Here is a video series that Guy put together in 2012.
Part 1
[video=youtube;283ZuxsXJ5k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=283ZuxsXJ5k[/video]
Part 1
[video=youtube;283ZuxsXJ5k]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=283ZuxsXJ5k[/video]
Breaking Down A Bull Elk-New Hunter's Resource
- Thread starter ScottR
- Start date
MWScott72
Active Member
Gutless method all the way and boning the meat off the bone. There is no reason on this earth why I would want to carry out the bones...especially if you are miles into the backcountry. Another fringe benefit of the gutless method is that you can stay much cleaner (typically) than if you are actually gutting the animal first. You can also grab the tenderloins by coming in from the backside. Now, if you like organ meat (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) the gutless method is obviously not for you.
One final benefit of going gutless method, IMO, is odor control. Case in point - I had to shoot a calf on an antlerless hunt twice this year. Turned out the first shot would have done the trick, but the animal was still standing, and if an elk is still standing, I'm still shooting. First shot was broadside behind the shoulder. Second shot was chest on, and due to the slope angle, the bullet exited out the bottom of the paunch. Completely blew up the stomach among other things. Opening that thing up would have been a HORRIBLE assault on the senses, but going gutless you couldn't tell the difference other than the pressure buildup in the animal as I was cleaning it.
One final benefit of going gutless method, IMO, is odor control. Case in point - I had to shoot a calf on an antlerless hunt twice this year. Turned out the first shot would have done the trick, but the animal was still standing, and if an elk is still standing, I'm still shooting. First shot was broadside behind the shoulder. Second shot was chest on, and due to the slope angle, the bullet exited out the bottom of the paunch. Completely blew up the stomach among other things. Opening that thing up would have been a HORRIBLE assault on the senses, but going gutless you couldn't tell the difference other than the pressure buildup in the animal as I was cleaning it.
Personally, I tend to bone out Elk. Like Guy stated, he learned this method from family outfitters. The advantage to leaving meat on the bone is that it is easier to maneuver. It also doesn't turn into a 100lb bowling ball at the bottom of your pack.
WapitiBob
Veteran member
Skin, quarter, then backstraps and tenderloins, then lop the head off. I never cape and I leave the bone in for handling.
Gutless Method Rocks! I like to let the meat cool on the bone and then bone it out. Therefore, I usually take the straps, tenders, and both fronts out the first load leaving the hinds to cool on the bone and then bone them out the next day. Unless, I've got help then I'll take the same load as mentioned above and let my help take a hind. Once out I hang it to cool on the bone. Did four elk this way this past fall and it worked very well.
libidilatimmy
Veteran member
I'll bone out using gutless method if on foot. If on horseback, I'll carry a small sawzall and quarter after gutting. You can quarter an elk in about 15 seconds using a sawzall.
Timberstalker
Veteran member
I have yet to bone out a bull, I have only killed 6 and half of those were close enough to a road they came out whole. The ones I packed out were in quarters, similar to Guys method (saw over axe). The caping was informational for me, I usually just leave the cape on the skull and let the taxi do it. Most of the time I am within a days travel from the taxi. That info could be useful for me someday. Thanks for posting them up!
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I worked for a taxidermist for a while in college, and he really preferred that the face be skinned ASAP! The quicker it is done, and the hide is salted, the better the quality of the mount.
Timberstalker
Veteran member
Thats interesting, I have had multiple animals mounted by 3 differant taxidemists, they all tell me to leave the hide on as long as I either get it to them or in a freezer ASAP. My sheep was the last thing mounted, the cape was on it for 36 hours before I got it in the freezer. It turned out great!
In all fairness, the guy I worked for did gripe about some outfitters who were terrible at skinning out the face. He would have preferred that they not even touch the thing.
Timberstalker
Veteran member
I believe thats is why, I have been scared to ruin a cape every since they said "let me do it". The video makes it look easy, I think I will try it next time.
ssliger
Very Active Member
Depends on how far I'm from the vehicle. I'll always do gutless, but if I'm within 2 miles I'll carry the bone. If it's further or real nasty country I'll bone it out completely.
I rarely haul bone, but inclement weather is usually the reason when I do. If the snow is going like crazy and I need to be done quick, well the whole thing goes in the pack.
Matthoek21
Veteran member
Very cool. Guy does make it look easy. My question is pack weight? Never seen long handled hatchet on bivouac hunt pack list. Guess this stays in truck or you go without. Also did anyone notice the turkey in background of last video walk by right around 4:10 mark? Was kind of funny.