NO BS Elk and Deer Field Dressing with Cliff Gray

[@dkn2128]

Great video! Thank you! You cross contaminated all of the meat you touch after you cut around the anus with your hands and knife if the beginning. It's not a huge deal, but it helps reduce meat spoilage later.

[@CliffGray]

I'm going to pin this comment up top. It is a legitimate critique. I should have used a separate knife for the hide cuts, leg removal, skull removal and poopshoot cuts. I have used a Havalon just for this in the past, and it works well. However, this video shows how I actually do it 95% of the time, out of efficiency. I clean up the inner sections of the rump cuts (inner muscle next to ball joints) when I process, because they get a bit ragged in addition to your contamination concern. Being cautious about the cross contamination is a good idea! appreciate the comment and tip.

[@Alberta_MTN_Bear]

I'm not sure if you have really quartered an animal in bear country but time consumption is very important. I haven't had any problems using a similar blade while just washing it with your water. Snow etc. I think the video shows the best way possible to the majority who don't, and shouldn't worry about cross contamination.

[@CliffGray]

@@thejoatmoo 👍 great approach. I swear when I go this route I end up in a wrestling match with a poop shoot or trachae… gotta practice really getting it loose before the push and pull through, but I hear ya. A guy that has perfected it is slick 👍

[@laylow8967]

​@@CliffGrayhave you ever used the butt out tool with zip ties or string for the trachea and the shoot? Looks like it works well. Also looks a bit gimmicky. Curious of your thoughts on it?

[@limjahey3119]

Hmm. We’ve been starting with the butt end for generations using the same knife. Chili and burgers taste the same. I aint got worms yet.

[@kyleb8686]

Hey mate. I live in Australia and this video was awesome. Hope I get my first deer next year.

[@nmysights0185]

This is probably the best gutting tutorial Ive ever seen, and Ive seen quite a few. The POV camera was a great addition. I always find tutorials always have the worst camera angles during some of the more important parts, so being able to see whats going on as if you were doing it is super helpful.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful 👍

[@jamesbasye2362]

Go watch steve rinella if you find this impressive,

[@JLz86]

I met Cliff, while sheep hunting inbthe clear creek canyon this season. Had no idea he had all these videos, until i just stumbled across one and recognized him. Super cool guy. And certainly knows what he's doing. Nice to meet you cliff keep up the good work

[@CliffGray]

Nice to meet you too man 👊 thanks for the kind words.

[@Generic_Username_0331]

Phenomenal video. Im just getting into hunting and videos like this make it feel like I’m not too far underwater learning.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! Yeah, you will get this all figured out. It's all about a little practice and learning the anatomy. Main thing when learning is don't be intimidated by it. Even if all hell breaks loose... just wash the meat off and you will be all good! good luck on your adventures!

[@philipheileson9720]

Great video. It’s very obvious that you have been doing this for a long time and there isn’t a bunch of BS mixed in like other channels. Very much how the average experienced hunter handles game. Thanks so much for your content.

[@hystorix9031]

Great job … I get excited seeing a hunter take care of the meat that well and be prepared with ice etc … I think main reason people say the didn’t like venison when they tried it was the hunters improper care of the meat from harvest time through the butcher into usable parts

[@bearfishing5817]

Cliff, I really appreciate this video. Hunters need more of these. And I am pleased to see the critiques as it tells me other hunters take pride in the processing of their animal and value the meat. I'd add shot placement is critical in meat yield. And don't make the perfect shot and then pop the guts removing them! It adds a whole other level of yuck. Take your time. I could go on but I'll just say thanks Cliff!

[@StableJoe]

Great video, and this really helped me when I had to dress my first elk. Thanks!

[@johntraynor949]

I learned a couple of tricks and I've been hunting over 25 years. Thank you!

[@adventuresoftheuneducatedh7813]

Had heart for the first time this year from a mule deer it was amazing over the fire

[@CliffGray]

heck yeah, it's awesome!

[@ScottWConvid19]

I have field dressed over 100 deer, but I'm always willing to learn anything I can and try new methods, so I clicked on your video to see and when I got to the 4:54 section I wonder why you sped and edited the separation of the tissue from the cavity walls. This is a very important step which beginners need to learn and understand how to properly roll and cut it all away.

[@robintheoutside]

I first came across this video last year (also my first year of solo hunting in the backcountry) and watched it several times before I started my hunt. It helped tremendously. We are a month out from Deer season in my area and I find myself here again, taking a refresher course lol Thank you Cliff, you are greatly appreciated!

