8 Best Saw For Cutting Deer Antlers. Bone saw deer

Best Saw For Cutting Deer Antlers

Cutting deer antlers successfully depends on the cutting skill and a suitable saw. In the running market, a lot of reputed brand saws are available. Selecting the best saw for cutting deer antlers depends on its cutting edge, comfortable grip, and durable build.

If the saw teeth aren’t with crosscut design, the antlers won’t be separated perfectly. There could be bleeding and damage in the skull if you don’t follow the right cutting strategy.

A good saw for cutting deer antlers must include some extra features. The stainless steel body, adjustable pole length, blade lock feature, etc. should be included in your saw specifications.

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Does cutting a deer’s antlers hurt?

Cutting a deer’s antlers hurts when there is living tissue inside it. If the antler is still in velvet, there is no better move than cutting it. Blood vessels under the deer’s antlers could cause a slight bleeding issue while cutting imperfectly and make it hurt.

Best Saws for Cutting Deer Antlers

Among various saw models for cutting deer antlers, we’ve picked the 7 best models. This section deals with their specifications and how they’ll help you with this specific job.

Gerber Vital Pack Saw

For cutting deer antlers, a bandsaw like the Gerber Vital pack saw is highly effective. It’s nothing like rocket science. Mark the line and perform the cut- that’s all you have to do.

Before that, place the skull on the surface and start sawing from the horizontal position. When you reach the eye sockets of the skull, you should stop your saw.

Gerber Vital pack saw is blessed with its lightweight design. Its sawtooth tech with a fixed blade saw makes it great for cutting deer antlers.

The crosscut saw teeth make the cutting process more accessible. As the innovative SK5 blade steel comes, the cutting process receives the highest accuracy.

While cutting the deer antlers, users don’t get fatigued as the saw has a comfortable handle with over-molded glass-filled nylon.

According to the user review, this saw isn’t problematic with its 3.6″ blade length.

Due to its overall 6.75″ length and 2.7 oz. weight, it offered them an outstanding balance while using. People also loved the fabric sheath in which the saw was packed for safety.

It’s time to FOCUS on Gerber Vital pack saw’s specialties that make it different from competitors. First of all, its serrated blade edge with sawtooth tech makes the product worthy of deer antlers cut.

Secondly, the ergonomic T-shaped grip made of high-end rubber material makes it special. Most importantly, its SK5 high-speed steel with 1560 hunting axes has sought the user’s attention.

Pros

• Lightweight with good weight balance
• The serrated blade edge ensures an accurate cut
• The fabric sheath hooks allow speedy access on the go
• A clever blunted tip eliminates the risk of puncturing
• Easy to clean

Wicked Tree Gear Utility/Bone Saw

Wicked Tree Gear utility saw requires fitting on the cutting line first. Then, just like a regular saw, perform vertical and horizontal cuts to the deer antlers.

After reaching the eye sockets of the skull, simply pull out the antlers as well as the saw.

This bone saw comes with serrated edge blades for providing extra sharpness. With its non-slip rubber over-mold grip design, users can easily fit their hands with it. It weighs only 9.1 ounces with a great weight balance.

The 7″ big blade length makes the product selectable for versatile cuts. As it has a fail-safe blade lock design, there is no chance of any unwanted situation.

The hardened steel lock-pin and hardware make this product more reliable.

Customers are satisfied after using its high-carbon steel blade. As it comes with taper ground and heavy gauge, they found it hard for unwanted bending.

Most importantly, its rugged cast aluminum handle construction provided the highest comfort to users during the cutting session.

You should pick this utility saw due to its zero plastic design. That’s why it won’t bend or break during heavy use.

As this saw has a longer sharpness guarantee than the standard lightweight blades, it’ll reduce your blade maintenance hassle.

Besides, the blood won’t be affected by rust after a certain time.

Pros

• Its arborist-style steel blades cut the toughest deer antlers
• The adjustable pole lengths provide ease of use
• The folding option of this saw offers convenience in portability
• Zero-plastic build ensures durability in the long run
• Comfortable non-slip rubber grip design offers the highest grip

LEM Products 640 16″ Meat Saw

This hand-powered saw allows you to cut antlers from the root without any imperfection. The cutting technique is identical- mark the line on the skull and start cutting.

