How to Haul Game Out of the Bush by Hand as Painlessly as Possible

Posted by Magliner on December 10th, 2018

There’s nothing quite like hunting. While hunters are obviously hoping not to leave without game, for many, likely most, hunters, just being out is a joy. When hunting from a tree or staying still in one spot, it’s like a quiet, meditative communion with nature. When moving, it’s like hiking with a purpose. Either way, it’s a great way to spend a day in the wild. Even more exhilarating is actually bagging big game.

However, it’s at that point that the process becomes entirely less philosophical and exhilarating and more utilitarian and challenging. Since hunting is often being done on either public land or private land that may not allow vehicle travel, hunters now find themselves with a hundred or more pounds of deer (several times that if it’s a bear, bull elk, or moose) that they’re going to have to haul out of the bush by hand. There are a number of strategies and tools for lugging game to a vehicle. Some of them, like employing a hand cart, work better than others, like dragging the carcass.

Carrying the Game on a Hand Cart or Hand Truck

Hand trucks and hand carts can sometimes be overlooked groups of tools by hunters. But they’re incredibly handy for both hauling gear in and game out of the bush. The reason for this oversight is usually attributable to the association so many make between hand trucks or hand carts and urban or suburban hauling, rather than wilderness work. However, they can be useful in hauling game, and field dressing the carcass and securing it with straps ensures a cleaner, more efficient hauling experience.

Packing Them Out on Your Back

There are packs, harnesses, and slings produced for those inclined to pack meat out on their backs. It’s a method that’s just as old as dragging a carcass and one that is likewise beset by issues that aren’t issues when using a hand cart or truck. The benefit of packing out a kill on your back is that it’s generally a less expensive option than investing in the equipment to do so.

However, there are disadvantages that might outweigh that. For instance, field-dressing the carcass before packing it out is a necessity. This is as there are not many that could (at least not efficiently) or would want to carry a couple hundred pound-plus carcass over miles out of the woods. Dressing it means that you are carrying something that’s almost certainly still going to be bleeding on your back. There’s also the strain to the back to consider, and carrying game in this fashion increases the likelihood that another hunter will mistake you for game.

Dragging the Game

Likely the oldest of the game-meat retrieval methods, this one is what it sounds like: dragging out a kill. While there are attachments to ATVs and other vehicles to drag out game, the focus here is doing so by hand. It generally involves field-dressing the big game before dragging it. Field-dressing makes sense, since it usually reduces the weight of the carcass nearly by half.

Unfortunately, it also means that the dragged game is now accumulating dirt, mud, and other organic debris; leaves and pine needles; dirty snow; pebbles, and anything else you can imagine. It also involves lugging dozens of pounds, at least, of carcass across often miles of wild, uneven terrain. Not a particularly comfortable way to pass the time. A heavy duty hand truck can save quite a bit of time, energy, meat, and a good bit of back pain.

About Magline

The brand “Magliner” is such a trusted name in the materials handling industry that for many it has become synonymous with hand trucks, hand carts, dollies, and other product-moving solutions. For over 70 years, Magline has been producing the sturdiest, toughest, most reliable loading and transport equipment. If a safe, durable suite of materials moving tools would contribute to the continued success and growth of your business, choose Magline.

Learn more about everything Magline has to offer at Magliner.com