Deer season is upon us and if you’re like most hunters you’ll process your own deer. It’s not difficult and with a little practice you’ll get faster and better at it. This blog will teach you how to gut and skin a deer.
The first thing you need to do is harvest the deer. This means field dressing which is removing the entrails from the deer. To do this make a small incision in the deer’s belly being careful not to puncture any of the innards. Reach up inside the deer and pull the entrails down and out of the deer. Once they’re out cut the diaphragm which is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen. You can now remove the heart lungs and other organs.
Next it’s time to skin the deer. To do this make a cut around the deer’s anus and then continue the cut up the belly and around the front legs. You should now be able to peel the skin down the deer’s body. Be careful not to cut the skin or the meat beneath it. Once the skin is off you can remove the legs shoulders and neck.
Now you have a gutted and skinned deer ready to be cut up into steaks roasts and other cuts of meat. If you’ve never processed a deer before it’s best to start with a small one. There’s a lot of waste on a deer and you don’t want to end up with more than you can use.
If you have any questions about gutting or skinning a deer leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help. Happy hunting!
What kind of knife do you need to gut and skin a deer?
A sharp knife is necessary to gut and skin a deer.
Where do you make the initial cut when gutting a deer?
The initial cut is made just below the sternum between the forelegs.
What is the best way to avoid puncturing the deer’s intestines when gutting?
By inserting the knife along the inside of the deer’s pelvic bone you can avoid puncturing the intestines.
What do you do with the deer’s entrails once they are removed?
The entrails can be placed in a bucket or bag for disposal.
Where do you make the cut when skinning a deer?
The cut is made along the inside of the deer’s hind legs from the hock to the anal opening.
How do you avoid cutting the deer’s meat when skinning?
By using a sharp knife and carefully following the contours of the deer’s body you can avoid cutting into the meat.
What do you do with the deer’s hide once it is removed?
The hide can be placed in a bucket or bag for disposal.
What is the best way to avoid cutting yourself when gutting and skinning a deer?
By using a sharp knife and being careful not to slip you can avoid cutting yourself.
How do you know when a deer is properly gutted?
When the deer’s entrails have been removed and the abdominal cavity is empty the deer is properly gutted.
How do you know when a deer is properly skinned?
When the hide has been removed from the deer’s body the deer is properly skinned.
What are the benefits of gutting and skinning a deer yourself?
Gutting and skinning a deer yourself can save you money and provide you with fresh meat and hide.
What are the risks of gutting and skinning a deer yourself?
If you are not careful you may cut yourself or puncture the deer’s intestines.
Is it legal to gut and skin a deer in all states?
Check your local laws and regulations before gutting and skinning a deer.
What do I need to gut and skin a deer?
In addition to a sharp knife you will need a bucket or bag to dispose of the entrails and hide.
How long does it take to gut and skin a deer?
Gutting and skinning a deer can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
