Dragging deer - best way

[RobRed]

last year I had to drag a medium sized buck about 1500 yards out of the woods. It was a ton of work and I can’t help but think I was working harder NOT smarter.

Does anyone have any tricks? I would like to hunt even farther in and greatly prefer to NOT bring a sled or some devise into the woods. Should I try a tarp? This is the north east where it’s quite rocky and hilly.

 

[CGhost]

I have used a dragging harness before and it did a good job i think. I'm usually grabbing a leg or antler and dragging if its not too far. Way back on public I try to hunt off logging road beds or access roads, If im close to those then a Deer cart is a complete life saver. I've walked almost 2miles back to the truck to get it just cause its that much easier. Typically anymore ill stash it somewhere on the way in, can take a cable lock with you and lock it on a tree as well for added security.
Unfortunately in the rocks and hilly country the best bet would probably be the "drag harness"

 

[LHR]

If I know I’m in deep, I bring gallon zip lock bags and a pack. Bone out the meat and one guy can pack that much meat in one trip usually.

 

[jsteurrys]

Teenage boy or 20 something.

 

[CGhost]

If I know I’m in deep, I bring gallon zip lock bags and a pack. Bone out the meat and one guy can pack that much meat in one trip usually.

Also a real good idea, I've considered doing the same thing. I need to probably invest in a good frame pack.

 

[CGhost]

Teenage boy or 20 something.

It's good to know people!

 

[BillyTheKid44]

I invested in a hawk crawler cart since I hunt solo 95% of the time best thing since biscuits and gravy.

 

[Whokalouie]

The cheap so called "tarps" that are woven will tear easy over anything but round rocks for a few feet anyway. A sheet of heavy plastic works good in the snow, but beware going downhill.
Don't you have a brawn friend that would like to take a walk and enjoy nature?

 

[MrTom]

last year I had to drag a medium sized buck about 1500 yards out of the woods. It was a ton of work and I can’t help but think I was working harder NOT smarter.

Does anyone have any tricks? I would like to hunt even farther in and greatly prefer to NOT bring a sled or some devise into the woods. Should I try a tarp? This is the north east where it’s quite rocky and hilly.

Hunt high and park low. I hunt a ridge that's got sidehills at about a 50 degree grade and relatively clean understory. Once they get going its not much work at all, except for getting them in the vehicle.

 

[smokepolehall]

Your best option that far, is bone out a deer.

 

[deermanok]

I use a deer cart. Way easier than dragging.

 

[RobRed]

I use a deer cart. Way easier than dragging.

Do you keep it at your vehicle or pack it in? I have a spot in mind thats about a 30 minute hike one way, I’d prefer not to make a bunch of laps.

Also I’d like to try tracking a buck this season I have no idea how far away from the truck I’ll get.

 

[ingramjets]

i have used the gutless method before and quarterd the deer and cut the backstraps off then packed them out. i have to make more than one trip but at least i can get it out when i dont have help

 

[deermanok]

Do you keep it at your vehicle or pack it in? I have a spot in mind thats about a 30 minute hike one way, I’d prefer not to make a bunch of laps.

Also I’d like to try tracking a buck this season I have no idea how far away from the truck I’ll get.

I keep the cart in the truck. If I shoot one, I'll go back to the truck and drop off my gear, stand and stuff.
Eat a snack then head back with the cart.
I don't hunt as far back as I used to anymore. Today, a half mile in is about it.
In the old days, when i hunted far, I would bring the cart with. Tie all my stuff on it going in. Stash it near my treestand. Kinda slower going bringing it in though but sometimes well worth the time.
Today, I'm not in a hurry, (retired). As long as it's not too warm out.

 

[CGhost]

I keep the cart in the truck. If I shoot one, I'll go back to the truck and drop off my gear, stand and stuff.
Eat a snack then head back with the cart.
I don't hunt as far back as I used to anymore. Today, a half mile in is about it.
In the old days, when i hunted far, I would bring the cart with. Tie all my stuff on it going in. Stash it near my treestand. Kinda slower going bringing it in though but sometimes well worth the time.
Today, I'm not in a hurry, (retired). As long as it's not too warm out.

I like how you put that in perspective, not being in a hurry. I feel like im always rushing myself along, slow and steady wins the race. Great advice. I need to start putting that to practice.

 

[southdakbearfan]

Jet sled, roll up deer dragging sled.

 

[CatamountRob]

I keep a harness in my pack and it works pretty well on bare ground as long as it’s mostly downhill, snow makes it way easier.
There’s a thing called a deer sleigher that’s like one of those roll up sleds we had as kids, it’s super slippery and you kind of lash the deer into it. Much easier to drag on bare ground.
I’ve used jet sleds, and they work pretty well.
Lastly, I’ve got a Cabelas deer cart but I’ve only used it once and that was when I had to move a deer a half mile down a gravel road that vehicles weren’t allowed on.
A harness combined with a deer sleigher are my favorite combination.

 

[toytruck]

All the above...
Tie up the front legs with the head/neck makes a easier drag with hardly any resistance.

 

[rhbc13]

All the above...
Tie up the front legs with the head/neck makes a easier drag with hardly any resistance.

Also if dragging over a lot of logs and rocks (that's where I usually end up) I tie the back legs together to keep it from flooping open and getting a bunch of leaves and dirt in the stomach cavity.

 

[SteveH]

Do a search for "Glenn's Deer Handle," it basically looks like a ski rope with the line forming a loop that you loop around either a buck's antlers and forelegs or a doe's neck and forelegs.

It works very well, much better than the standard deer drag strap that is pretty common. The way the line is attached to the handle's ends, you get a lot of torque/mechanical advantage to maneuver the deer around and over obstacles and even into a truck bed.

I am not sure if they are still made but you can easily make your own with just a 10' length of rope and a 1" sapling stick, maybe a foot long. Attach the rope to both ends of the stick (not in the middle) and you have the same effect.