[@jeffmitchell405]

Great video! Love the go pro view

[@juanrodriguez-mu7ko]

New sub! Thanks I’m a newbie hunter, wanted to know how to gut a deer thank you.🙏🏽

[@hmmmmm17]

I like how simple he keeps it. Two thinks that I would have over thought were the trachea removal and head removal. He went straight for it where I would have tried to skin it first. This video reminded me to keep it simple and focus on the big picture

[@hammerrough4204]

Can't wait for that recipe! Sweet

[@BornOnThe4thOfJuly1985]

Raised in NC, field dressing was the status quo. When I began western hunting in my 20’s, I started deboning in the field and packing out. That is when I stopped field dressing, to this day, even when whitetail hunting back home, I debone in the field, pack out and straight to a cooler to dry age for ~ 10 days. Although it is a good skill to have, I prefer deboning right away instead.

[@EricaSmith-w7y]

Love the first perspective! Great video very informative thanks for sharing

[@Svensk7119]

Glad to see you came back to the heart and liver.

[@gwhalin]

I have completely stopped splitting the pelvis. Feel like it exposes a lot more good meat to bacteria and also let's more dirt/leaves into the body cavity. Used to have to trim that area and now I don't lose any meat from there.

[@justsnuggle]

Thanks Cliff, great video, I have watched so many and this makes it seem fast, simple and dooable. Only thing I might do different, take a little more time around the legs to go Under the skin and cut Up/out so there is not so much hair floating around.

[@Rickkari7]

Poetry in motion right there. Nice job.

[@mountainrun]

Instead of using an axe on the pelvis, I scrape the apex with my knife to locate the exact center. It will split pretty easily with just a knife at the middle. I used to hunt too far out in the hills to pack a heavy hatchet. I've done it on elk as well. A bit harder but it still works.

[@richardreno7254]

Great job Cliff, very fast and efficient! Get it out and get it cooled!!

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@IntenseAngler]

Quick and efficient man! Always pick up something new from your vids. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience Cliff!

[@CliffGray]

thanks man!

[@IntenseAngler]

@@CliffGray Always a pleasure brother!

[@cwestoutdoors]

Great vid! I’m new to hunting. I’m in my mid 30’s and need all the help I can get. I hope to see the backcountry cleaning/quartering vid soon. Thanks for all great advice Cliff

[@snakeriverscotto]

Focus on learning the gutless method and deboning if you are going to be packing in and out. No reason to remove the internals in the back country, just attracts predators quicker, and removing a rib from the sternum allows you to get the heart and liver out. Good game bags are a must too.

[@Craig-777]

Great info, i learned how to do this when i was about 6, but some people dont have anyone to guide them or care to show them. Great video🫡

[@joshtrauger3088]

I like how you cut the legs while the hide is on. Idk why I never thought of that. Definitely will keep some hair off the meat. Good video.

[@CallSignWhiplash]

Awesome, you keeping the liver and heart, both excellent table fare.

[@luiscrespo9902]

Excellent video!

[@CliffGray]

Thank you!

[@EthanPageHunter]

I started doing this awhile back ever since seeing Steve Rinella do it. It’s the best method for sure. Awesome video Cliff

[@CliffGray]

Thanks!

[@arcg2864]

Great video I have dressed hundred of them myself and still learned something new. I never thought of taking the legs off in the field. For me I find it easier to work from the back end first while standing on the rear legs to keep the deer stable and when draining blood from the cavity I prefer to flip the deer over spreading the legs straight to the sides before I split the pelvis.

[@CliffGray]

I gotcha! That all makes sense to do it that way also. Sometimes I think I do things a certain way because I haven't run into a big enough reason to change it! ha. I've always removed legs, probably mostly a habit from backpacking meat - never wanted a bit of extra weight. Thanks for the comment!

[@Tracy-Inches]

good work, new sub

[@JacobLehman-ov4eu]

Love the go pro angle. I've done it a few times but feel like I have so much to learn.

[@Swearengen1980]

My tip to make quicker work of bone - Battery powered reciprocating saw, depending on where I am. State land, field dressing isn't always allowed so you have to take it up front by the ranger. Basically, if my truck or house is nearby...

