How many of you use deer carts?

[dtg]

Since my brother had a heart attack last year, my family is giving me grief about dragging deer out of the area I hunt. I hunt alone and it takes me about 15-20 minutes to get to my one spot with all my gear and God knows how long it would take dragging a deer out of there. It's hilly, it's rugged and I'm in shape, round is a shape:lol: Fortunately I've not had to drag anything out of that particular area yet, and the furthest I've had to drag anything was about 200yrds, that's not a problem.

If you use one of the many carts out there, which ones and how do you like it. I'm looking at one a Cabelas that is Aluminum and can handle 250#'s, they make more compact ones that can be carried like a backpack(too much $$$) they make steel ones,(too heavy)

Raaz away, all you in shape big buck haulers, I'm downright sexy no matter how round I am. I et baybees, the other, other white meat.:lol:

[Cedar Swamp]

Carts are good to go as long as you have easy access to your kill. I have 30 minute walk to my stand and a 2+ hour drag out. Wish I had an easier way, other than a helicopter.

[ArrowHawk]

GET A CART

The best thing I ever did was getting one. They make life alot easier. There are so many different types out there and the best one I have seen (only saw it once) had the wheels at an angle. The one I have now works well but could be better. It is narrow so I can go thru tighter areas compared to the wider ones but if its not balanced seems to tip every now and then. Also a second person makes things easier, if you come to a downed tree you just pick it up and over and then continue on your way.

I have even seen guys on State Land who use them to take there things back to their blind every time out with a light attached to the front.

Look around at a few different brands and see whats best for you. I recommend getiing one with the wheels on the outside (lower center of gravity) and not one with wheels underneath (more ground clearance but tippy). Also some of the cheaper ones have a Tube in the wheel (You don't want a Flat back in the woods), find a solid rubber wheel type.

I like this one. It has a lower center of gravity and the weight is over the wheels. Just a thought.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?id=0005568&navCount=5&parentId=cat601052&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20712-cat601052_TGP&parentType=index&indexId=cat601052&rid=

I would stay away from the Alum-i-Lite Game cart because it looks like the weight is all forward which you would be holding up as you are pulling it.


Hope this helps you out.
Arrow

[Skibum]

I have one of the steel Super Mag Haulers from Cabela's. It works great. It stays in my truck unless I need it. If it's a short drag or I can get my vehicle close I don't worry about it. For a long drag it's the berries. Far less work to go back to the truck or house, get rid of extra clothes and gear, and return with the cart. It's great for hauling firewood around camp and at home too.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat20712-cat601052_TGP&rid=&indexId=cat601052&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=1&parentType=index&parentId=cat601052&id=0005568

[Slick fishing]

We use a rideing lawn mower with a small little trailer to haul the deer back to the house.. Cya Slick

[laterilus]

My friend gave me his, man that was such a huge differance in getting a deer outa the woods. No back pain, no stopping to catch your breath, and when it's a doe I love it. No antlers to grab on to, the head and neck seem to get cought on everything and add to resistance. Your body will thank you, take a few out with one and then do the drag thing and you will know what were talking about.

[ckhanna]

I adopted the use of the kids wagon!!! Dont tell on me!!

[Slice]

I used one last year for the first time and I will never go out in the woods without one. I usually haul my treestand and stuff out with it, then chain it to a tree until I need it. Money well spent, I got a cheapy one for $49.

[Shop Rat]

I have a cart and I will sell it if anyone here wants one. I bought one for the South Fox Island hunt I went on, not realizing that the tires would sink into the sand and make it miserable for me. Since then, it has been in my garage.

They work and are good for certian conditions. (long drags down logging roads and trails)

Anyone interested, pm me

[buckwiz]

Get one because when you put the deer on it and start moving, you will think you did it all wrong before!!!!;)

[Oct.1]

I use mine for a variety of things. I bought it because it was a long hall from where I hunted to where I could get the truck into. Its tuff to get it over logs with a deer on it but all in all it’s easier than dragging.
I use it for gathering fire wood or getting my water from the pump to the camp site. There have been times I would back pack it and use it for my tent water and supplies. I even use it with a seat cushion to sit on while hunting from the ground.

[Critter]

After a hour plus drag to get my first deer out last year I built a cart. We can ussually drive a truck back and pick them up but there was new planting alphalfa in two fields that couldn't be driven over. Never needed one before and we may not need it this year but it was a blessing getting the rest of the deer out last year. It has large rubber tires that run on ball bearings, is made of steel, can carry two deer if need be and I wouldn't be without it again.

[Frozenfish]

Maybe use a jet sled???