Put pressure on the forward-cutting stroke only. Relax pressure as you drag the saw back for the next cut. If you drag the teeth backward, under pressure, it’ll dull the blade sooner.

You can choose this item for its heavy nickel-plated frame. The highest durability is insisted on in its overall construction.

It has a large blade-tightening lever, so you won’t ever feel downtime while working. As it comes with versatile blade size options, you can choose your preferred one based on the antler size.

This saw eases the cutting process with its super sharp and fast-cutting teeth. Its top speed is one stroke per second.

The blade may require replacing after a specific time. But, it’s easier to replace in comparison to conventional saws.

Customers are delighted with its speedy performance and stainless steel build. Though it’s 1.13 kg, users are happy with its weight balance.

Users complained that it’s not dishwasher-safe. But, they found it utterly okay in handwash. Unfortunately, its 16″ fixed blade saw can’t be replaced.

So, why will you pick this product despite having these downsides? Well, this product requires less maintenance as you don’t need to think about tightening the blade with any external tool.

The professional-grade stainless steel build fights against rust effectively. With its reasonable price range, there is barely any saw for cutting deer antlers.

Pros

• The nickel-plated material protects against Rapid metal decay
• Great weight balance
• Ultimate sharpness of the blade
• Sturdy handle for dedicated uses
• Innovative blade-tightening lever

Best Field Dressing Kit? | Outdoor Edge Razor Pro with Saw Review

What is the best kit for field dressing deer on a hunt? I think I’ve found a great kit, but is it the “best?” Let’s find out.

For years, I carried a big, heavy field dressing kit into the backcountry during my hunting trips. A Buck 110, a Buck Pak-Lite Guthook, an axe, and a Butt Out. This was a LOT of stuff to carry in my hunting EDC pack for field dressing deer. It was cumbersome, heavy, and took up a lot of space.

Best Field Dressing Kit?

A couple years ago, I found a product from Outdoor Edge that really seemed to fit the bill. The Outdoor Edge RazorPro with Saw Combo came in one, neat little package that included a replaceable knife, a gut hook, and a bone saw. This replaced my Buck 110, Buck Gut Hook, and the axe that I would normally carry in my pack. The kit includes a few extra replaceable blades for the knife and a beautiful camo sheath that has spots for the knife, the saw, and the replacement blades. It was perfect! Or, so I thought.

My current field dressing kit includes:

Description of the Outdoor Edge Razorpro Saw Combo:

The ultimate double-blade knife/saw combo set for big game. With our patented replacement razor-blade knife on one side, plus our signature gutting blade on the other, the Razor-Pro is the sharpest, strongest, replacement razor knife available. The black-oxide coated blade holder supports the razor-blade for the strength of a standard knife and sharpness of a surgeon’s scalpel; and the blades change safely and easily at the push of a button. Our signature gutting blade cuts underneath the skin without cutting hair or piercing internal organs. Both blades open and close independently with one hand and lock securely. Rubberized blaze-orange TPR handles ensure a safe, non-slip grip, even when wet. Also includes a 4.4″ aluminum handle folding saw with triple-ground tooth pattern for penetrating tough bone and wood. Comes complete with six 3.5” Japanese 420J2 stainless replacement blades and a Mossy Oak camo sheath with s to hold the knife, saw and spare blades.

– Outdoor Edge

Outdoor Edge Field Dressing Kit Review

The knife is great. A solid, sturdy, and thick plastic handle makes this knife much easier to handle than the Gerber or Havalon branded replaceable knives (which I also have and have tried out in the field). The blades are sharp and fairly easy to remove and replace. Just don’t leave a dirty blade in the knife — it will be very difficult to remove.

The gut hook works really well. The blunt end prevents any unwanted punctures of the belly and just zips right through the skin and outer tissue to open the deer up. You do need to close the knife to use the gut hook, but this is more for safety than anything else.