[@PNW_Wolfpack_Adventures]

When i gut elk or deer i tie a knot on the esophagus with some paracord and another one about an inch down. Before tying the second knot, grab and pull down gently like squeezing a tube of toothpaste so there isn't any digestive material between the two knots. Once the two knots are made, cut the esophagus between the knots and i don't risk getting digestive material on the meat. I then pull the whole digestive tract out. You can do the same thing near the ass for poop, that way i dont have to cut the pelvis if im in the back country. I can take the hams off at the ball joint with my knife instead of needing a saw or ax. 🤘

[@hystorix9031]

Zip ties keep from having to tie anything not a lot of time saving but still a little and easier

[@Slotcarking]

Thanks for sharing Cliff! Nice quick way to remove the head! I need to learn how to do that without a hacksaw.

[@CliffGray]

Yeah man, the trick is to find that top joint above the last vertebrae. You have to put a lot of downward pressure on the nose so it opens enough to get your knife around the curved joint. You will know when you hit it, it will pop. Thanks for watching Rich!

[@muhsinbustillo]

Got scared when you pulled the organs out, that you were gonna toss all the good stuff with the intestines. So glad when I saw you used them. Awesome vid, very similar to how i've always done it, minus a couple things.

[@CliffGray]

I love some liver and heart! can't believe hearts get left in the field!

[@muhsinbustillo]

@@CliffGray Breaks my heart every time (Unsure if pun is intended)

[@CliffGray]

@@muhsinbustillo haha!!!

[@adamelam6385]

Wow that was clean.

[@jamescarlton3086]

I use a gut hook knife, keeps your fingers out of the way. Good video.

[@nathanclaridge7409]

Thanks for doing this Cliff, great video!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Nathan! appreciate the support

[@ronwikeheiser6706]

I do this the same but l dont touch the pelvic until l get to the truck it's easier to drag and you don't get as much crap into the body cavity

[@pieceofparadise9338]

3:49 a small wire rope saw works amazing for cutting the pelvis open. I prefer it over a saw or axe and it weighs almost nothing

[@chuckg1546]

I personally wouldn't shoot a deer that small, but i did get a couple good tips from this, thanks.

[@Rickstar270]

Cliff. When removing the head, cutting through the atlanto-axial joint. A good tip is to put a small horizontal cut in the ear cartilage just above the base of the ear big enough for one finger. With one finger inserted here, you can traction the head away from the body with ease with one finger while cutting through the atlanto-axial joint. A lot easier than trying to grab whole head with your hand. Keep up the great vids!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man! I’ll try that

[@aaronthibault5771]

Wisconsin whitetail hunter here. We do this method for nearly every deer we get. Check out the sagan saw! Its an awesome little tool for zipping through that pelvic bone! One other tip is to use cattle insemination gloves to keep the blood, hair etc off your clothes and hands! Also we usually only go up to the sternum to better prevent hair, dirt, debris on the meat. Love the videos Cliff!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Aaron, I’ll check out the saw!

[@mohammadaqa5116]

Wow this elk is really cooperative

[@glenncharles6622]

Really great video Cliff. I appreciate the content that you put out!!

[@petepilot1661]

I always used a bigger knife but props to you for using a pocket knife.

[@bryanb5413]

Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing...

[@JohnDoe-uw8in]

Nicely done. One thing that newer hunters should consider before opening up that much of the deer is the drag from where they gut it to where they parked. The longer / sloppier the drag, the greater the chance of getting stuff that you don't want inside the cavity. I typically have a mile or more to drag it through mud and standing water, so i'll either gut it closer to the truck, or i'll only make a small hole (app. 12-18") near the guts and pull it all out through there.

[@lanehart6525]

The better question is why are you dragging that far? I used to do the same thing but realized your exact issue. I began doing the gutless method and can perform that it not much more time than it takes to field dress (deer sized animals) and it’s so much easier to pack out a quartered deer than to drag

[@greasemonkey4god]

We need that heart video 3 weeks ago!!! 😂. I had a friend show me how, we cooked fresh heart for our jr high boys in our program this last weekend. It was pretty awesome.

[@CliffGray]

for sure! it is way underrated. I'm always surprised that most folks leave it!

[@greasemonkey4god]

@@CliffGray our last few deer it got wasted because I was confused about what to do (newer hunter) and I didn’t understand the necessity for eating heart and tenderloin right away. Now I figure, that’s the reward!!! Dan did tell me the hearts even better if brined for a few hours.

[@YoungerGen-X]

Outdoor Edge Zipper for opening up the animal. Super quick without hitting guts.