[Swamp Monster]

I like this one. It has a lower center of gravity and the weight is over the wheels. Just a thought.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp?id=0005568&navCount=5&parentId=cat601052&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20712-cat601052_TGP&parentType=index&indexId=cat601052&rid=

IHope this helps you out.
Arrow

The one in the link is the one I have....best model I have seen to date imo. It's heavy duty (roll it to the woods, don't carry!) it folds up for storage, still takes up some room but not bad. Works great for heavy loads! Have had 3 70# ladder stands along with heavy backpack with supplies in it...carried it just fine! Have used it to carry multiple pop up blinds and chairs out to the property with ease. It's nice and wide so it balances easier. I have used the narrow models...you'll struggle like mad to keep it upright on anything but smooth level ground. The narrow models might be nice for getting into tight spots, but I'll take the wide stable cart everytime! would be a worthwhile purchase imo, you'll probably find more to haul than just deer.
The cart will work fine in a few inches of snow, but if you have more than that, a Jet Sled made for ice fishing works great! I have one of these as well and it gets towed behind the atv when necessary. I've also used the jet sled to drag stands etc back thru the cedar swamps with good success.

[dtg]

Swamp, I like the centered wheels of that rig as well as the wide stance, but I don't think I could fit that thing in the back of my Rodeo. It states folds down to 44"s. Man, it's times like this that I really wish I bought a pickup instead of a SUV.:lol:

I see what you mean about the Alumilite one. It's more of a Dolly, than a cart and all the dead weight is brought forward toward the handle, so I'd still be doing a fair amount of "lifting". You brought up some good points in what to look for. My search continues and now I'm going to have to break out the tape measure to see "how much room I actually have.

[Justin_04]

My dad has made a couple of his own. They work great. It can be even used as a stretcher to get over logs and such. We also use ours to hall stands when we have multiple stands to put up or take down.

[Swamp Monster]

Swamp, I like the centered wheels of that rig as well as the wide stance, but I don't think I could fit that thing in the back of my Rodeo. It states folds down to 44"s. Man, it's times like this that I really wish I bought a pickup instead of a SUV.:lol:

.

Does the Rodeo have a roof rack? Strap it to that if ya have to!

[glockman55]

I bought one late last year.. Haven't used it yet. I added some more strap to it for extra support for Mr. Big this year..

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/Cart_002.jpg

[dtg]

What brand is that one Glock?

[DANIEL MARK ZAPOLSKI]

i have an aluminum one and use it all the time. it breaks down real easy for storage. i put a 20 lb propane tank on it with big buddy heater 10/10 pop-up blind and my back pack with all the days needs for a full days hunt. took out a 8 point 190 lb dressed about 450 yards one year no problem i have an assortment of bungies cords and one of those 40' poly cords for the deer. it took 2 trips to pack everything out but what the heck. i'am sure that would have been a major stress test without the cart.

[TrekJeff]

Can't really razz ya, we break out the Kobota:D

I'm pretty sure that one Glock listed also serves to assist loading into your pickup too. You just brace the handle against the tail gate and lift up on the bottom and slide everything in the bed of the truck. Very nice design.

[glockman55]

What brand is that one Glock?

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=perf&id=0020698225958a&navCount=1&podId=0020698&parentId=cat601052&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=QW&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat601052&hasJS=true

You can get them cheaper at sportsman guide..$59.97

[glockman55]

Can't really razz ya, we break out the Kobota:D

I'm pretty sure that one Glock listed also serves to assist loading into your pickup too. You just brace the handle against the tail gate and lift up on the bottom and slide everything in the bed of the truck. Very nice design.


I use my Mule when I can, The cart will come in handy when I can't use the UTV..

[Get_Outside]

We use a rideing lawn mower with a small little trailer to haul the deer back to the house.. Cya Slick


Amen brother. I use my Mule and my two sons! :lol:

I watch and they load the beasties into the mule for the ride back to the cabin.

[caseman]

Do any of you guys have ideas of how to rig a Cabela's Super Mag Hauler so I can tow it behind a mountain bike? I have 20+ minute bike ride in on some dirt roads. I could always ride my bike out, grab the cart, ride my bike back in and try to pull the cart one-handed...but once you throw a deer on the cart I am figuring it will be impossible to pull the cart with one hand while riding the bike.....any ideas/suggestions you guys have done?

[Shop Rat]

As for pulling carts, I pulled my brothers cart with a 4 wheeler in the u.p. in the snow during muzzleloader season. On some, the load is balanced over the wheels and you can tie a rope on the handle. I would suggest screwing on something to the center of the handle so the rope doesn't slide to one side and flip it.

It worked for a 2 mile ride each way and with gear on it. I thought he was crazy, but it worked. I only had to stop once and adjust the load.

Some have solid rubber tires, so you don't have to worry about the tires going flat.

[Shop Rat]

By the way, mine is still for sale. It is steel with solid tires, 300lb capacity. It is the one Cabelas sells for $100. I have pictures, pm your e-mail for a picture. I am in Sterling Heights and the first $50 takes it. By the way, it is only used once and in almost new condition.

This one folds in half, not the compact type.

