I was thinking about whether pruning shears would be useful in cleaning/butchering dear, especially for clipping off the hooves? Is metal too brittle to use to shear bone?? Anyone give it a try??

I use a small pair for squirrle and rabbit but never for deer. But I think it would work.

i have always used a hack saw

Yeah, I use the small ones for small game and frog legs and was thinking the big ones (lopers) made for cutting 1 1/2 inch wood might make deer cleaning easier as well.

If you cut them in the joint, you can cut through the ligament and cartlidge with a good knife!

i wouldnt clean a deer , any big critter for that matter without them.....
i even brought a pair to the check station where i work, now almost everyone uses them............

Yes thats what I do now, but I got to thinking.........there just might be an easier way......