Hanging deer
 

I see lots of photos of deer being hung by their head or antlers. What is the reasoning behind this?

My guess would be to help drain the blood from the body cavity/ perhaps they hadn’t gutted it and they find it easier this way?? Not to sure

Mine don't have a head when they're hanging

Most likely - no gambrel available. No idea where mine wandered off to so I’ve been hanging them by the head with a rope to skin em.

If it’s already gutted, theres no physiological reason to do it one way or the other as far as I know.

Probably for the reasons already stated or maybe just cause. Lots of old B&W photos from down east of deer hanging from antlers/head. Tradition.

Fun fact. Hanging a dressed carcass by Achilles tendon can actually make certain cuts a little tougher. I doubt that's the reason for the OP's question though.

For gutting I find it a little easier. Once you have the skin open just grab the trachea and pull.

I've never skinned with the head up. It would seem more difficult that way?????
I can understand for gutting purposes, but it would be a small percentage of animals that would make it home, or even back to camp with the guts still in.

This was my case

Head up is good for hanging outdoors in inclement weather. Hide/fur sheds water better IMO

Buck by the head and doe by the hind legs. The logic is avoiding the decomposing urine all over the bucks back legs and discharge from the glands. If hanging for any amount of time with the skin on it is very important but even when skinning a contaminated knife can taint meat. If you start from the head there is no contamination until the last cuts.

I often wondered why when I have been over to you guys everyone hangs by the head, I guess tradition?

Here all animals are hung by the back legs, our reasons are that this helps the blood drain away from the better cuts of meat, i.e. the haunches, saddle etc, and you can easily split while it is hanging.

Back in the early 80’s the Ontario hunting regs stated that out of respect for the deer they should be hung by the head with the front hooves positioned a certain way. We always hung them upside down as it was a lot more convenient especially if you are using a gambrel.

keeps 'em from laying on the shop floor.

That is a very good point. Thanks!

??????????

Easier to skin ,,hides pulls off easier with head up and less hair on the meat

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I’ll have to try it. Hard to get out of 50 year habit.

Naw, I think you mean hind legs up, then it's like peeling a banana.

Nope ..lol.

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