[@reidsmith7201]

Great instruction, good tip on getting the tenderloins out so they dont dry out

[@vincethewoodlander]

I always gut animals before quartering no matter if deer, elk, or bear. Other than getting the water and therefore heat out here are some other reasons why I always gut animals. I eat organs (heart and liver), I can crudely test animal health (TB and hepatitis), I can test weapon efficacy, I can see organ placement and anatomy, it's the first thing a butcher does when processing a carcass, and it's how I was raised. Great video Cliff

[@CliffGray]

I like some of your reasons… seeing nice healthy organs is always nice. I too am a organ eater so end up gutting a lot of game I harvest. 👍

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I had never hunted deer until last season . After gutting over 15 elk and a few moose a deer was like gutting a fish 😂😂. Great video ! Thanks

[@hummervee3395]

I think your hunting videos are the best in terms of explaining processes and we know you aren’t centered around promoting a particular product or service. Cleaning my knife on the grass as necessary can help keep contaminates off-especially if the grass is wet. When possible, I keep the head slightly uphill. If I do get some urine in that lower channel I’ll pick up from the front legs and flow all of the blood downhill through that channel to help rinse it out. Sometimes I’ll tie off one rear leg to a tree allowing me to lean on the other with my leg to keep the deer open for slicing.

[@CliffGray]

"hunting videos are the best in terms of explaining processes and we know you aren’t centered around promoting a particular product or service" love this! huge compliment. Great tip on knife cleaning and draining, too. Thanks

[@pieterlombard1994]

Thank you - excellent video. Heart and liver will be for animal food though, not for me 😉

[@corymattson6350]

Good job- we are on the same page quick easy - I always gut animals. I started carrying a Gear Tie a few years ago. Extremely helpful to hold a leg steady while you work.

[@CliffGray]

Good tip 👍 thanks Cory

[@bryanfox2735]

Heck yea brother!! A buddy and I just doubled on whitetail does this last Monday!! Happy thanksgiving/holidays everybody!!💪🇺🇸💯

[@CliffGray]

Nice! merry christmas man!

[@gregp6926]

Get a “Butt out “ I’ve cut dozens of pelvic bones in freezing temps and always sucks , 10 yrs ago I got a 10$ butt out and holy shi! No pelvic cut and after you get the hang of it wow it’s a breeze , put it in cut around twist pull anis out tie/ zip tie off then pull all back through gut side ,what was I thinking before best 10$ aid you will ever get for this job

[@frankanderson5120]

Best I've seen. Thanks!

[@kimgradisher468]

Great video, thank you!

[@CliffGray]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching

[@johnr7471]

Wondering what location this deer was taken? I didn’t notice a kill tag attached. Here in MI you must attach a kill tag. If not and a game warden stops you, a ticket will be issued and possibly more. Great instructional video!

[@mfluder7095]

Most informative videos out there

[@CliffGray]

thanks! really appreciate the support

[@johnezell9808]

I cry when my buddy’s dump the heart and liver. It’s so good, but I am too far from home to save either for my family. Such a waste. But check liver for liver for liver warts or worms. You will find them quickly with an inside inspection. Good luck, hunters. Be safe. GOD Bless.

[@tonyviers-de9qi]

I never expose meat before i have all guts out. Also , here in north central Missouri , there are a lot of coyotes . They will be on it fast if you don’t get it out

[@brettsgroovychainsaws5995]

Great video. I use one of those short blunt nosed hand saws for the rib cutting so my knife doesn’t get dulled

[@pauld4010]

Great video. Informative as always and very efficient. I wish I would’ve learned some of those tricks back when I first started hunting lol. I have a friend who wants to learn to hunt, I forward him most of your videos and he will be getting this one shortly. Thank you sir for the sharing of your knowledge 👍

[@CliffGray]

Awesome Paul! Hope it’s helpful to him.

[@vannemocilac274]

Thanks! I’m saving hides too.

[@CliffGray]

for sure!

[@kylehurley5994]

It's great watching a pro work from his point of view. Great video Cliff. I do it the same way just not as efficient as you are. My dad always told me to get as much windpipe out as far up and as soon as possible because that's one of the first things that will spoil.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for watching Kyle! For sure on the windpipe, that is a good tip.

[@sactu1]

Thank you sir - very informative video. I'm heading out for my third (and hopefully first successful) deer hunt next week in the southern highlands of New South Wales, Australia. Tons of fallow, red and sambar down there (so they say), so hope to bag one or two. We have open season on all types of deed (except hog deer) all year round with no bag limits - don't even need tags. Cheers.

[@GH0ST369]

If you cut the sturnim with the hide you will get hair all over, it is worth thr extra step to pull the hide off first.

