How to Gut an Elk in the Field
Shooting elk is the easy part but how you handle the dead animal is crucial when it comes to hunting. While this job is quiet difficult, properly field dressing the animal is important and once you get the hang of it, this will be very easy and manageable. It is important to remember that you will not be able to carry a 700 pound animal so go hunting with a helping hand. If you want to gut an elk then follow some simple techniques for help.
Things Required:
– Sharp Hunting Knife
– Paper Towels
– Water
– Rope
Instructions
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1
The first thing is to shoot the animal and approach with caution, watch the animal's eyes to be sure that it is really dead. You need to walk towards the animal from the rear. Remember if the eyes are closed then the elk is not dead. You need to shoot it again in this case. This animal is very strong and should never be handled when alive.
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2
You will be unable to cut this animal on your own and will need a helper. You now require a rope to tie the animal and paper towels with water for cleanup later.
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3
Now make a circular cut around the anus to loosen it and remove it. You would also need to sever the urethra close to the anus. This can be difficult at first but after some practice you should not have any problems doing this.
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4
You now have to focus your attention towards the abdominal region and start by slitting the abdominal wall. Insert a sharp knife right in the centre of the belly and work your way up towards the rib cage and then on to the back. While cutting the wall, try to avoid nicking the intestines. Also, be careful not to cut yourself in the process.
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5
Now make another incision from the centre of the neck and then move your way down to the chest. You need to cut the windpipe free as well. Be very careful as it is very easy to cut yourself when you are working on the chest. Your main objective here should be to free the windpipe.
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6
Once you have freed all the contents of the body, move them out of the cavity and away from the animal. You now need to untie the animal and roll it over with the chest facing the ground, as this will help in draining the remaining blood out of the body.
