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1.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Mucho grassy butt to Swampy for posting this video. I was overcomplicating the process of trying to come up with a way to hang a deer for processing in the field.

I'll take some pics of my setup this weekend but for now I'll just start the ball rolling. You people that drive your pickups to your kill, load and drive to nearest processor, take note. You may be farming your deer out when you could take care of it yourself. You might be missing out on a whole new level of satisfaction you just don't get when you have someone else do it.


2.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
If you don't like the one-leg hoist (with cord to spread the legs for skinning) there are or at least there used to be expandable or collapsible gambrels out there . HS made a good one that expanded to fit everything from foxes to bears (tube sections with spring buttons, steel cable for the hanger and the leg loops-- It used a noose-type attachment to the animal's legs)-- but I just did a quick search and didn't see it. It's light enough and compact enough to pack in with you in some circumstances, though it would be too much in others.
3.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
I've seen the gambrels of which you speak.

My first thought when watching the video was if I had a tennis ball or a heavier lacrosse ball with a hole drilled through it to accept paracord, I could throw the ball over a high branch. Then the paracord would be tied to stronger line and would feed the heavier line over the high branch carrying the pulley system.

I think the paracord would work okay for getting the critter up and hanging but I wouldn't want to bear down on it while skinning/processing.
4.) Deerminator - 12/12/2014
Ya don't have ta hang a deer to butcher it.
5.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
True, but it sure makes it easier. When the hide is peeled back from butt on down, the hair falls on the outside of the carcass.

You can also field dress easy too as the guts tend to want to come out without much effort. Gravity in this case, is your friend. Get the colon separated and tied off. Lift deer and let it all fall out.
6.) Deerminator - 12/12/2014
:tu:
7.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
I tend to agree with you on that. I've been carrying a version of the paracord deal around for a couple of years but I've not done the whole job with it yet. However, it does work well with a field-dressed deer, which around here would be heavier than what he is talking about in the video (at least the bucks would be). But I'm getting to the point that field dressing a deer on the ground is reserved for emergency situations only these days, and skinning one on the ground is almost completely out. My back and knees don't like it at all.

The paracord version is quite a bit more compact than my 3/8 inch (?) rope version which WILL handle the whole job. There is some weight savings with paracord, but not as much as you'd think because of the type of rope I'm using. Both versions currently wear the white plastic pulleys for weight savings.

I'm hoping to get a chance to use the paracord version for the whole job sometime this month but I need the right wind in the swamp, which is not easy to come by. With deer that are easier to get to and to get out, I've been taking them out whole and getting buddies to do the same because I've got my little girth chart experiment going on for estimating live weight. Maybe my special project next year will be to make sure I get a 150# buck up on the paracord. :wink

Here's a quick run-down on a 550 paracord re strength and working limit. I didn't go looking specifically for "real" (mil-spec) paracord...Just took what popped up:

[I][I]•Dimensions: 600.00" x 0.13" x 0.13" | 15440.00mm x 31.75mm x 31.75mm
•Weight: 4.13oz | 117.00g
• 150LB working load
• 550LB break strength
Warning: This product is not designed to hold your body weight or to lift heavy objects overhead. Do not use this product for climbing, repelling, lifting heavy objects or other situations where personal safety or valuable property can be endangered. The working load and weight rating are based on static tests and the limits shown should never be exceeded. Shock conditions (swing, stress, jerk) can reduce working loads by more than 33%. Never stand in line with rope under tension; such rope, particularly nylon rope, may recoil (snap back). Never use this product to secure large flat surfaces or objects. All ropes should be replaced if signs of wear, such as broken fibers are apparent. Knots reduce the strength of the rope more than 50%, splicing is preferable. Misuse can result in serious injury or death[/I][/I].
8.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
They make 650 cord also but I'm thinking something even heavier. If you were just cutting, it wouldn't probably be a problem but with a hanging deer, you really don't use the knife too much to get the hide off. A couple of old clean towels will grab the inner side of the hide and then you can pull down. I'm just making sure that when you pull, things don't give way and an iron gambrel comes down on my noggin.
9.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
And ditto on back and knee discomfort while crouching for an hour while working on a deer in the cold and dark.
10.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
Yeah, I always think if something is going to break, it's just gonna slump to the ground, not slingshot a piece of metal into the back of my head at rocket speed, LOL.

