How many of split the pelvic bone when gutting your deer? I used to until I put a real nice cut on my hand from the sharp edges.

Depends but usually I don't split.

Nope--never do. It's unnecessary if your "core" around the anus and pull it through the opening from the inside. And many butchers will tell you to avoid it if you can--it exposes more meat to dirt and other contaminants.

Today's small bucks are tomorrow's trophies.

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I too try to leave as small of a slit as possible to keep the cavity clean. You really don't need to open the animal up like that unless you plan on quartering it right there.

Duke, that's a good idea about waiting to gut until you are back to where you won't have to drag. I might have to try that.

I never split the pelvis,core that anus! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

I only split the pelvic bone when butchering.

Not me either!! Same as DaveH & trapperDave.

I don't split the pelvis and I don't split the sternum.

JRW

I was told by a butcher to split the pelvic bone open when the weather is warmer and you can't get your deer in a cooler quickly. He said there is a layer of fatty tissue(or something like that) around that bone that tends to rot quickly and makes it a breeding ground for flies etc, much like the esophagus, and it helps to scrape out that tissue. That is the only time i've ever heard or read that so I don't know how much merit it has.

--Man who fish in other man's well often catch crabs--