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.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Emilio, you should look for one of those bucket boom trucks that lineman use, they sell them up here on some truck lots, just climb in the bucket, on hit the controls to go up! No assembly required:D!

RE: Deer transport?
 

Hey don't laugh, my buddy has one rigged with a double bucket, Swivel Chair and Canopy!!:D:D:D:D:D

RE: Deer transport?
 

They use Electric Hydralic Deer Stands in South Carolina.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Courtesy Photo
Retired Marine Maj. Gen. Randall ''Grit'' West of Washington, D. C., demonstrates the Huntmaster at the Paralyzed Veterans of America hunting retreat at Jackson's Gap. During the

RE: Deer transport?
 

I used to take a dodge Caravan hunting...I'd take out the rear seat so I had plenty of room for a deer, then I'd line it with a HEAVY DUTY water proof tarp. I removed some of the internal trim pieces so I could tuck the tarp underneath so it would stay in place and seal up better. I also sprayed the tarp with a aerosol sealant. I could hose out the back of my van without even getting the carpet wet (run the hose in through the side door, kneel on the middle seat and spray).

A buddy of mine had an SUV back when we were in high school, he removed the rear seats, laid down a tarp, then put a kiddy pool in the back that the deer sat in. The pool caught almost everything, and the tarp caught any splatter etc that would make it out of the pool.

RE: Deer transport?
 

I have used a Chrysler Town and Country minivan in the past for deer hunting. I leave the rearmost bench seat in the garage. I take a cheap blue plastic tarp along. I lay the tarp out in the open rear compartment of the minivan and hoist the deer carcass onto this tarp. I do the same thing with my Chevrolet Suburban which has now replaced the minivan. When I am done I throw the tarp away. If you were really thrifty you might try to wash off the blood and reuse the tarp, but this seemed like a very difficult task, and I was not convinced that all the blood would come out.

RE: Deer transport?
 

In our Chevy Venture, back seats down, and a cheap tarp overtop of the seats, and it's good to go

RE: Deer transport?
 

Ok, so inside or out seems to make no difference. Still, is there any real issue with ticks? If not careful, can they hang out in your auto? My concern is not only for me, but for my family (wife & 2 kids). Do you keep a can of bug spray (with the deet) on hand?

RE: Deer transport?
 

If you can let the deer hang for a couple of days all those nasty critters will fall off. You can also purchase large game bags at your local sporting goods store. They work great.

RE: Deer transport?
 

I have used my suv for several years. I just buy a cheap 8x10 tarp and put in the back. It has worked well for me. after season just rinse it off with a water hose or chunk it and buy anew one next season.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Those hydraulic stands are pretty cool, never seen those, thx for the pics Reb.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Get one of those game haulers (about2 x 5 foot rack)that connect right in the trailer hookup sleeve. They work like a top and are low enough that it is easy to drag your deer right into it. If you don't want the deer to show just lay down a tarp and cover it up using a few bungy straps to hold the tarp down.

RE: Deer transport?
 

Timber, he said he didn't have a hitch reciever.