Originally Posted by
nelsonted1
We clean our deer when they are shot which means they are rolled on their back cut the skin around their bung hole, then cut from bung hole to sternum, cut windpipe near the chest, cut around the diaphragm only because the arm stays cleaner while reaching in for the end of the windpipe. Pull it out and lungs and heart come along. Flip the deer over and shake out the innards. Roll it onto its back, pry open cavity and brace it open with sticks to dry. Ask the guy taking the deer if the front legs folded back or left extended (folded back makes the deer shorter to load and fit in a vehicle).
I've been the deer gutter of our group for decades mostly because its embarrassing to admit not knowing how to do it so I just became the gut-guy. Taking off my coat to gut a deer in much below zero weather surprises people watching but its so fast I don't get cold. Also, I bring gloves to keep.my hands clean kept in a bag. When done the gloves go back in the bag to be burned when I get home. Rarely get sleeves of shirt wet or arm if my sleeve is rolled up.
I was watching friends do a deer hung up in a pole shed by the neck. I told them to get ready after the diaphragm was cut because it would fall on the floor. A slush started and the pile fell around their feet sloshing blood on their pants and boots. I laughed. Kind of messy but oh, well..