How To Field Dress Deer

Are you wondering how to field dress a deer? Are you planning a deer hunting trip? Have you ever wondered what to do with a deer once you have it on the ground? Here is a simple procedure to save you time in the field and help you get your deer out. All you need is a sharp hunting knife.

1. The first step in field dressing a deer is to remove the scent glands. Use your hunting knife to remove these glands. They can be found on the legs at about the first knee joint. Be sure to remove them all as deer taken during the rut may produce a strong odor from these glands. This odor is often responsible for creating a foul taste in the meat.
2. The second step in field dressing a deer is to split open the belly and chest cavity. Split the belly hide open all the way to the chest with the tip of your knife. Be careful not to puncture the abdomen. Once you reach the chest cavity, insert the knife into the body cavity. Cut through the chest cavity all the way to the neck. Cutting the ribs is tough work and may require the extra leverage of both hands on the knife.
3. The third step in field dressing a deer is to remove the intestines, heart and lungs. It may be helpful for you to split the pelvic bone before beginning this step. It can be done with the knife if you can find the "seam" where the pelvic bone is grown together. Often you can just wait till you're back at camp and use a small hand axe. If you decide to do this in the field, be careful not to puncture the bladder. To remove the innards, start at the top of the chest cavity, near the neck. Begin cutting everything loose and pulling it out all the way to the tail end of the deer. It may be helpful to use a short stick if one is available to help splint the chest cavity open.

The simple steps above can make your work easier when dragging a deer from the field. Remember the first steps before beginning the field dressing process. Make sure the deer is dead before approaching and always tag your deer in the field before field dressing. Good luck with your next deer hunting adventure!