I need help

[Ian johnson]

I will be deer hunting this weekend and have yet to kill my first deer,so I dont have a lot of experiance, well the only way I know how to skin one is on a gambrel(two hook things that hold the deer by its legs), is there another way to skin it?, possibly in the field?

[insttech1]

I wouldn't skin it in the field.  I'd gut it immediately, but skin it either back at home, or in camp (if you have game bags ready).  But you really don't need to skin it unless it is pretty hot and you're going to cool it off quickly by quartering or icing it.

You only have 3 days, so I'd make arrangements to find a processor or someone who cuts their own in case you get one, that's close to where you'll be.  Then later, when you get more time, you can get a lot of info on how to cut them up yourself, if you'd like.

There are lots of ways to do it, it's not hard, and freezer wrap/tape are cheap.  And a grinder's not a bad thing to have if you're going to be doing a few.  

Just some thoughts....

Take Care,
Marc

[Ian johnson]

I no to gut it in the field, but it will be hot, thats why I asked, I know a guy ho processes meat, I know how to gut and skin it, but was just wondering if I could skin it in the field to cool it off

thanks

[hogdancer]

Ian, Being from Louisiana all my life until recently, I know what you mean by heat. What I used to do is gut it then stick a bag of ice or two in the cavity to cool it down as fast as possible, then skin it, quarter it, ice it down. And if you want it to taste even better leave it on ice for a week to age some. I lived in Covington all my life until recently, I still have a lot of family in Hammond.
Hope this helps.

[Ian johnson]

I think thats what I'll do, sounds like a good trick

[insttech1]

Yup bag of ice in the chest will work wonders to keep it fresh.

Everyone has varying ideas, however, of how long to age their deer.

Up here, I don't--but they're feeding on farm crops, and the meat texture/taste is wonderful!!

See Ya,
Marc

[Killdeer]

This gambrel is a maple stick, with a notch cut in each end.

 

Killdeer

[madness522]

Gotta love a woman holding a knife who knows how to use it!!  

Great idea Killie.  Beats carrying around a gambrel and looks like it would work just as well.