The bone saw is a bit disappointing. It works, but it catches on the bone and can be challenging to use. I think the teeth on the saw are just a bit too deep. Outdoor Edge should have built a saw that had shallower teeth, similar to other bone saws. I use the bone saw to split the rib cage and sometimes, the pelvis. In both instances, the bone saw allows you to avoid puncturing tissue or muscle when using it, but does catch on the bone.

Is the Outdoor Edge Combo the Best?

The Outdoor Edge Razorpro Saw Combo does make an excellent field dressing kit and it’s what I carry in my hunting pack, currently.

I would note, though, that my old Buck 110 seems to be sharper than the Outdoor Edge replaceable blade and sometimes, more effective for field dressing deer. My Buck 110 will cut through the rib cage without an issue (tried the Outdoor Edge to do this in 2020 and it worked just fine). As of the last two years, I have not been splitting the pelvis (our processor and several YouTube videos pointed out that it’s cleaner and more preferred to leave the pelvis intact), so this eliminates the need for an axe or bone saw.

In my old kit and new kit, I still brought along the Butt Out. I think this tool is indispensable. It weighs almost nothing and allows you to remove a very dirty part of the deer in a clean and effective manner. I could remove the butt with my 110 or the Outdoor Edge without using the Butt Out, but it’s worth it to keep the meat clean in the hams. This seems to be a wash, as I will always carry the Butt Out in my kit.

One area that the old Buck 110 falls short compared to the Outdoor Edge is in the gut hook. While the Buck Pak-Lite Gut Hook doesn’t weigh much, it’s one more thing you have to remember to bring out to the field. I can use the old method of putting the knife between my two fingers and cutting away from the deer with the 110, but this is less efficient and does risk punctures to the stomach and organs.

I love my Buck 110. It’s a classic hunting knife for a reason. For a one stop, all you need in the field option though, I believe the Outdoor Edge Razorpro (with or without the saw) wins for the best field dressing kit.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission from those purchases.

Best Bone Butcher Saws Reviewed for Durability

When it comes to hunting there’s precious little middle ground, there are hunters and everyone else. And hunters tend to be over the moon about the sport. But even the most dedicated hunter knows there are parts that try the patience, the waiting, the weather, and then there’s the inevitable post-hunt clean. After you bag your prey you have to prep and dress it and this can be a dirty business. One of the least pleasant parts is getting through the bones of an animal. Bones are tough by design, so you’re going to need more than your average cutting implement to tackle them. So we offer you our top ten bone saws to make things just a bit more manageable.

• Bahco 396-LAP
• Weston Butcher
• Satterlee
• Mossy Oak
• Gerber E-Z
• EverSaw 8.0
• LEM Products 640 16″
• SOG F11BN-CP
• Havalon Baracuta
• Gerber Vital

Standout Picks

A first look at this and you’ll see it probably has the most unique design of any of the bone saws on this list. The toothing is unique, as is the overall arch of the blade during use. It’s also got some nice safety features to protect you while in use.

This is another huge bone saw with an even farther reach of almost two feet. It’s got a very sturdy frame of stainless steel and a high impact handle to take on any amount of force and leverage you can throw against it. It’s an impressive butcher style saw meant for any big game you could find.

When you think bone saw, this one is probably what you imagine, right? It resembles the classic look and is visibly capable of a lot more than many of the saws on this list. If you’ve got a big game to dress, then this is probably the saw you’re going to want to go with.

This one is another teeny bone saw that’s best used for anyone who thinks they’re going to be taking it out into the wilds with them. It’s small, compact, and easily transportable thanks to a belt loop carrying case. It’s got another T-grip as well and blunted tip for leverage and safety.

This is another best bone saw with a T-grip handle but it’s also one of the smallest on this list with an overall height of just half of what many of the others is. It does feature some nice safety features and accident resistant parts as well.

We’re back to smaller sized knives for portable use and use on a variety of materials, as the name of this one suggests. It works on smaller game bones as well as wood and PVC. It’s recommended best for hunters and campers to have in their toolbox at all times thanks to its versatility.

Constructed to be extremely durable, easy and even weightless the LEM Products 640 16″ is one of the best in the market. Known for their quality LEM did not disappoint with this one. This best bone saw comes prepared to cut through your meat and bones like butter. It’s one of those items that make sense to have, yet when you get your hands on it you fall in love with how easy it is to work with.

