I carry a 5′ kid’s sled in my vehicle from September through February, which is my entire bow season. After harvesting an animal, I lay it onto the sled, tie it down with cord, and drag it to the truck. Here are just a few reasons why I like using a sled: it works well on dry ground or snow; it keeps the hide clean in muddy conditions; it makes it easier to load game into your vehicle when you are alone; and it keeps the blood contained during transport.
What a Drag
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About the Author: R. A. Burgin
Great idea!
Great idea. We figured out a variation on the theme years ago when I was guiding bear hunters in Alaska. A wet hide from a big brown bear can weigh over 200# if you haven’t had time to skin the head and knock out the paws. You can always cut up a deer, but you can’t cut up a client’s 10-foot bear hide. We used a rolled up piece of black plastic to slide the hides out. Went great on old snow and tundra, but you still had to wrestle it through some brush and creeks. The plastic rolled up small enough to carry in a pack. You needed to tie everything in well, and it helped to have a partner on a stern rope to keep it from getting away from you on sidehills. Don
Good tip, as I’ve been using a sled myself for several years and it saves on over straining your back. Jerome
I bought a sled specifically for deer, added some wood around perimeter to support small eyebolts. Use it for ice fishing, too.
Seemslike a good idea, but how well does a sled pull 250 lbs on dry, gravely surfaces?
Very well, compared to most of the alternatives. Been there, done that, with a Paris Expedition Sled (now known as the ERA GROUP Pro Exped Sled). Many hardware stores stock them, as does Amazon.
I have used a sled since the mid 80’s. The sled really works great.
I’ve inherited my dads old jet sled for ice fishing cheap for me but makes a heck of a deer hauler. Check garage sales for them. I have even used those cheap roll up sleds for kids. They pack easier but are a little bit of a pain to manipulate. Once underneath a deer they make for easy dragging.
My neighbor harvested a deer from behind my house and was having a difficult time getting it home. I went into the garage, retrived my ‘drag sled’ to help. Needless to say he was very impressed and went out and got himself a sled.
I carry a Calving sled in my SUV for the same reason
How does it work compared to a game cart?
I do the same thing!
I also use my Safety Harness to drag my Deer/Sled combo.
Great post. I’ve been using my daughter’s sled for many years. She’s now 30! Another great idea I came up with is another way to drag a deer out of the woods. I live on a 40 acre farm and we have some wooded hills and a couple ravines. Since I’m getting too old to physically drag a deer out, I’ve been using some very long plastic coated braided wire from the last few pool covers I’ve gone through. You can knot them together, tie one end to the deer and bring the other end and tie it around the hitch ball of my truck. If the deer is in a ravine I put a dead log at the top of the ravine so the wire doesn’t bite into the dirt. Then I simply clear the path of branches, etc. and drive the truck very slowly until it reaches the top! Easy Peesy!
This truly is a great idea. Over the course of 30 years (and several miles) behind me or an ATV, I have worn holes in two of the heavier duty “purpose built” sleds. In addition to their aforementioned attributes, they also are great for waterfowl hunting, and to access gear in the back of a covered truck bed. In much terrain, I have found them easier, and safer, to transport gear and weapons . Also, you can put stands, sticks, etc. in the sled then slide the whole thing onto your tailgate to access equipment…easy and quieter.
Thanks for another helpful tip!
Sold my game cart a few years ago and bought a jet sled from Cabela’s. Drilled 6 holes along each side and knotted 12 small loops along the sides. Put a deer on it, lace it down with a rope and haul it out. Whole thing slides easily in truck or SUV with no mess.