I field quarter all my big game and pack out like many other southern swampers do. A heavy plastic bag liner in my pack does the hauling.
My back doesn't do well when leaning over working on a critter on the ground though. I put together a game hanging kit that works very well.
The kit is contained in this ammo pouch that I carry in my pack.
- Short piece of strap
- 18' of 1/2" soft rope
- two micro pulleys
- two carabiners
- carrying case
I start by wrapping this piece of strap around a branch as high as I can reach. It is a short piece of helo safety netting strap and has sewn loops along it's entire length. A piece of rope will work fine here, but won't pack as well as this strap. I hook the first carbiner into both ends of the strap.
I then hook the second carabiner around the leg tendon of my critter. I attach my first pully to the leg carabiner. My second pully attaches to the top carabiner. I then tie my rope into the top carabiner. I run the rope through the bottom pulley, and then through the top pulley. This gives me a 2-1 mechanical advantage. I've only hoisted critters up to 125# or so, but feel like It would do for a 175# or better one.
These pulleys are the heart of the system. They cost me around $13 each and are available at most camping/hiking stores.
I used to use a rope ratchet system, but there was no mech advantage, and this 75# hog was about the limit of my pulling capability. My new system is lighter and takes up about the same amount of space.