Deer hunting is a rewarding activity that you can do with the whole family. However, if you’re not prepared with the right equipment and knowledge, processing your meat can quickly turn into a frustrating experience. To help ensure that you’ve got everything you need to process your deer at home, we’ve put together a list of essential equipment for every hunter.
Knife Belt
A knife belt is a useful tool for any hunter, whether you’re processing your own game or not. It keeps your knife close at hand, which can be vital if you have to make a quick cut in an emergency situation. A good knife belt will also securely hold the blade so that it doesn’t fall off while walking through rough terrain.
If you’re processing deer at home, having a secure way to carry your tools is crucial. A quality belt will keep everything orderly and easy to access.
Gut Hook
A gut hook is a curved blade that is used to cut through the guts. They are used with a gut hook knife. The most important function of this essential piece of equipment is to avoid puncturing the intestines and bladder while processing your deer at home.
A Sharp Knife
A good knife is essential when processing your deer. A dull knife will make the job much more difficult and not only take longer but also increase the chances of hurting yourself or damaging the meat you are working with.
A few things to look for in a hunting knife:
- Sharpness
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Easy to sharpen
- Handles easily (not slippery, handles well)
Cut-Resistant Gloves
Cut-resistant gloves are made of a material that is resistant to cuts. They are flexible and breathable, so they won’t affect you manipulating your knife. Essentially this is PPE as they won’t tear or be punctured, leading to potentially serious injuries.
For processing deer at home, we recommend using cut-resistant gloves to keep your hands safe while skinning or boning out your venison.
Work Apron
Protecting yourself from blood and guts is important, but keeping your clothes clean is also essential. If you’ve ever tried to clean up dried blood stains out of your clothes, you know how difficult it can be. A work apron will make cleanup easier. They’ll keep them covered during the whole process.
Using the right equipment helps ensure that your deer meat stays clean during processing so that it can be stored properly and remain fresh until you’re ready to use it. By using proper processing methods and selecting high-quality grinders and smokers, you’ll have an easier time preparing your venison for sale or for personal use.
Wes White represents the collective — yet individual — voice of the Western Whitetail editorial staff.
