Butchering the Carcass
Once the buck is skinned, it’s time to butcher the carcass. This can be done in a variety of ways, but the most common method is to break the deer down into primal cuts. These include the loin, backstrap, tenderloin, rib cage, and hindquarters.
To begin, remove the head and neck from the carcass. Then, split the carcass in half down the spine. Remove the ribs from the backbone, and then cut the loin and backstrap from the ribs.
Next, remove the tenderloin from the inside of the loin. The rib cage can be cut into individual ribs, or left whole.
The hindquarters can be cut into a variety of smaller cuts, such as the sirloin, round, and shank.
Once the carcass has been butchered, it can be packaged and frozen for later use. The following table provides a summary of the primal cuts of a deer, along with their approximate weights:
| Cut | Approximate Weight |
|---|---|
| Loin | 10-15 pounds |
| Backstrap | 5-8 pounds |
| Tenderloin | 1-2 pounds |
| Rib Cage | 10-15 pounds |
| Hindquarters | 20-25 pounds |
How to Skin a Buck
Skinning a buck is a necessary step in the hunting process. It allows you to remove the hide from the carcass and prepare it for tanning or other uses. While it may seem like a daunting task, it is actually quite simple with the right tools and a little bit of practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to skin a buck:
- Lay the buck on its back and make a cut down the center of the belly from the brisket to the pelvis.
- Make a cut around the base of each leg, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Starting from the belly cut, use a sharp knife to carefully separate the hide from the meat. Work slowly and carefully, using your fingers to help free the hide.
- Once you have reached the neck, make a cut around the base of the head and remove the hide from the skull.
- Rinse the hide thoroughly with water and salt it to preserve it.
People Also Ask
How do you field dress a buck?
Field dressing a buck involves removing the internal organs from the carcass. This should be done as soon as possible after the animal is killed to prevent spoilage. To field dress a buck, follow these steps:
- Lay the buck on its back and make a cut down the center of the belly from the brisket to the pelvis.
- Reach into the body cavity and remove the intestines, stomach, and other internal organs.
- Rinse the body cavity thoroughly with water.
- Hang the carcass upside down to drain any remaining blood or fluids.
How do you hang a buck for skinning?
To hang a buck for skinning, you will need a gambrel and a hoist or rope. A gambrel is a metal hook that fits over the Achilles tendons of the hind legs. The hoist or rope is used to lift the carcass off the ground.
- Insert the gambrel into the Achilles tendons of the hind legs.
- Hoist the carcass off the ground and hang it from a tree branch or other sturdy support.
- Make sure the carcass is hanging upside down so that any blood or fluids can drain out.
How do you tan a deer hide?
Tanning a deer hide is a process that preserves the hide and makes it soft and pliable. There are many different methods for tanning deer hides, but one of the most common is the salt-tanning method.
- Rinse the hide thoroughly with water and remove any excess fat or meat.
- Apply a liberal amount of salt to the flesh side of the hide.
- Fold the hide in half with the flesh sides together and roll it up tightly.
- Store the hide in a cool, dry place for 30-60 days.
- Once the hide is tanned, rinse it thoroughly with water and stretch it out to dry.
