How to be prepared for processing wild game
One of my first hunting tools was a Buck 102 knife.
It had belonged to my father. he gave it to me Over the years I’ve scored the scabbard every time I’ve taken a stag. The score line extends the length of the leather blade guard. A knife plays an important role in the hunting process. It is a connection between the field and the dining table.
The hunting season is open across the country. Big game, small game, waterfowl and upland hunters gather the prey of autumn. I enjoy the process of turning game into table food almost as much as I do the hunting.
There are so many ways to use healthy game as food. Roast with potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and onions. Steaks on the grill. Fried turkey nuggets. Baked whole birds with wild rice. sausages and beef jerky.
The process of butchering your own flesh, like most things in life, is enhanced by experience. With enough practice, you become proficient. However, the basics are pretty simple.
Be careful. Understand the process. Have the right gear. Enjoy the experience. Having the right equipment from start to finish makes the process that much easier and more enjoyable.
Buck Knives recently published a list of tips that I have read and found to be spot on. I pass these tips on to you based on my personal observation.
Plan ahead and pack the tools you need
Different types of hunting require different equipment. Most bird hunters do not process game in the field, but big game hunters do. Big game hunters butcher, skin, quarter and cap game.
A single knife is not ideal for all of this work. A bone saw is a great help. Rope and paracord also work well and are helpful in this, especially if you are alone. You can tie one leg to a tree, truck, or rock to keep the animal in place while you work. A light tarp to rest your meat on during the process is nice to have. Venison bags, cloth bags that you stuff meat into, help keep the meat clean and bug-free.
Take your time when processing a wild animal
If your knife is as sharp as it should be, you need to be careful when using it. It starts with not being in a hurry. Make a plan and follow the process. As you work through the steps, pay close attention to what you are doing. When working with someone else, never cut to them. Knife blades keep slipping.
Also, don’t pull the knife toward you. If you get tired, take a break. It’s better to walk out in the dark after a job well done than to cut yourself or your partner because you were in a hurry. When you are prepared and work smart, accidents happen. For this reason, you must carry an appropriate first aid kit with you.
Have the right knife for the job
You can gut a deer with just about any knife. The right thing makes the job a lot easier. My uncle has carried the same Buck 110 folding knife since the 1980’s. There is no telling how many deer he processed with this knife. I use different knives for different processes. In the field I carry a gutting knife and a skinning knife. I also carry a folding bone saw. It has interchangeable blades, so it’s my pruning saw too. I usually leave the covering to my taxidermist. Backcountry hunters don’t always have that luxury. They must carry one more than an eastern deer hunter.
Keep your knife sharp
A sharp knife is essential. Attempting to process game with a dull blade is miserable. It starts with having a quality knife and taking care of it. There are all kinds of sharpening tools on the market that make it easy for hunters to keep all their blades sharp. My go-to for the home is a small sandpaper sharpener from Work Sharp. But you also need to carry a sharpener on the field. A small whetstone in your backpack is a must. During on-site processing, you can sharpen your knife in seconds.
See you on the way.
For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast at http://www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.