How to Field Dress a Deer

Make sure the deer is dead., Once the deer is confirmed dead, wear gloves during the process to prevent disease. , Lay the deer on its back., Pull the guts out, starting from the crotch, while also cutting the membranes linking the innards to the...

19 Steps 1 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Make sure the deer is dead.

    If it's not dead, shoot it again; pointing in a safe direction.

    DO NOT try to approach a wounded deer to cut its throat.

    They can behave erratically and are very strong.
  2. Step 2: Once the deer is confirmed dead

    , Find its sternum.

    Cut from sternum to crotch, penetrating the hide and the membrane below.

    Do not, however, pierce the guts. , Take care not to cut too close to the spine or you may cut the tenderloins. , Don't be shocked if a lot of blood spills.

    It's expected. ,, Cut the skin around the anus and pull the colon out of the body cavity. ,, Put it in a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep them cool and prevent spoilage. , (You can also choose to drag it by hand or have a few people help carry it.) Many find that putting the front legs up at its head when dragging is easier.
  3. Step 3: wear gloves during the process to prevent disease.

  4. Step 4: Lay the deer on its back.

  5. Step 5: Pull the guts out

  6. Step 6: starting from the crotch

  7. Step 7: while also cutting the membranes linking the innards to the spine.

  8. Step 8: Keep pulling guts and cut the diaphragm.

  9. Step 9: Find the last membranes holding the guts inside the carcass

  10. Step 10: sever them

  11. Step 11: and pull the guts free.

  12. Step 12: Cut through the center of the pelvic bone using a zip saw

  13. Step 13: bone saw or by pounding your knife through.

  14. Step 14: The heart

  15. Step 15: and anus can be removed now

  16. Step 16: but you may find it is convenient to remove them later.

  17. Step 17: You can save the liver and heart if you like to eat it.

  18. Step 18: Attach a rope

  19. Step 19: or other device to drag the deer back to your vehicle or where you plan to put it.

Detailed Guide

If it's not dead, shoot it again; pointing in a safe direction.

DO NOT try to approach a wounded deer to cut its throat.

They can behave erratically and are very strong.

, Find its sternum.

Cut from sternum to crotch, penetrating the hide and the membrane below.

Do not, however, pierce the guts. , Take care not to cut too close to the spine or you may cut the tenderloins. , Don't be shocked if a lot of blood spills.

It's expected. ,, Cut the skin around the anus and pull the colon out of the body cavity. ,, Put it in a cooler with ice or ice packs to keep them cool and prevent spoilage. , (You can also choose to drag it by hand or have a few people help carry it.) Many find that putting the front legs up at its head when dragging is easier.

About the Author

M

Mary Thompson

Experienced content creator specializing in creative arts guides and tutorials.

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