[@mikechamberlain8208]

This is a great how to video

[@besheer]

Awesome video, thank you

[@Christopher-n8e]

Great ĵob

[@Buck-i1u]

Do you have an unedited version of this video, because its the difficult parts that I struggle with

[@antz6130]

Thanks agin Cliff God bless

[@Bach4t]

I believe it is absolutely impossible to gut a deer with out making these same exhale noises. Emmff. eeeenah, etc. Lol. great vid

[@samuelrodriguez1314]

This video was awesome here I thought I was a beast cause I could cut a whole chicken lol

[@ThemantleofElijah]

Loved this thank u so helpful

[@ericlind3569]

Not sure if this was addressed, but you should always check the inside of the rib cage for little pustules that could indicate TB and the deer should not be consumed. Also, in CWD suspected areas, you should consider leaving the head on and not severing the spinal cord and it’s juices by cutting off the head.

[@randolphtolbert3825]

He should be wearing gloves too.

[@dylanbateman7686]

​@@randolphtolbert3825pussy

[@dfm-jv7ry]

Great video. very helpful. What knife are you using in this video? It looks like a standard Buck 110 that you can buy just about anywhere.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! Glad it was useful. It is a Buck 113. Buck 110 is a great knife also. Very practical, good value knives. American made also 👍🇺🇸

[@DanielHarris-z3j]

10:35. Great video well done.

[@peybackendeavors]

Awesome job

[@striderwolf687]

It’s a beaut Clark!

[@CliffGray]

HA!

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

I cut past the ribcage all the way to the jaw, sever the windpipe and pull toward the rear. Everything comes out together.

[@CliffGray]

Good way to do it 👍

[@seanmtactical6069]

I went through the comments to see if this was here. If it wasn't I was going to add it. Short of a few reasons that have been covered in other comments, this is how I have gutted all my deer. Had a buddy show me this 25 years ago. That windpipe is literally a pull tab.

[@SuperShawdy1]

Hola mi amigo" From Rafael Iguana Hunters PR

[@CliffGray]

Rafael! Hola, my man!!! Hit me up and let’s do an iguana hunting video. I got a couple new air guns 💪🏻 💪🏻

[@SuperShawdy1]

@@CliffGray Yesss my fried you can come any time just let me know wend, i have a new place with big iguanas

[@CliffGray]

@@SuperShawdy1 gracias. I will call you in the next couple weeks!

[@morrow.m]

Great video

[@maxdeangelis5019]

I’m sure you know and have a lot of game meat in the freezer but the tongue is my personal favorite. Do you often take it or never?

[@CliffGray]

Sometimes on bigger animals, I do!

[@thomas9565]

I know we’re all going to just use our knife in the field like we always do but if you got the time and the animal isn’t in the woods. Using a carpet knife to cut around those leg joints is pretty darn slick. Prevents cutting the hair. A guy in Florida showed me when he was doing a hog.

[@CliffGray]

Great tip 👍 thanks

[@Robertrls01]

get yourself a buttout tool, it'll save a ton of time, and keep things really clean

[@dereklonewolf9011]

Great video young fella 👍 I carveup my sons & his buddies deer for free every year. I'm always looking for more efficient methods of our harvest 74+ 🍁hunter Yorkshire expat

[@nono559]

What if you have to drag the meat wouldn’t that much exposure of the hams get bad?

[@joshuwalla]

Hey Cliff, Just wondering what ear protection you’re using?

[@Wallymakesstuff]

Nice job man, I love how you save the heart and liver too… I’ll add that you should start saving the tongues. If you’ve ever had tacos de lengua, you’ll know how good it is. In an elk, just one makes a pretty good amount to make family tacos with. Deer and pronghorn I usually save a few and cook them all at once. Sounds terrible, I know, but you’ll thank me after you try it.

[@CliffGray]

yeah man, I'll give that a try. Never done the tongue but will. Do you skin it?

[@Wallymakesstuff]

@@CliffGray you boil it with jalapeño, onions, cilantro, garlic and salt… then after it’s cooked enough, the skin peels right off. I also do a short pre-boil and then change the water after about 20min, then put the veggies and salt in

[@CliffGray]

@@Wallymakesstuff nice! I’ll do it on the next one I come by 👍

[@Wallymakesstuff]

@@CliffGray hell yeah man, let me know what you think… and I bet you could score a lot of them from your clients.

[@HerrGesetz]

Quite different to how I was taught in nz

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Now I just gotta get a tag and bag one 😀

[@CliffGray]

for sure! haha

[@yvesf5355]

great Job thanks