Cleanliness & safety when field dressing deer.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:58 pm

Just curious as to other members methods for field dressing deer and big game. I used to just roll up my sleeves, grab a sharp knife and get busy. Now I'm finding myself carrying disposable latex gloves, sanitary cleansing wipes, and being a lot more careful to avoid contamination (of both me and the deer

).
What do you do? Do you give any special attention and effort to avoid any possible hazards of disease and/or bacterial contamination?

Normous · Post by **Normous** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:21 pm

I cover my latex gloves with a cut proof work glove. I had a bad cut once while reaching up unseen into the chest cavity to cut the windpipe in a large bear, now I wear such gloves just in case. I also carry a few 6" plastic zip ties to tie off the anus, easier that using a string and tying a knot I found.

Norm

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:30 am

I also wear latex gloves and like the idea of tying off the anus. I keep a box of baby wipes in the truck, they work pretty good for cleaning up.

LV2HNT · Post by **LV2HNT** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:55 am

I use latex gloves too, and I also carry a plastic bag to put the heart in. Thats it. I can usualy find a creek near by to wash up afterwards if I have too, but the gloves realy help to keep the mess down.

TPM · Post by **TPM** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:01 am

I used to just roll up my sleeves, grab a sharp knife and get busy.

I still do. I just use a small piece of string to tie off the anus but other than that I just roll up my sleeves and go. I've always been able to find some water to wash up in when I'm finished.

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:52 am

I use whatever I have handy.. I do try to use latex gloves, mainly since the wife doesnt want you to touch here later that night if you have blood under your nails LOL

Usually its always a stream very close by that I use to wash up though, but still nothing beats a latex glove to keep your hands clean

Cossack · Post by **Cossack** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:49 am

Blue latex gloves sold for dairy work. Handi wipes to clean off any blood. Also do the string thing. Once saw a guide in Montana just zip the deer open, including pelvis and brisket, with his big knife then just shake the vicera out holding the deer by the shoulders, belly up.. He also used a small chain saw with peanut oil in the oil reservoir to quarter the deer.

Kenton · Post by **Kenton** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:56 am

when im reaching in to cut away things I can't see, I use a knife only as big as my finger, that way I know where the blade is at all times.

BigUgly · Post by **BigUgly** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:04 am

I still just roll the sleeves up and get to it. I don't tie of the anus. I do as mentioned in one of the other replies and split the ribs and pelvis with small game saw then loosing everything up with knife. Everything is wide open and easy to see where fingers are except when getting bottom of diaphram.

buckeye · Post by **buckeye** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:59 am

Use the disposable shoulder length gloves. Not so worried about contamination or diseases, just keeps my hunting clothes blood free.

Normous · Post by **Normous** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:49 pm

bstout wrote:
crazyfarmer wrote:mainly since the wife doesnt want you to touch here later that night if you have blood under your nails
You get to touch your wife!

Hmm...I'm going to have a talk with my "Little Dove" about other guys getting to touch their wives.

We know how to celebrate

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:15 pm

LMAO:)

oh and one safety tip.. if you shoot a deer with a bow, make sure the bhead isnt still in the deer. Its not nice to reach in and grab the bhead in your hand. I was lucky and didnt get cut LOL

tough farmer hands LMAO

chris4570 · Post by **chris4570** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:01 pm

I wear one of those filet gloves on my left while I work the knife with the right. The gloves protect against cuts and allow a sure grip on slippery body parts.

Bottled water to clean my hands afterwards, or I just do as my cat does and lick my paws and then rub my face.