Need help with ideas for a game hauler

[gnoahhh]

The other thread gave me the idea to ask if anybody here has built their own wheeled game hauler. I need to build something to haul deer out of the woods. I'm roughly thinking in terms of something collapsible, with small bicycle wheels (or somesuch), made of wood, and useful by one or two men. The idea is to leave it in the truck until needed, rather than drag it around all day in case it'll be needed.

I know, I can buy one, but that goes against my do-it-yourself mind set!

[HollowPoint]

I bought a fold-away canoe roller to roll my canoe to the river's edge rather than having to make two trips; one to carry the canoe to the river and the other to get my fishing stuff.

I mention it because it might be a good pattern to go by for building your own carcass hauler.

It was a super-light weight aluminum frame and light weight tires. I think it weighed about six or seven pounds. It folds flat, the wheels come right off and it's not to cumbersome.

With a little ingenuity you might be able to rig it up so it carries like a backpack.

To give an idea what I'm talking about, mine looked like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Jon-Boat-Kayak-Canoe-Carrier-Dolly-Trailer-Tote-Trolley-Transport-Cart-Wheel-/120910292899?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c26d0a7a3

It doesn't have to be exactly like this. You can built it to your desired specs with even lighter thinner wheels.

HollowPoint

[Artful]

Which Style?
http://www.thediyhunter.com/images/journal/2010/deer-cart/single-wheel-elk-deer-cart-l.jpg

http://gametote.com/one-wheel-game-cart-review.html
http://www.thediyhunter.com/big-game...deer-game-cart
__________________
or if you like

http://www.discountramps.com/images/game-cart.jpg

http://www.carryallbuddy.net/cart.jpg

http://www.bowhunting.net/artman2/uploads/1/Neetkart_bigbuck.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/3338nf9.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/apdzsp.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y129/redphoenix40/gunkid.jpg

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc437/nwoutdoors2002/bug-out-wagon.jpg

http://www.zaxpetworld.com/~builderd/images/GorillaLaddersCarts/GOR2530.JPG

[bowfin]

No need to build anything. This particular deer hauling device is cheap, easy to carry, versatile:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g184/artsmom/Aircraft/ms-infinity-rope.jpg

[Artful]

Where's the wheel's he requesting? :confused:

[gnoahhh]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm inclined toward something like the 5th pic down, but with larger diameter wheels to better negotiate rough terrain. I can see how a simple frame can be built of ash, and 16" or 20" bike wheels added.

I've been using Ye Olde Rope for 45 years. I'm not afraid to admit I'm getting too old for that! The 180lb. buck I shot last year nearly gave me a heart attack from dragging his butt out of the woods. Since I already have had one of those (heart attack) I figure it's time to lose the rope! I don't mind the thought of hiking back to the truck to get a wheeled cart.

[winelover]

I have the fold up aluminum one. I bought it from Bass Pro IIRC. Not only works great for hauling game but also for carrying out tree stands and climbing sticks. The wheels on mine are 16" in diameter and are of hard rubber.

Winelover

[jmorris]

Mine says Honda on the gas tank but if I were to build one it would have large diameter tires, thoes little ones would be a pain in a lot of places.

If you have ever hit a small pebble in a roll around chair or on the garage floor using a creeper you'll understand what I'm talking about.

[Jim Flinchbaugh]

Here's a partial shot of the one I built years ago.
I wont go anywhere without it. Even hauled out a spike bull elk in one piece with it

24 inch tires- zip tie the spokes where they cross over each other, makes 'em stronger
I just last week made the handles removable from the main frame so it packs down better
for transporting

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/James64/PA270003.jpg

[crabo]

Nice job Jim. Got anymore pictures of it?

[Hamish]

A few years back when my health started slipping I bought the Kill shot cart above (2nd pic). Let me tell you, it has allowed me to hunt by myself far longer than would have been possible otherwise.
Also, when loaded, you can tip the end up onto the tailgate of a small truck and shove the whole thing into the bed. No more trying to flop the body by myself.

I tried the route of building one out of wood and wheel chair wheels, and then out of conduit. Save your self the learning curve and buy one. Hint: one wheel may be cool looking, but is a very good way to hurt yourself. There is a reason the wagon concept has endured from the start of time.

[crabo]

The kill Shot looks pretty good, especially at $75. I am a good fabricator, and I would buy one before I built one. If our hog deal goes through, I'll have to get one.

[EdS]

Wheel tip: I picked up a pair of wheels off of scrap "big wheel" lawn mower. The wheels have sturdy, cast plastic construction, bearings and solid rubber tires. They're about 14" diameter. They have worked great on my game hauler for 5 years. -Ed

[Just Duke]

Mine says Honda on the gas tank but if I were to build one it would have large diameter tires, thoes little ones would be a pain in a lot of places.

If you have ever hit a small pebble in a roll around chair or on the garage floor using a creeper you'll understand what I'm talking about.

I just checked mine and both say Yamaha.
Mountain bike rims and tires would be substantial.

[gnoahhh]

Yeah, would that motorized vehicles were allowed on the public land that I hunt.

I sprung for the Kill Shot game cart pictured above. $79 was cheap compared to the materials and labor to build one. Sometimes I have difficulty knowing when to admit that I can't build something for cheaper/better than I can buy!

[Just Duke]

Yeah, would that motorized vehicles were allowed on the public land that I hunt.



That would change the rules of the game.

[1Shirt]

Being on the cheap side, how about one of the plastic kids sleds with holes drilled in the sides for ropes to tie the deer in. They are about 4 and a half feet long, and will make a drag a whale of a lot easier.
1Shirt!

[winelover]

Being on the cheap side, how about one of the plastic kids sleds with holes drilled in the sides for ropes to tie the deer in. They are about 4 and a half feet long, and will make a drag a whale of a lot easier.
1Shirt!

Yep, I use them in conjunction with the wheeled cart. Especially handy when you have to drag them out of the really thick stuff. Notice this one has 4 blue side handles where one can attach ropes or bungee cords to tie them down.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_9170507006dac3701.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=6931)


Winelover

[quasi]

do they make those for our 2500 lb Wood Bison?

[Artful]

do they make those for our 2500 lb Wood Bison?

http://www.frontiercarriages.com/hay_wagon/red_cedar_hay_wagon.jpg

:kidding:;-)

[gnoahhh]

I think in that instance, one would be well advised to build a cabin right there, and live in it while cooking and eating the thing.