Now if you are an active hunter then you know sometimes you can’t carry large items with you, whether that is due to be short on space, or not having the proper packing sometimes having a large one is not convenient. And that is okay because SOG has created a model that gets the job done without missing a beat. Don’t look at the size with this one, consider all the power you are getting.

This is another small unit but its functions get a little bit more military-grade thanks to the Zytel plastic handle, which is also in a nice and vibrant orange for easy spotting while in use or shoved into a hunting bag. At full open, it’s pretty impressive and is made from trusted steal.

This is the best bone saw that’s designed for anyone who’s safety consciousness, both at home and in the field. It comes with some built-in safety elements to protect both you and the parts of the animal you don’t want to accidentally knick while cutting. It’s got a nice grip and a noticeable look to it.

• Bahco 396-LAP
• Weston Butcher
• Satterlee
• Mossy Oak
• Gerber E-Z
• EverSaw 8.0
• LEM Products 640 16″
• SOG F11BN-CP
• Havalon Baracuta
• Gerber Vital

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Style

When you need the best bone saw for completing your hunt, there are different types on the market for you to choose from. Folding saws are a quick fix and easily fold up to pack with the rest of your gear. They lock when you are storing them so no danger of accidents when you’re traveling to your destination or when you are not ready to use them.

Fixed blade bone saws tend to be bigger and will take up more room in your kit bag, however on the upside they are more sturdy and can last a lot longer than a folding saw. The smallest available is a chainsaw, by their very definition they are neat, compact and easy to store in a They are, however not as precise when sawing so can make the job more trying, and they are not quite as long-lasting as the previous two mentioned.

Effectiveness

Of course, you know why you take the best bone saw on the hunt with you, but there are practical reasons why it makes sense to take a decent one with you on your trip. Without a cutting tool, you will struggle to cut up the game and this can make the journey away much much more tedious and cumbersome. If you have a decent tool with you, you can break down the game easily and quickly, and only take with you what you want.

This is more practical because it means you can leave the extras for nature to deal with. And additionally, a good saw is very useful for cutting wood too, this can make clearing a lot faster and easier. giving you more time on your hunt. And the bonus of being able to saw firewood for an overnight camp can be a real benefit when you want a bit longer on your hunting trip.

Durability

The durability of your best bone saw will not only depend on the materials it is made from but also the way you care for it. If you just leave it lying around without any maintaining, you can bet you will be looking for a new one within a year if not before.

After each uѕе, lubrісаtе уоur blаdе wіth gun оіl, paste wаx before storing. Gun oil оr WD-40 саn be wіреd оn wіth a rаg. Paste wаx should be wіреd off after ѕіttіng on thе blade fоr a fеw mіnutеѕ. All of these сhоісеѕ available, рrеvеnt rust аnd hеlр thе ѕаw blаdе ѕlіdе through the wооd.

If уоu hаvе a wооdеn handle, wipe оn a little-boiled linseed оіl реrіоdісаllу tо ѕеаl it оff frоm moisture and dіrt. If уоur handle shows ruѕt whеrе it аttасhеѕ to the blаdе, tаkе thе hаndlе apart аnd сlеаn оut the ѕlоt. Uѕе mеdіum grаdе ѕtееl wооl оr fine ѕаnd рареr tо ѕmооth a rоugh finish оn thе handle аnd remove ѕtаіnѕ (thеn fіnіѕh wіth oil).

A wеll-mаіntаіnеd blade mау never ruѕt, but іf іt dоеѕ, a razor blаdе can help. Rеmоvе the hаndlе and lay thе blаdе оn a flаt wоrk ѕurfасе. Scrape thе ѕаw blаdе carefully with a razor blаdе, gоіng up аnd dоwn the lеngth of thе blаdе аnd keeping the rаzоr аt a low аnglе. Scrub any stubborn spots with mеdіum steel wооl оr 320-grit sandpaper, еѕресіаllу thе handle аrеа. Wipe wіth a soft drу сlоth, and thеn оіl оr wаx the blade іmmеdіаtеlу.

