Anybody use a bone saw for whitetail?

W.M.B. said:
I see. Thanks. I don't think this will do much for airflow, but then you didn't mention this as your reason.. The hip joints would not really be affected.
Click to expand...


Right, I was making the point that it was fine to hang them head down for skinning with a split pelvis.



So you only do this for removing the ends of the digestive tract, I assume? Or do you see some other benefit?
Click to expand...

You do have a little better air flow by splitting the pelvis because the animal can be opened up farther. If you need to get it cooled down, though, I think I'd just get that skin off and start quartering. But I think most people split it to get a straight shot for cleaning the digestive tract out. If you split it out in an elongated 'X' rather than straight down the middle it does make a nice open channel for gutting. Like I said, though, I'm not really purporting one way over the other, I have done both many times. I do not like to split the pelvis if I have to drag the animal very far because that slight increase in air flow is also going to get you increased exposure to dirt. I would look at it like this:

Split Pelvis Pros vs Cons

Pros
-wide open channel to remove what needs to come out.
-hind quarters lay out flat for some air flow.

Cons
-increased risk of busting the bladder or perhaps ripping the colon.
-takes a few more minutes to get finished.
-opens up the carcass more to dirt and flies.

I'm sure there are some others who can add to the list of pros and cons, and I'd certainly welcome that. :thumbup:

Cheers,
Dave
 
Everything Hardknock said is on point.

I've usually used the leverage/severe tendon at the joint method. Takes some practice, but much quicker once you get the hang of it. Saws are very nice to have for above stated reasons and make just a short of the work and you wanna pack out before sundown. Learn as many ways to butcher, quarters to primals as you can! I encourage everyone to find what works best for them, and understanding other ways just helps build those fundamentals.

Depending on how much game you process, these can be handy too :D
Ohqn38M.jpg
 
Never found that I needed a meat saw, nor do I ever split the pelvis. Cut and tie off the sigmoid, get or make your own buttout tool (I have a pen core with 4 fish hook lure) and give it a rim job.

Only thing I ever need a saw for is if the deer is too big for a trunk that it is going in. We just take a khukuri or a machete to the legs and head
 
Just an update, I got the Knives of Alaska bone saw, mainly because I wanted it. It is sharp and full tang awesomeness, and hopefully I get a chance to use it at some point this year. I was kind of surprised how thin it was (don't have my mics with me now, but seems like about .040-.060" thick).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top