Most hunters devote significant effort and time in preparation for hunting season. Unfortunately, not enough attention is paid to the labor-intensive task of transporting downed kills from the field to their vehicle or SUV.
Learn the skills you need to load a deer yourself, saving both time and effort. In this article, we’ll look at some effective methods.
1. Use a Sled or Cart
If there’s a road or tractor trail near where you shot your deer and you have permission from its landowner to drive off-road, this may be one of the easiest and most efficient methods of loading its carcass onto your truck. Otherwise, however, having an alternative plan in place for loading is key before leaving its location.
An effective way of doing so is with a game cart, available from most hunting supply retailers. These carts feature large wheels with low centers of gravity for transporting carcasses out of the woods with ease and at more reasonable costs than using tarps which require multiple passes through and might take too much effort and expense to do the job effectively.
Similar to using two by fours, another option for deer hunting involves using a piece of plywood to construct a ramp for deer to be dragged over. Simply position it before any downed animals before using rope or game sling to haul their carcass up onto the ramp and into your vehicle.
Deer hoists or winches may also prove valuable investments for hunters who prefer hunting alone. These implements can lift and secure deer during transportation, making them perfect for hunters who often hunt solo. Both manual and hydraulic versions of deer hoists/winch are available; hunters should select one according to their needs and preferences.
Finally, a sturdy backpack can also be used to transport deer out of the woods. Although this method takes longer, it is an effective solution if no other methods exist. However, keep in mind that carrying one on your back requires good physical fitness as well as an adequately fitted load-bearing pack that keeps the meat cool during transport to avoid spoilage before you process it.
2. Lift the Deer
Loading deer into a vehicle requires physical strength, skill, and the use of special equipment. Although this task can be done alone without assistance from others, any mistakes made during the process could prove dangerous to both hunter and animal. There are ways to make the task simpler and safer when doing it alone.
One method involves the use of either a game cart or large tarp for transporting animals. Once under, either item must be secured to prevent movement during transportation – which may mean tying legs together or running rope/straps over their head and body to secure.
As another option, a deer hoist or winch may prove helpful when loading a deer into your truck; however, they can also be expensive; for this reason it’s wise to weigh the potential advantages versus costs before embarking on your hunt.
Deer hoist use is generally straightforward. Once you find an ideal location to set it up, simply connect the cable. Make sure the clamp on one end of the cable is tightened securely using pliers before beginning winding it around itself – then tighten its clamp with pliers as much as possible to ensure safety during use.
Once the cable has been fully wrapped, it is time to begin dragging your deer. Prepare a long stick or piece of plywood as a support, placing it under its body while you tie one end of your rope or cord around it and pulling slowly on either one to begin your drag.
IF none of the methods discussed are successful in loading your deer onto your truck, you could try lifting it manually into your truck yourself. As this can be dangerous and challenging for those not used to handling large animals, seasoned hunters or hunting guides would likely be best placed to assist if you doubt their capabilities.
3. Place the Deer in the Truck Bed
Many hunters dedicate significant effort and energy to preparing for deer season, from hanging tree stands and scouting property to practicing their shooting lanes and practicing shooting lanes. But once they finally harvest a deer or doe and bring it home in their vehicle, few give much thought as to how best to transport their trophy.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to load deer by yourself is using a deer loading device, which helps hunters reduce the amount of work involved with loading large game animals. These can be purchased at various hunting and outdoor retailers and come both manually and hydraulic models.
When operating a deer loading device, it is vitally important that users maintain appropriate body mechanics. This means bending at the knees rather than waist and keeping back alignment throughout lifting process – this will prevent injury as well as make lifting heavy objects much simpler.
Unless a deer loading device is available, hunters should consider using a piece of plywood as an alternative loading ramp in their truck bed. Once loaded onto this board, its tailgate can be closed and driven away with ease.
An alternative approach would be to purchase a receiver hitch-mounted cargo carrier specifically designed to haul game animals. These carriers are specially tailored to meet the needs of hunters, making loading easy by one person; plus they can also transport other gear such as camping or hunting equipment.
Finally, a tarp can be used to cover your deer in its truck bed and protect its meat from dirt and other debris that might get dropped during transportation, keeping bloodstains at bay. Furthermore, this barrier helps prevent the animal from moving around during transport so as to minimize chances of injury during its return home from the woods.
4. Fasten the Deer
Once your deer has been field dressed, the next step is loading it onto your truck and transporting it out of the woods. While this task may be challenging on its own, proper handling techniques must be observed to ensure both your own and animal’s safety and welfare. If possible, ask an experienced hunter or guide for assistance to speed up this process more safely – both parties involved will appreciate this move!
Once again, depending on what equipment is at hand and your preference for loading a deer into your truck bed. A game cart may help reduce effort required when moving one; another option would be using rope or bungee cords to drag them in instead if time is of the essence or you don’t have access to one of these solutions.
As is always the case when loading deer, being prepared for unexpected scenarios that may arise while loading one is also essential. A flashlight and extra rope could come in handy should any unexpected problems arise while loading, such as at night or under poor lighting conditions; wearing sturdy boots and gloves as protection may prevent any serious injuries while handling a deer is also advisable.
Be sure to field dress the deer as soon as you harvest it for maximum efficiency and to preserve its meat by slowing bacterial growth. Doing this also makes transporting it simpler; saving both time and effort when heading home!
If you’re taking on the challenge of loading a deer yourself this hunting season, try one of these methods to quickly transport your trophy deer home or back to your cabin safely and quickly. Happy hunting!