Deer transport?
 

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and I am a novice seeking valuable information from the more experienced. Any advice given is greatly appreciated.

Q). In the event that a buck is taken down. What is the best way to transport it if a pick-up truck or cart are not readily available?

My vehicle is an Astrovan w/o tow package, and though it can carry a bear. Would I want to inside the vehicle? I've read that with deer it isn't a good idea to transport inside (because of ticks and the potential for lime disease), yet I've seen guys stick their game into the trunks or even the back seat of their cars.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Does it have a luggage carrier? If not buy a largeroof top Luggage carrier.

RE: Deer transport?
 

As a matter of fact it does. But I was considering weight of animal vs roof support (150lbs max, pretty sure). Also, is it difficult or awkward to get it up there? or is a buck significantly lighter once gutted?

RE: Deer transport?
 

I was in a similar situation........I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it didn't have a tow package so I would put the rear seats down and then put a tarp down in the back, the deer would usually only be in there for an hour at most. Except there were a few times last year where I would pop a doe for a friend that wanted the meat, and I would leave it in the Jeep over night since it was cold enough, they would come over the next morning and drive the Jeep to the butchers. I also cut some pine saplings and leave them in there for the smell, but I usually do that anyway just for scent control. The only problem I had was that I would invariably get blood on the rear bumper when putting one in or taking one out....but it's a '98 and basically just for hunting these days so my wife has no cause to complain....now if it was her Mercedes...forget it. I finally ordered a hitch from JC Whitney for about $120, if you get the custom fit they install easy (6 bolts), I didn't mess with installing the eletrical connections but will some day....then got one of those cargo platforms that fit into the hitch...everything was under $200.

RE: Deer transport?
 

I have a 1" piece of plywood secured to the Luggage Rack and I weigh 220 pds. No problem!

RE: Deer transport?
 

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RE: Deer transport?
 

So Rebel Hog, you really do hunt from your truck?

RE: Deer transport?
 

You see how high the Palmettos are? Usally use it when hunting Hogs without dogs! Other wise, 25-30ft high!

RE: Deer transport?
 

OR,

RE: Deer transport?
 

Yes, the 1" plywood did come to mind. I guess I wanted to have seen it applied than go on theory. BTW Rebel Hog "TREES, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' TREES" :D

Spur, Thanks for the idea. I was also thinking of tarp or some other leakproof layer, such as a heavy duty garbage bag. A while ago my neighbor gave me this large plastic box that expands and contracts to the length of my vans flooring. It's great for leaves and other crap I need to haul around. This may be suitable along with the tarp.