First, do not hang the carcass by the neck. If you plan on taking the carcass to a taxidermist, you can damage the hide and/ or antlers by doing this. The best way to hang your carcass is by the hind legs.

You will need the following tools:

1. Sharp knife
2. Strong rope (remember you’re hanging dead weight)
3. Gambrel or strong piece of pipe

My recommendation to you is to go out and buy a gambrel system. You can get them at most sporting goods centers, and they come with everything you need. They usually cost less than $20.00, so think about it, you spend thousands of dollars on your gun, bow, license, lunch, ammunition and other hunting gear. Don’t be cheap, go buy one.

1. Locate the hock or shank on the animal’s hind leg. Feel for the long tendon and bone of the leg. Cut a slit between these two. Be very careful not to cut the musk gland.
2. The musk gland is the tuff of long dark hair located just below the hock. If you cut into this, you will taint the meat, and it will have a very musky smell.
3. Next insert one end of the gambrel into one leg, and do the same for the other. The legs will naturally want to open.
4. Hoist the deer up and tie the rope off. You’re done.

Check out my other helpful guides

1. How to Field dress a deer
2. How to Skin a deer - coming soon
3. How to cape out a deer - coming soon
4. How to process a deer - coming soon