Best Butcher and Bone Saws

Bahco 396-LAP

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

A first look at this and you’ll see it probably has the most unique design of any of the bone saws on this list. The toothing is unique, as is the overall arch of the blade during use. It’s also got some nice safety features to protect you while in use.

Rust Protection The blade on this bone saw is specially coated with rust protection to prevent any corrosion on the blade or unwanted rust build-up that could ruin the integrity of the saw.

Handle The grip on this is ergonomic and features a two-part handle for the best grip possible. The curve of the grip is somewhat unique to look at but intuitive to use.

Cost and Value This is another bone saw that’s in the mid-price value but you get a unique design and some special features for that price. It’s small, so keep that in mind if you want to buy one. Compare the price to others of this size and decide what’s best for you.

Weston Butcher

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

Impact-resistant materials in the handle

Tension is not as tight as it could be

This is another huge bone saw with an even farther reach of almost two feet. It’s got a very sturdy frame of stainless steel and a high impact handle to take on any amount of force and leverage you can throw against it. It’s an impressive butcher style saw meant for any big game you could find.

Length The blade length on this one reaches 22 inches in total which makes it the longest on this list. This also means you have 22 inches to work with while sawing through tough and dense bone. This also means a lot of force behind the push and pull of the blade for maximum leverage.

Sturdy Materials It’s not just about the bone saw being durable, though this one clearly is with a stainless steel blade. But this also has some great quality to the handle which is high impact resistant to make sure there’s no breaking or cracking. Because a broken handle can be just as detrimental to use as a broken blade.

Cost and Value his is another blade that’s on the more expensive end of the spectrum but you get a lot for that if you look at the blade length and the material quality. The value here is pretty consistent with the price in a good way.

Satterlee

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

When you think bone saw, this one is probably what you imagine, right? It resembles the classic look and is visibly capable of a lot more than many of the saws on this list. If you’ve got a big game to dress, then this is probably the saw you’re going to want to go with.

Length This bone saw is over a foot long which makes it among the longest on this list. It’s got over a foot of serrated teeth to work into the bone or other material and cut through it at a reasonable time.

Ring Handle Unlike most of the bone saws on this list, this one comes with a ring handle. This is similar to the T-grip but with a little more security behind it. It creates nice momentum and leverage and allows for many strokes per minute as you’re sawing through a bone.

Cost and Value For the amount of bone saw you get with this, it’s a very good price. You don’t get any extras with it like storage options or anything like that, but you do get a large and wide bone saw for maximum cutting capabilities.

Mossy Oak

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

Strength on a larger animal is not durable

This one is another teeny bone saw that’s best used for anyone who thinks they’re going to be taking it out into the wilds with them. It’s small, compact, and easily transportable thanks to a belt loop carrying case. It’s got another T-grip as well and blunted tip for leverage and safety.

Mini Saw As the name suggests, this is a small saw for use with smaller game and as a complement to any bigger bone saws, you may have to work on the bigger game. This isn’t a fault though, as it’s designed to be portable and light for quick and easy use on demand.

Multiple Uses The saw is also certified with use for more than just bone if you need something that can help you out in a pinch. It can be used on some reasonably sized tree branches and is best recommended for the pelvic bone of small animals, as well as some other materials.

Cost and Value This bone saw has a low price for pretty equal value. It’s small and comes with its own storage, which is nice for the price. You also get the comfort of a brand name with a good reputation for a low price as well.

Gerber E-Z

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

This is another best bone saw with a T-grip handle but it’s also one of the smallest on this list with an overall height of just half of what many of the others is. It does feature some nice safety features and accident resistant parts as well.

Grip So while it’s not the only saw on this list with a T-grip, it does have one of the most user-friendly styles of T-grip on here. It utilizes not only the perpendicular shape of the T-grip but has grip features for fingers to make it as usable as possible.

Small Size This is a bone saw that’s very small in length and likely best used as a secondary instrument or one for someone who wants something compact and mobile with use for the smaller game as it likely won’t get through too many tough bones of larger animals.