What I was thinking about doing with the paracord version on an average to big buck around here was to put it on the hoist but leave the shoulders on the ground for support until I got the hide down to the back of the front legs, say, and then lift him up for gutting. Once he's gutted and you've removed all that weight, you can more safely finish the hardest parts of the skinning and butchering job with the whole carcass supported by the hoist. I have done two or three deer on the paracord once they were gutted and felt okay about it, but they weren't giants. Maybe I'd skip using a gambrel with paracord, LOL.

As I say, though, using heavier rope doesn't need to be a big weight increase issue for your pack. If you can get past the extra [B][B]bulk[/B][/B] of a 3/8- or 1/2- inch rope vs. paracord, all these issues go away. For a simple hoist, rope is do-able in even a small pack. It's when you want your hoist to double as a deer drag for bad places that you run into bulk considerations because you'll need more rope than you would for just a hoist system.

Even then, though, my rope rig isn't all that big. I might have 50 feet of rope plus anchors and pulleys stuffed in a ditty bag and it's smaller than a small thermos.
11.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
I posted about the Gator Hanger a while back.

[url]http://gatorhanger.com/Site/About_Gator_Hanger.html[/url]


I found these tools more recently:

[url]http://vikingsl.com/products/[/url]
12.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27792]Once he's gutted and you've removed all that weight, you can more safely finish the hardest parts of the skinning job with the whole carcass supported by the hoist. [/QUOTE]


Yes, the actual quartering or boning is more finesse than anything else. It's the hide removal that requires me to think of having a more sturdy system.
13.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27793]I posted about the Gator Hanger a while back.

[url]http://gatorhanger.com/Site/About_Gator_Hanger.html[/url]


I found these tools more recently:

[url]http://vikingsl.com/products/[/url][/QUOTE]

That's very similar to what I had made. The problem with a hanger like that is you are then required to use some steps to hang. You are back to square one with all the equipment and time.

I really like this pulley idea over a tree branch. I'll post some pics of my pulley system on Monday.
14.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
Right. Though I think you might be able to get the Viking hanger higher than the Gator without steps.

And I edited Post # 10 slightly for clarity.
15.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Viking page is not showing like I think it should. Check that link Mr. Party Pants.
16.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Don't look now but we're exchanging information about deer stuff on an archery site!
17.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
I used the link from here and it worked.

Here it is again straight from the address bar:

[url]http://vikingsl.com/products/[/url]
18.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Yea, I get to the site but it's just showing a blank page with some copyright info. Strange.

©2014 Viking Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved • 919 Church St. NE; Decatur, AL 35601 • (256) 686-3268
19.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
The thing I found liberating in watching the video is that I kind of had it in my head that the pulley system would have to have a brake on it so that as I pulled, it would pull and stop. I have that now on my pulley system and wouldn't rely on this feature to hold the item hanging but only to aid in my effort.

Just having two working pullies is going to work I believe. Pull it up, tie it off. G to G.
20.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
Well, maybe you can get through to this and navigate from there. They have some neat stuff.

[url]http://vikingsl.com/[/url]

Or maybe you need to check your settings. That's what everyone always tells me. It makes some sense, but I don't know what it means. :re::wink



A brake or clamping jaws such as Cargo Boss uses is definitely handy if you like to move your animals up and down a lot as you work. That's one reason I was looking for them a few months ago, although the main reason was for hoisting treestands to height, where a brake is a must as far as I'm concerned. Call me spoiled.

As far as a game hoist without a brake goes, I always hope to have enough rope left after hoisting that I can walk the line around a decent tree at least once so I'm not having to tie a knot while also trying to hold the deer up unaided. Having too much rope is better than too little here, LOL.
21.) Swamp Fox - 12/12/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;27798]Don't look now but we're exchanging information about deer stuff on an archery site![/QUOTE]






LOL
22.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
I tried that Swampy. Cut off the folder and went straight in but it leads me back to the blank page. It is probably something on my end. Here's an idea I'll look at it on Goggle.



Buffering...


Oh snap, I see stuff!
23.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Here's another idea. Hoist the deer up to the desired height and tie off. Then if you want, you can take the heavy duty line and gambrel and attach, throw the line over the limb and tie off. Remove hoist system. Now your deer is hanging soley by heavy weight rope and gambrel.

