Hunters: How do you hunters transport deer ?

[KCcarguy]

Hunters: How do you transport deer ?

My buddy and I went hunting last weekend in the 4runner. I bought a Curt 20"x60" hitch-mounted cargo carrier I was hoping to use (along with a tarp/ net) to transport the deer back home. Well, he didn't fit (just field-dressed) on the carrier and we ended up having to call a family member with a pickup to help us out. So, what are you guys doing? A utility trailer is about the only I can think would work. Any other ideas/ suggestions? I'm not quiet ready to just fold the seats down and toss one in the back!

 

[TX - Longhorns]

Hey, not too far from you - we live down outside Dallas and we hunt outside of Nocona, TX. I purchased one of these this summer and have used it a couple times traveling and hunting, it's a lot more solid than the one's you see at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop. Takes just a few minutes to put together and you are good to go...


Rola Hitch

While I haven't shot a deer this season yet I did lay down a couple of pigs this past weekend, loaded them both up on the hitch and it was plenty sturdy (I believe the load capacity is 600 lbs.). Send me a PM and I'll email you a couple of pictures...

Also, when I do shoot a deer and have to travel to the processor I plan on laying it down on the Rola and just strapping it down.

Good luck hunting!

 

[rickwol]

I use the 60" basket variety pictured below:
Receiver Hitch Basket - 2 Sizes Available

It has worked very well for me this year, once during bow season and just this past Saturday with a gun. First deer dressed out about 135 and the second one at about 165 so I am surprised that you had any problems with your carrier. I normally hog tie hind and front legs together so they aren't hanging out over the basket. You will need to run some rope over the body of the deer and simply secure to the rails on the basket. This Certainly beats having the deer laying on plastic in the inside cargo area where the deer ticks can eventually find you !!

 

[4rbcool]

I use a hitch haul I've had for years. it's pictured on my avitar. Now on my LC but also fits on my 4r. Mine does not have sides on it so I just slide the deer or what ever on it and bungy it down on the front and back rails.

 

[KCcarguy]

Thanks for the responses fellas. The carriers you guys are using look about the same as mine:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1SED4ZD2VPTW4FJJY02H

The problem was by the time we drug him out he'd stiffened-up and hung over the edges. I also wanted to try and keep him covered up the best I could to keep him clean and not offend any sensitive eyes out there. I think we'll try hog-tying before dragging him out, that's a good idea. Have you had any issues with hot exhaust fowling the carcass? That rear-exit exhaust annoys me.....not a good idea for a utility vehicle IMO.

 

[1engineer]

Some around here use a hitch mounted bike rack. Keeps them higher and they just drape them over the rack.

 

[rickwol]

Have you had any issues with hot exhaust fowling the carcass? That rear-exit exhaust annoys me.....not a good idea for a utility vehicle IMO.

I have not had any problems since this mod. I suppose if you were to have a long ways to travel you might have "smoked venison".

 

[KCcarguy]

I have not had any problems since this mod. I suppose if you were to have a long ways to travel you might have "smoked venison".

I'd love to do the side-exit mod, but the "ground effects" on the SR5 would make it pretty tough to do. Damn it....you're giving me another should-have-bought-a-TE moment. :ybrick:

 

[OregonTrail]

Not a deer - but how about a couple antelopes?? I've used this rack now for a couple years- it will fit up to 3 lopes if you stack just right

Got it at Harbor Freight, works pretty good.

 

[KCcarguy]

Not a deer - but how about a couple antelopes?? I've used this rack now for a couple years- it will fit up to 3 lopes if you stack just right

Got it at Harbor Freight, works pretty good.

Wow! Not bad. How's antelope taste?

 

[OregonTrail]

Wow! Not bad. How's antelope taste?

Tastes great, especially when you get it skinned and cooled off quickly. Probably the best game meat there is IMHO. Nothing finer then a antelope back-strap

 

[OregonTrail]

Here is another rack shot - my 2003 Sport in this one - sure liked my Sport for hunting.

 

[homeyclaus]

I'll one up everyone and say the best way to transport a deer or any sort of fresh game is in your buddy's vehicle :trophy:

 

[tlflow]

options

you can hire this guy -

 

[Antman]

:lmao:

 

[ragde11]

....

 

[tlflow]

goat tote

you can hire this guy -

View attachment 53717

Com'on, even the guy in the read shirt is impressed ...

 

[4rbcool]

I've been hauling game on my hitch hauls for years and have never had any hot exhaust foul any game. You don't want the animal turned with the open body cavity toward the truck or it may do that but with the hide on and facing the correct way slim chance of that happening.

 

[Reata]

We always threw them on the roof. It was more fun to watch the mom's around town look at us with those faces that just sya, "EEEwwww, GROSS!!"

We loved it. I know some guys are all worried about tree huggers and animal rights activists harassing them and putting a tarp over it. We never did and never had any trouble.

 

[KCcarguy]

We always threw them on the roof. It was more fun to watch the mom's around town look at us with those faces that just sya, "EEEwwww, GROSS!!"

We loved it. I know some guys are all worried about tree huggers and animal rights activists harassing them and putting a tarp over it. We never did and never had any trouble.

Yeah. Hunters are a small percentage of the population, even in our part of the country. If you go around offending people or giving them a bad image of hunting, it's bad for the sport. There are a animal rights activists, etc. out there who speak with a very loud voice and give a lot of misinformation.....I don't want to give them any legitimacy.