Cost and Value This is a little bit of a more expensive piece and comparatively, you don’t get as much as you do with some others that are similarly priced or lower. That being said, it’s good as a secondary device for small parts of the animal.

EverSaw 8.0

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

We’re back to smaller sized knives for portable use and use on a variety of materials, as the name of this one suggests. It works on smaller game bones as well as wood and PVC. It’s recommended best for hunters and campers to have in their toolbox at all times thanks to its versatility.

Rugged Blade This features a triple razor 3-D cut on the blade making it incredibly rugged across it’s almost a foot of use. The teeth are fine and sturdy to get through most materials in a quick and easy way.

Design This design is an import from Japan that works to reduce friction to keep the blade from getting stuck while in use. It works best on the pullback and is designed to cut deep without jumping or getting stuck on tough or dense portions.

Cost and Value This is around a mid-price blade compared to many of the others on this list. The value matches that since it doesn’t have too many bells and whistles but does feature some unique and impressive design functions.

LEM Products 640 16″

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.

A sharp blade that can be changed if needed

Custom feature so you can change the blade tension as you would like

Though sturdy the handle can feel a bit slippery if your hands are wet or dirty

Constructed to be extremely durable, easy and even weightless the LEM Products 640 16″ is one of the best in the market. Known for their quality LEM did not disappoint with this one. This best bone saw comes prepared to cut through your meat and bones like butter. It’s one of those items that make sense to have, yet when you get your hands on it you fall in love with how easy it is to work with.

Custom Feature Though you might think all meat bone saws are created the same this is not true. Featuring a tightening cam and large blade lever allows you to customize the blade tension and even switch it out if you decide to do so. Its one of those features you might think you won’t need but its oh so useful to have. By having this feature the brand allows you to customize just how much tension your blade truly needs and if you need to switch them out. This is particularly useful when you have a dull blade that needs an upgrade.

Durable Frame One of the most important features is its frame. Having a high-quality frame allows you to feel secure every time you are using your best bone saw. Constructed out of a heavy-duty nickel-plated frame, this saw will not break, crack or rust even when you are working with the thickest meat or bone combination. Its nickel frame is sturdy enough to be felt the moment you pick it up. You will feel the difference the moment you pick this bone saw up and have it in your hands. The handle is also exceptional as it’s smooth and durable without missing a beat.

Cost and Value Not only are you getting a quality product with a sharp, sturdy blade but the price is just as exceptional. Likewise, you are getting a durable saw that can last you quite a while for a bargain price. You can almost call it a steal. LEM created an excellent product worth every penny, a win-win for all.

How to Field Dress a Deer

You have a big smile on your face and a tagged bow-kill at your feet. You did it!

If it’s an adult white-tailed deer, you’ve harvested 30- to 50-plus pounds of lean meat, depending on its age and your geographic location. There’s only one problem: Your meat isn’t packaged in cellophane and Styrofoam like meat at grocery stores. It’s inside a hide, fully intact and attached to bone.

OK, No problem. First, you must field dress your deer.

Field dressing means removing the animal’s internal organs, also known as the entrails, which is necessary to preserve its meat. This process also helps cool the carcass, slow bacterial growth, and remove blood and paunch (stomach) materials.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to field dressing deer:

Assemble your gear and mentally prepare.

Use a sharp knife to cut through the meat smoothly. Photo Credit: ATA

The only tool you need is a sharp knife, but we also recommend latex gloves and a small bone saw. Don’t forget to remove your watch and jewelry. Visit an archery shop for help finding field-dressing gear.

Locate the broadhead.

Find your broadhead. If it is not in the woods, it may be inside the deer. Photo credit: ATA

If you haven’t recovered your arrow and broadhead, the broadhead might still be inside the deer. If you can’t locate it, carefully watch for it as you field dress the deer.

Cut a coring ring around the anus.

The first step in field dressing a deer is cutting a coring ring a couple of inches deep through the skin/hide around the anus. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

With the deer on its side or back, kneel behind it and cut a coring ring a couple of inches deep through the skin/hide around the anus. Slide your knife deeper into the pelvic canal and retrace the coring cuts to slice attached membranes and free those last few inches of colon. Be careful not to puncture the colon. Its contents can taint meat.