You could do some load bearing exercising now...

FYI, the old gray mare ain't what she used to be...:wink


P.S. I don't really know what that means.
24.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27803]



LOL[/QUOTE]

FYI, Kate Winslet needs to shave.
25.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
I really like that Quik Hoist. It is like mine except without all the setup problems. LOL!
26.) bluecat - 12/12/2014
Why is it that when you see a commercial you have a hunter who is alert, the day is warm and sunny and plenty of time left in it.

But when I get a deer, it is cold, rainy, windy, late at night and I'm stumbling around with frozen fingers, a headlamp and I'm bout half dead. What?
27.) Swamp Fox - 12/13/2014
Same here. I'm either gonna freeze and miss eating supper at any kind of reasonable hour, or sweat my butt off and build muscles swatting flies and skeeters. Not much in-between, LOL.
28.) Swamp Fox - 12/13/2014
Your idea about transferring off the hoist to a rope and gambrel: Is the idea that you only need a few feet of rope for that vs. all that you'd need to just use that size rope in a hoist system? Fifteen feet of rope vs. 25 or 30, say, for a minimalized hoist.

If that's the idea, I kinda like it.
29.) bluecat - 12/13/2014
The idea was born from needing strength but you are right in that you would need less rope.
30.) bluecat - 12/13/2014
Normally at this point I begin to show videos and pics to illustrate my points. Lol!
31.) bluecat - 12/13/2014
Maybe I should kill a deer...
32.) Swamp Fox - 12/13/2014
LOL...For field testing purposes, if nothing else...:tap: LOL
33.) bluecat - 12/16/2014


Here's a pic of my "not" so Quik Hoist. Very sturdy and stable. The actual Quik Hoist allows you to set it without climbing a tree. Really nice design. The pic is upside down although it really doesn't matter how you use it.
34.) bluecat - 12/16/2014
In my kill bag I keep a deer drag harness constructed of some seat belt material, buckle and a d-ring. This would be good for dragging a deer a short distance. Anything longer I would want my cart if available. The harness goes around your neck and shoulder so you can lean into it. The poly rope would go around the head and snout of critter.

35.) Swamp Fox - 12/17/2014
:tu:

Here are a few things I've tried over the years:


They used to sell trolling motor batteries with a poly braid rope with closed loops on each end and a plastic handle in the middle. This plus a loop of rope running to the animal has been my "kit" drag for years, and pretty much goes along everywhere I care to carry a recovery kit. Some while back, Glen's Deer Handle came out, which is basically the same thing except with a bigger handle and more braided rope, so it appears that Glen owes me some money from the bazillions my idea has made him.

Also, when someone comes out with a store-bought stick that you run through the deer's nostrils to form a handle, old-timers everywhere will be able to live more comfortably in their retirements from the royalties.

I've written before about the Dead Sled. It mostly stays in the truck waiting for a mission, but it could go with you if you go deep. It takes the place of a cart for anything you're willing to drag and can secure to it. I highly recommend it.

[url]http://deadsled.com/[/url]

This year I've been hoping to test the Game Glide, but haven't hit upon the right situation yet. I can say that it looks very promising, and it can go with you when you don't want to deal with the bulk of the Dead Sled. About the weight and bulk of a Swampy-approved sammich. :tu:


[url]http://gameglide.com/[/url]
36.) bluecat - 12/17/2014
Swampy here is the pic of my pulley thingy I have. It has double pullies on each end so I'm thinking that is a 4:1 mechanical advantage?

It really works nice. You just need an overhead branch. I wouldn't want to totally bear down on it though.

It has a braking system on it. You can pull and release and the handle will come up and jam the rope. Wouldn't want to leave it like that but it's nice to have it remain in position while you fasten to a tree.

More pics to come.

37.) bluecat - 12/17/2014
That Game Glide must be made of strong material.
38.) Swamp Fox - 12/18/2014
It is, but it's not supposed to hold up long against jagged rocks or sharp snags. If I get a chance to drag one through any part of our local cutovers (left trashy) I'll give you a torture report the way it's meant to be done.
39.) Swamp Fox - 12/18/2014
Overhead branches are my challenge, especially lately. Kinda like unicorns, or virgins on the UNC campus (Silent Sam reference; look it up on Goober).

