I have done the handle extra hole and quick release pins , also did the other end with the quick release pins so it folds from both ends ,
Then I made the axles quick release buy replacing the axle to frame bolt and nut with 1/4 inch clevis pins and hair pin cotter pins.
now my cart frame folds up to 33 inches and the 2 axle assemblies are separate, it fits behind the passenger seat leaving the whole hatch area open for gear and I can still have one person in the back seat or more gear in my suv.
I have the old parts and back up spare ones in a bag taped to the frame if I need any parts in the field, my previous cart failed more than once on me hence the spare parts.
Hmmm, good idea, that would really save some space in the trailer
I loaded up a Crawler cart, a swivel style deer hoist, a discharge target and my summit viper climber in the 5' bed in my Honda Ridgeline and have plenty of room for a deer.
Here is a pic of the deer hoist in action on my old truck:
Just thinking about all the gadgets we use today compared to yesteryear when we carried a gun, a knife, a rope and ammo. No one was in trees unless it was a homemade 2x4 stand and if you found one while hunting, you got excited that maybe this was a good spot! The sophisticated hunter communicated by walkie-talkie to his buddy and if you had to check in at home you found phone booth somewhere, or asked to use the local’s land line. You had to use all the back roads to travel north as there were no interstate highways and it took much longer to reach your destination but the excitement and adrenaline built as you hit the small northern towns and saw more hunting activity like “HUNTERS WELCOME” signs and the freezing temps told you of big bodied bucks sneaking through the frosty woods…as the cold weather would “get them moving”
You weren’t after antlers either as any New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont (plug in any of yesterday’s destinations) deer was a trophy. If you saw a deer or two during your weekend hunt, you considered it a success as many a day passed without a sighting.
That would not deter you though as you knew the magic moment could happen at any time!
I’m glad I was around back in the day to participate in our sport the ol’ fashioned way!
Last edited by Hillcountry on Thu Sep 09, 2021 8:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
I loaded up a Crawler cart, a swivel style deer hoist, a discharge target and my summit viper climber in the 5' bed in my Honda Ridgeline and have plenty of room for a deer.
Here is a pic of the deer hoist in action on my old truck:
Robert, the Ridgeline was on my list, but I needed more towing power, got the Tundra. When I sell my boat, I’ll be looking at the Ridgeline again, much better on gas!
It’s not the way you rock, it’s the way that you roll!
.....ah the beauty of having your own property and Kubota UTV's.....no need for deer carts ....albeit, it was a hell of a lot more expensive that just having a cart in the back of a truck on state property!
In a tough situation and wonder where God is; ...the Teacher is always quiet during the test.
.....ah the beauty of having your own property and Kubota UTV's.....no need for deer carts ....albeit, it was a hell of a lot more expensive that just having a cart in the back of a truck on state property!
My hunting club only allows golf carts for on road usage only. No ATVs, UTVs etc. allowed. When I was young I did not mind a 1/2 mile or so drag uphill all the way or even worse up and down steep ridges to get my deer out. But now at 72 I need all the help I can get. I might have to start shooting fawns so I can drag one.
Just thinking about all the gadgets we use today compared to yesteryear when we carried a gun, a knife, a rope and ammo. No one was in trees unless it was a homemade 2x4 stand and if you found one while hunting, you got excited that maybe this was a good spot! The sophisticated hunter communicated by walkie-talkie to his buddy and if you had to check in at home you found phone booth somewhere, or asked to use the local’s land line. You had to use all the back roads to travel north as there were no interstate highways and it took much longer to reach your destination but the excitement and adrenaline built as you hit the small northern towns and saw more hunting activity like “HUNTERS WELCOME” signs and the freezing temps told you of big bodied bucks sneaking through the frosty woods…as the cold weather would “get them moving”
You weren’t after antlers either as any New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont (plug in any of yesterday’s destinations) deer was a trophy. If you saw a deer or two during your weekend hunt, you considered it a success as many a day passed without a sighting.
That would not deter you though as you knew the magic moment could happen at any time!
I’m glad I was around back in the day to participate in our sport the ol’ fashioned way!
Been there, done that, but I was MUCH younger. We hunted Maine for 26 yrs. and your post reminds me of the way it was!!!!!
I purchased a Hawk Crawler and used it once. For those that are interested, I really can't recommend it for hilly terrain. Its way harder to descend a steep grade with a deer on a Hawk Crawler than not. It adds work in both directions.
Now in the woods on firm soil, it is pretty impressive how it can negotiate obstacles.
I gifted it to my younger brother in Arkansas and we used it to drag out his swamp buck last Saturday. I also can't recommend it for swampy retrievals. We had to cross three sloughs well above knee deep in muck and we would have been far better off with the deer off of the cart than on it. Those thin tires are more like pulling a disc behind a tractor when pressed into deep muck. That's only a problem if you are the tractor.
But, the Hawk Crawler certainly has many good uses. We used it to carry our two climbing stands about a mile back onto public land. That alone saved a lot of sweat.
Last edited by DuckHunt on Sun Nov 21, 2021 9:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Micro Wolverine/Matrix 350 SE
Recovering Excalaholic
I have carried 7 doe out for myself and 3 for my brother works as advertised even goes thru the sand at one location....l have yet to carry a big buck with it yet.
Vixen 2, metal ibex,Phoenix,sapphire,matrix 330 ,matrix 355 ,vortex and baby grand piano y25 relayer.
Trigger tecs,leupold crossbones and nikon bolts.
Zombie slayers and mostly swat broadheads.
A update to my previous post as I was able to get my buck out of the woods and loaded up thanks to my Hawk Crawler and my deer hoist. I was hunting alone with no one to help out.
Personally I am very much dependent on all the tools and gadgets we have now. My age has caught up with me!! Bad back and shoulder has slowed me down. Don’t have the stamina I used to have either. My deer cart, Jet Sled, Google Maps, GPS, Climbing Tree Stand and body harness, etc. have allowed me to stay in the woods and hunt more safely.
I do remember the old days but though I have fond memories I kill more and bigger deer now.
Bill
Excalibur Exomax Crossbow Twlight DLX scope
Excalibur Firebolt Arrows
NuFletch Ignitor Nocks
Carbon Express Torrid SS 100 gr. Broadheads
Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand with Sherpa Hunting cart kit
U.S. Navy 1969-1973 USS Truxtun DLGN-35
