Game Carts

Steverino · #1 10-17-2005, 02:09 PM

Hey folks,

Was wondering if anybody has used or is using a gamecart in their deer hunting gear? Saw an ad from a local shop in the mail and have been considering if I do nail the non-typical bruiser that I have been chasing the past couple of seasons just how I'd get that bad boy down to my truck (besides quartering it!

)

I track a good mile and a half before I hit my section of woods and then another two miles back into the thick stuff. I know I wouldn't want or couldn't drag it in all of the thick stuff but even to have one stowed at a good half way point should I be successful sure seems alot better to me than doing the ol' mule drag set-up with the cut timberpole from deadfall affixed to some parachute shock cord from the gunnysack.

I was thinking that a collapsible model might be a good carrier to the woods for my stand, bow, and gear secured by ratchet straps. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks.

Rustywreck · #2 10-17-2005, 02:48 PM

I use an aluminum cart to get my deer out of the woods. It makes the job much easier and faster

BILLY D. · #3 10-17-2005, 02:49 PM

steve

the carts work great ..........if you don't have a lot of deadfall or thick woods to go through. remember carts don't have 4 wheel drive. i bought one from cabelas a few years ago and it has saved my backside a few times. it's a lot easier to pull even a small deer on wheels than it is to drag one especially if you have a bad back like mine.

one piece of advice if you buy or make one, make sure you cover the harvested animal in orange so you don't get shot at. i've heard of it happening.

another handy gadget is the hoist you can put on a trailer hitch so you can gut the deer properly. around here trees and hills are a commodity so the hoist is a life saver. especially if you hunt alone.

forgot to mention, kids snow sleds that the marts sell also work good. used in conjunction with the cart it really simplifies the job. they are light and you can put it right in the cart. get the orange one and cover you animal with it as an added safety feature.

Steverino · #4 10-17-2005, 03:34 PM

Actually, I have used a sled for rifle hunting up in Wisconsin for years, they do work great.

The more that I think about it, the more I am considering the cart. Thanks again for the replies.

multibeard · #5 10-17-2005, 05:51 PM

I bought the 100 dollar one out of Cabelas catalgue to haul goose decoys a few years ago. I never have used it to haul a deer but it has hauled almost everthing else.

I wouldn't be without one now.

Rustywreck · #6 10-17-2005, 10:49 PM

One more thing the cart can help with is loading the deer in the truck. Put the handle on the tailgate, block the wheels, then lift the back end and slide it in.
You still have to lift, but it is much easier than trying to lift a floppy deer.
I replaced the wheels on my cart. The original wheels were spoked with solid rubber tires - heavy. I put these taller plastic wheels with inflateable tires on it. The new wheels make it a bit more tippy in the woods, but it goes over stuff better and is lighter.

Steverino · #7 10-18-2005, 04:56 PM

Well...I ended up going with an aluminum game cart from Cabellas that weighs in at a scant 20#. I went to a Dick's near my home and hoisted the 50# carton and decided to go with a lighter offering. Thanks for everyones help.

ehntr · #8 10-20-2005, 09:12 PM

I've got a cabela's super mag hauler. It is a really heavy duty cart......550 lbs capacity and I have used it up to 400 lbs and it performed very well. The alternative (when you don't have or can't use a quad) is a lot of work lol. It is a tad heavy at 31 lbs, I think, but it is worth the extra weight. I've also made made a homebrew cart out of electrical conduit (emt) and a wheel chair. This cart is very light and I have used it to haul out whole deer with no problem as well. Plans for the homebrew cart are on my website under D-I-Y and the Cabela's cart is reviewed under Product Reviews.

Steverino · #9 10-21-2005, 07:52 AM

That's a good looking cart EH! I got mine home yesterday and gave it a bath of Advantage camo duct tape. Shiny aluminum just won't do.

One of my smart aleck neighbors saw me in my driveway yesterday afternoon with my tailgate down wrapping the cart and offered "You know Steve, you can buy treestands already painted in camo colors." LOL

The cart is well made-good looking weld seams and components. It's rated for 300# so that should take care of my immediate whitetail needs. Now if I was to hunt caribou, moose, or the likes of the quarry up in your neck of the woods...

Good hunting!

Rimshot · #10 10-21-2005, 11:16 AM

I just purchased the magnum game hauler from Cabela's.
I have not used it yet but hope to soon.

I have used my brothers Aluminum cart he bought from Cabela's and liked it real well. The reason I went with the steel cart is that it was less expensive and after hauling out 4 deer last year with my brothers aluminum cart it developed a bow. I just thought the steel cart may hold up better.

Good Luck!

Steverino · #11 10-21-2005, 11:20 AM

I sure hope that my cart develops the same problem this season Rimshot!