Position the deer.

Before making your first incision, position the deer belly up with its head elevated Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

Locate a slope and position the deer belly up with its head elevated. Spread the hind legs and have a buddy keep them apart to hold the body in place. If you’re alone, secure the carcass by wedging rocks or wood under its ribcage. To make things easier yet, tie each leg to a tree.

Make your first cut.

To make your first cut, grab the skin where it forms a “V” between the rear legs and cut a shallow 1-inch slit through the skin. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

Grab the skin where it forms a “V” between the rear legs. This is just below the doe’s milk sac or just above the buck’s testicle. Cut a shallow 1-inch slit through the skin. If it’s a male, cut and remove the genitalia.

Cut up the midline.

Using your first incision as a starting point, use a gut hook to cut open the belly from the pelvic bone to the breastbone. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

Using your first incision as a starting point, use a gut hook to cut open the belly from the pelvic bone to the breastbone. If you don’t have a gut hook, hold your index and middle fingers inside the hole to separate the hide from the organs and guide your knife. Hold your knife so its blade faces up to avoid puncturing organs, and cut all the way to the sternum/ribcage.

If you’re getting the deer mounted by a taxidermist, do not cut farther.

If you’re not taking it to a taxidermist, straddle the deer so you’re over the chest cavity, with the blade facing away toward its head. Cut through the sternum/ribcage until reaching the neck. This requires strong, steady leverage, but isn’t too difficult. Do not cut into the neck.

Cut the diaphragm.

Cut the diaphragm from the chest cavity’s walls and work all the way to the spine to separate it. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

The diaphragm is the thin membrane separating the chest from the abdomen. It must be cut away to reach the chest cavity’s organs. Cut the diaphragm from the cavity’s walls and work all the way to the spine to separate it.

Cut the windpipe.

After locating the windpipe, sever it to free the entrails. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

With your free hand, reach up and grab the windpipe above the lungs and heart. Hold tight and pull it toward you so it’s taut. With your other hand, take your knife and carefully reach up, locate the windpipe, and sever it to free the entrails.

If you want to keep the heart and liver, cut them free and place them in a plastic bag.

Remove the entrails.

The heart, liver, lungs, intestines, stomachs and bladder can be removed with one long, strong pull on the windpipe. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

With the anus free, diaphragm cut and windpipe severed, the heart, liver, lungs, intestines, stomachs and bladder can be removed with one long, strong pull on the windpipe. If the entrails don’t come out easily, cut any tissues connecting them to the carcass. The colon, which you cut free inside the pelvic canal in Step 3, should slide through and pull out with the rest of the innards. In most cases, it’s OK to leave the gut pile where you field dress the deer, but be mindful of your state regulations and public lands etiquette.

Help the blood drain.

After removing the entrails, turn the deer over and spread its legs so the cavity is open against the ground. This helps pooled blood drain. Photo Credit: Ryan Kirby

Turn the body over and spread its legs so the cavity is open against the ground. This helps pooled blood drain. Avoid letting dirt, sticks, leaves and other debris contact the meat.

Once home or back in camp, hang the deer from its antlers or neck to further drain the blood. Consider the air temperature to avoid meat spoilage. Sources say meat should be chilled or stored below 40 degrees to stop bacterial growth. If necessary, use ice to cool the carcass until you’re ready to process its meat.

That’s it! You’ve field-dressed a deer.

After you’ve field dressed the deer, label the meat with the cut and date and store it in the freezer. Photo Credit: ATA

Some hunters rinse the body cavity, but it’s seldom necessary unless it’s contaminated with hair, dirt, feces or paunch (stomach) materials. Use clean water and do not rinse it in a pond or stream. Also, prop open the body cavity with a stick to help air circulate and cool the carcass.

Your next step, if you’re processing the meat yourself, is to fillet out the backstraps, tenderloins and neck meat, and remove the quarters. If not, bring the carcass to a professional deer processor.

As with every job, practice makes perfect. The more deer you arrow, the more you’ll fine-tune your field-dressing skills.

What are you waiting for? The deer woods beckon! Get back out there. Fill your tags and fill your freezer!