Hanging game in the field.

[Apex Predator]

I field quarter all my big game and pack out like Chris does. My back doesn't do well when leaning over working on a critter on the ground though. I put together a game hanging kit that works very well.

The kit is contained in this ammo pouch that I carry in my pack.



- Short piece of strap
- 18' of 1/2" soft rope
- two micro pulleys
- two carabiners
- carrying case



I start by wrapping this piece of strap around a branch as high as I can reach. It is a short piece of helo safety netting strap and has sewn loops along it's entire length. A piece of rope will work fine here, but won't pack as well as this strap. I hook the first carbiner into both ends of the strap.



I then hook the second carabiner around the leg tendon of my critter. I attach my first pully to the leg carabiner. My second pully attaches to the top carabiner. I then tie my rope into the top carabiner. I run the rope through the bottom pulley, and then through the top pulley. This gives me a 2-1 mechanical advantage. I've only hoisted critters up to 125# or so, but feel like It would do for a 175# or better one.

These pulleys are the heart of the system. They cost me around $13 each and are available at most camping/hiking stores.




I used to use a rope ratchet system, but there was no mech advantage, and this 75# hog was about the limit of my pulling capability. My new system is lighter and takes up about the same amount of space.

[Yohon]

That is SLICK Apex!!! Thanks for posting....with all the crying goin
on around here lately its good to see a dead critter Ft Stewart pig there????

[Apex Predator]

I killed that one off of a local Wildlife Management Area in the spring of last year.

[superkodiak38]

I like that alot, you'll have to show me and Yohon how it works in February

[Hornseeker]

Thats cool Marty, we carry cord and beeners, but no pullies...I think a couple lightweight, strong pullies like that will be the ticket!

Thanks!

[Kirkll]

i carry the same set up Marty.

it's come in real handy a few times with trying to field dress an elk by myself too. just trying to get those big ass hind quarters spread wide enough to crawl into that rib cage is a chore without some riggin. those little snatch blocks work nice.

i've got a little set up i made with a hand crank boat winch i can pack in with me to hang quarters high enough to keep the bears and cats of my meat too. we've had a lot more cats spotted during daylight hours on the coast the last few years, and they seem to be getting bolder about human scent too.

use to be all ya had to do was mark your area by pissing on a few trees, and that would keep em off the kill long enough to pack it out. not any more..... more than one guy i've hunted with has had chew marks on their meat before they got back to it even when its hung.

[Hornseeker]

I am going to the local outdoor shop today to find some good, lightweight pullies... how much were those pullies Marty? I am worried the ones I'm gonna be looking at are for climbing or something and will be expensive....

[Kirkll]

I am going to the local outdoor shop today to find some good, lightweight pullies... how much were those pullies Marty? I am worried the ones I'm gonna be looking at are for climbing or something and will be expensive....

Ernie, you can find em cheaper at the feed store, or hardware store, than the out door store by half. I don't suppose you guys have "rigging Shops" for logging around those parts eh? those places have some serious pulleys.

[Hornseeker]

Not many logging stores here Kirk... I have been in a few over the years though... good chit!

[Apex Predator]

These weigh around 1 oz each, and our hardware store doesn't carry them. The hardware store variety around here are rated at 50-75# for the cast iron ones and they are very heavy. These are rated for some scary amount of weight and cost $13 each. I ordered them online. Here is a link.

http://www.cmi-gear.com/catalog/pulleys/micro.asp