If you’re a hunter then you know the importance of properly field dressing a deer. Not only does it ensure that the meat is clean and free of contaminants but it also helps to preserve the quality of the meat. Plus it’s just plain gross to try to eat a deer that hasn’t been properly field dressed! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to field dress a deer so you can enjoy a delicious meal without any worries.
1. First you need to find the deer. If you’re lucky it will already be dead. If not you’ll need to kill it first. The best way to do this is with a single shot to the head using a high-powered rifle. This will ensure a quick and painless death for the deer.
2. Once the deer is dead you need to remove the entrails. This is where the majority of the contaminants are likely to be so it’s important to get rid of them as soon as possible. To do this make a cut along the stomach from the breastbone to the anus. Then reach in and carefully pull out the guts being careful not to puncture them.
3. Next you need to remove the head. This can be done by cutting through the skin and flesh at the base of the neck then simply twisting the head until it comes off.
4. Now you need to remove the skin. This is optional but it’s generally recommended as it helps to keep the meat clean. To do this make a cut along the inside of each leg then carefully peel the skin off the meat.
5. Finally you need to cut up the meat. This can be done however you like but it’s generally recommended to cut it into steaks or roast-sized pieces.
That’s it! Now you know how to properly field dress a deer. Just remember to be careful and take your time and you’ll be sure to enjoy a delicious meal.
How do you field dress a deer?
Answer 1: The best way to field dress a deer is to do it as soon after the kill as possible.
Wait until the deer is dead before beginning to gut it.
Find a spot where you can comfortably roll the deer onto its back with its head facing downhill if possible.
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What supplies do you need to field dress a deer?
Answer 2: You will need a sharp knife a saw (optional) rubber or latex gloves and a tarp or ground cloth to place the deer on while you work.
How do you position the deer for field dressing?
Answer 3: Place the deer on its back with its head facing downhill if possible.
This will help keep blood and guts from contaminating the meat.
Where do you make the initial cut when field dressing a deer?
Answer 4: Make a small slit in the skin just below the navel being careful not to cut into the guts.
What do you do next after making the initial cut?
Answer 5: Reach into the cut and carefully loosen the guts from the inside of the deer by hand.
Be careful not to puncture the guts.
What do you do with the guts once they are loosened?
Answer 6: Carefully pull the guts out of the deer and away from the body cavity.
What is the next step after removing the guts?
Answer 7: Cut the diaphragm away from the inside of the rib cage.
What do you do with the diaphragm?
Answer 8: Cut it away from the ribs and discard it.
What is the next step?
Answer 9: Cut around the anus and carefully remove it from the body cavity.
What do you do with the anus?
Answer 10: Discard it.
What is the next step?
Answer 11: Reach up into the body cavity and sever the esophagus and trachea as close to the skull as possible.
What do you do next?
Answer 12: Cut the diaphragm away from the inside of the rib cage.
What is the next step?
Answer 13: Cut around the anus and carefully remove it from the body cavity.
What is the next step?
Answer 14: Reach up into the body cavity and sever the esophagus and trachea as close to the skull as possible.
What is the final step in field dressing a deer?
Answer 15: Carefully skin the deer being careful not to cut into the meat.
You can either cut the hide away from the meat or roll it down the body.