I think I'm looking at going back to the truck and humping the 8.5-pound Gator Hanger back in, climbing the tree 2 -3 steps and gettin' er done. For a more more permanent/secure/acccesible location, I think the Qwik Hoist looks better.
40.) Swamp Fox - 12/18/2014
Just in case you don't want to wade through the politically-correct stuff:


[url]http://www.snopes.com/college/halls/virgin.asp[/url]
41.) bluecat - 12/18/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27896]Overhead branches are my challenge, especially lately. Kinda like unicorns, or virgins on the UNC campus (Silent Sam reference; look it up on Goober).

I think I'm looking at going back to the truck and humping the 8.5-pound Gator Hanger back in, climbing the tree 2 -3 steps and gettin' er done. For a more more permanent/secure/acccesible location, I think the Qwik Hoist looks better.[/QUOTE]

I think you are right. If I did find that unicorn, I can use the pulley system to get the deer to the correct height. Then slip this in and throw the rope over the branch. Remove pulley system and I've got something I don't have to worry about.

42.) bluecat - 12/18/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27897]Just in case you don't want to wade through the politically-correct stuff:


[url]http://www.snopes.com/college/halls/virgin.asp[/url][/QUOTE]

:laugh:
43.) bluecat - 12/18/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;27901]I think you are right. If I did find that unicorn, I can use the pulley system to get the deer to the correct height. Then slip this in and throw the rope over the branch. Remove pulley system and I've got something I don't have to worry about.

[/QUOTE]

But for the other 99.99999% of the cases where you DON'T have an overhanging branch, my money is on the two systems you mentioned. All this being said, it is nice to know if things got bad or you got a moose or elk, the gutless or "laying on its side" method is viable.
44.) Deerminator - 12/18/2014
I'd hate to lug all that weight around
45.) bluecat - 12/18/2014
We don't. We keep it in our kill bags so everything is together when we need it. Sometimes it's a jaunt back to the vehicle or cart but it's not in our backpacks.
46.) bluecat - 12/18/2014
[url]http://www.crosscreektrading.com/Hoists.html[/url]

This pulley system looks strong.
47.) Swamp Fox - 12/19/2014
Ha! I wanted the Qwik Packer from that site for a long time and never pulled the trigger on it. Haven't thought about it in years!
48.) bluecat - 12/19/2014
You know that Viking site is selling modern day gadgets based on medieval torture practices. You got the disembowler, the executioner, the hanger, the eviscerator, the leg stretcher...

It's all good. :wave:
49.) bluecat - 12/19/2014
Swampy, could you recommend or tell me what you use for ropes connecting your harness to the tree?

I'm going to try and get out tomorrow and do a review on the new harness system.
50.) bluecat - 12/19/2014
One good thing about Bur Oaks, they typically have a lot of lateral limbs. Turkeys love those lateral limbs and Kansas has quite a few Bur Oaks in certain areas.
51.) Swamp Fox - 12/19/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;27928]Swampy, could you recommend or tell me what you use for ropes connecting your harness to the tree?

I'm going to try and get out tomorrow and do a review on the new harness system.[/QUOTE]



Here is what I'm willing to recommend without explanation on the internet...Time-tested Purcell Prusik tether:

[url]http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/purcell-prusik/purcell-prusik-tether.aspx[/url]


There are at least two other possibilites that I like and have used but they require a little explanation and I am short on time today. I may be able to expand on this later tonight or tomorrow. One tool has been been improved and made "safer" very recently, so I'm actually looking at it with fresh eyes right now, but haven't boned up on the improvements enough yet to talk about them off the cuff.
52.) bluecat - 12/19/2014
No problem, I'll open the review thread next week and you can put it all in there. Now go out and get something on the ground.
53.) bluecat - 12/19/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;27930]Here is what I'm willing to recommend without explanation on the internet...Time-tested Purcell Prusik tether:

[url]http://www.bluugnome.com/cyn_how-to/gear/purcell-prusik/purcell-prusik-tether.aspx[/url]


There are at least two other possibilites that I like and have used but they require a little explanation and I am short on time today. I may be able to expand on this later tonight or tomorrow. One tool has been been improved and made "safer" very recently, so I'm actually looking at it with fresh eyes right now, but haven't boned up on the improvements enough yet to talk about them off the cuff.[/QUOTE]

Dang dude. It was a simple question and look what you've done. :wink