dive deep into public land in search of that elusive mature buck. The hike to a prime hunting spot can take hours, and once you’re settled in your tree stand, the thought hits you. How will I get a deer back to the truck if I harvest one? In this article, we’ll discuss the best methods for getting your deer out of the woods, so you can make the most of your hunting experience.

1. Dragging the Deer: The Classic Method

Dragging a deer out of the woods is one of the most traditional methods for removing your harvest. This approach works well over short distances and flat terrain. However, if you're hunting in rugged areas with obstacles like fallen logs or steep slopes, dragging can be very cumbersome. Be prepared for the challenges that tough terrain may present.

Pros:

• Simple and straightforward.
• No additional equipment required.

Cons:

• Difficult in steep or obstacle-filled environments.

2. Using a Deer Cart or Sled

The deer cart is a popular choice throughout the hunting community for transporting deer from the woods. By elevating the deer off the ground, this method significantly reduces drag and simplifies transport. The deer cart excels on flat terrain with minimal brush or grass.

Alternatively, a sled is an excellent option for traversing terrain with more obstacles such as downed trees, grass, and brush. Sleds come in various designs—rigid or flexible. Flexible sleds are the preferred option because they can be rolled up and packed with your gear.

Pros:

• Efficient on flat surfaces
• Reduces physical strain

Cons:

• Struggles in steep or rugged terrain 

 

 

3. Packing Out on a Frame Pack

If you're hunting in areas with strict regulations, be sure to check local laws, as some states require the deer to be removed whole. While Quartering the deer, you can remove the hide, and excess bones that you don't need to bring back to the truck, thus making the load lighter. A frame pack is a versatile tool that can carry both your gear and your harvest in one trip. This method excels with long distances and challenging terrains, allowing you to navigate obstacles more effectively.

Pros:

• Versatile and efficient for difficult landscapes
• Allows you to carry gear and meat simultaneously

Cons:

• Requires a frame pack, which adds weight to your gear

 

4. Utilizing Waterways for Easy Transport

If your hunting area has accessible waterways, think about using a boat to transport your deer. This method can significantly simplify the removal process, especially with a motorized boat. However, this requires extra equipment and may not always be feasible if deep water is not nearby.

Pros:

• Reduces physical exertion
• Efficient for longer distances in water

Cons:

• Requires a boat and access to deep water

 

5. The Meat Pole Method

This final method requires a friend and a sturdy pole (about 5-6 feet long). By tying the deer’s legs together and using the pole to lift, you and your buddy can carry the deer off the ground. This technique works best on flat terrain with medium to large obstacles. The downside is that the deer has a tendency to bounce or sway on the pole, significantly increasing the amount of energy it takes to carry. Additionally, on steep slopes the deer has a tendency to slide down the pole from one end to the other.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver around obstacles
• Splits the weight between 2 people

Cons:

• Challenging on steep slopes

 

Choose the Right Method for Your Terrain

With many methods to choose from, always consider the terrain you’ll encounter and select the most suitable option. Whether you opt for dragging, using a cart, packing out, or utilizing waterways, each method has its advantages and challenges. We hope these tips help you streamline the process of getting your deer out this fall. Stay safe out there, and cheers to a hunting season filled with heavy pack outs!