[aquaticsanonymous]

My drag is about a half mile, with about fifty yards through a wet swamp which has pallets on it. Not fun at all.

[caseman]

$50 to ShopRat is a steal if anyone is looking for a cart. If I didn't already have one, I'd be all over that deal.

[kbotta]

Here's 1 for ya.
Ever seen a climber, modified with wheels on it to use as a deer cart, for the way out? Seen one on the mountain last year. I know there is already a patent for it, but -man! Talk about the best of both worlds. Dude was hauling out a small doe - with huge grin on his face.

I'd like to have gotten a pic of that thing. Anyone have a pic of one?!?

[TrekJeff]

$50 to ShopRat is a steal if anyone is looking for a cart. If I didn't already have one, I'd be all over that deal.
Ok Case, I found something may may get some ideas rolling. Get something to form a horseshoe deep enough to mount onto your chainstays and wrap aroung the rear of your back tire....So find 30"-35" piece of Al of Steel and make the bend then use hose clamps to secure it to your chain stays directly or fab a differnt hitch plate. At the middle of the horseshoe bend drill a hole and do the same in the middle of the handle of your chart. Secure them together with a trailer hitch pin. This set up should allow you to be able to turn and pull from the center and not just one side. Most of the cart hitches I've seen hook up for just one side of the bike..I don't like that idea, especially when pulling a Michigan whitetail.

Here's a picture of a production hitch that gave me the idea.
http://www.koolstop.com/trailers/mulehookup.gif
Now I have some ideas of what to do with the old 20 BMX wheels and tires and those old aluminum tent posts from that 1970's tent. I see a DIY deer cart soon

[Ack]

Do any of you guys have ideas of how to rig a Cabela's Super Mag Hauler so I can tow it behind a mountain bike? I have 20+ minute bike ride in on some dirt roads. I could always ride my bike out, grab the cart, ride my bike back in and try to pull the cart one-handed...but once you throw a deer on the cart I am figuring it will be impossible to pull the cart with one hand while riding the bike.....any ideas/suggestions you guys have done?

I'll see if I can get some pics of my cart hooked up to the bike. And for any of you thinking of pulling a deer out on a cart behind a bike, good luck....you had better be in VERY good shape for that! The cart behind the bike does work well for carrying your gear long distances, though.

[Black Lake]

I normally use the harness from the tree stand I was in becuase I never paln that far ahead. I do well with northern woods and Swamps, Corn rows slow me down.... Carts seem handy when you have the time and opportunity to go and get them and use them.

[caseman]

Hey TrekJeff...thanks for the idea on the bike.

Ack...if you have any pictures, please post them up. I'm curious as to your setup.

Again, I'll be riding on pretty good dirt roads. Although it may be tough biking out with a cart behind my bike, I think it will still save time vs. walking the 2.5 miles with the cart.

[ruger 454]

I have the $100 from cabelas and I LOVE it,you put all your gear and gun on it and go.Carry extra tie downs,bungie's,etc.you should also have a big garbage bag to keep your gear from getting blood on it.I have used it for a ground blind too,just lay it on it's side and brush it in,buy one if you hunt by yourself.

[TrekJeff]

I'll see if I can get some pics of my cart hooked up to the bike. And for any of you thinking of pulling a deer out on a cart behind a bike, good luck....you had better be in VERY good shape for that! The cart behind the bike does work well for carrying your gear long distances, though.

No problem, I ride pretty much 365 days a year, elements permitting, my weekly commute accounts for about 120 miles a week.

[Ack]

No problem, I ride pretty much 365 days a year, elements permitting, my weekly commute accounts for about 120 miles a week.

Yep......you're all set then. Still, you throw a 130 lb deer on a cart with all of your gear it's going to give you a workout. Plus, I don't know if a Trek would handle that much weight! :evilsmile (J/K....I ride Specialized! :coolgleam)

Caseman...I'll see if I can get some pics this weekend.

[caseman]

thanks Ack....

[lumpy]

My brother in North Dakota has the most hillbilly looking deer cart I have ever seen. I mean the thing looks silly. Everyone who see it just has a good chuckle untill...... they drag one out with it. We hunt 1 1/2 to 2 miles back into the woods and the thing is indespensable.
Gotta use your immagination here.
It is two kids bikes without the pedals and handlebars welded together with braces and a flat top table that makes it look like a gurney. Now the two frontforks are braced and the teun . lon the brace is a long handle that pivots up and down with a t handle on the end.
The damn thing goes over terrain easily because of the 20" inflateable tires and you would be surprised how easily it manuvers in the brush.
It is emmbarassing as hell when you use it cause it looks so rendeck but the thing is a dream to throw all your treestands on and haul stuff out to the woods .

Believe me this is one of those "seeing is believing" things.

[dtg]

I ended up with this one...... and they threw in a game bag to boot. THat was unexpected. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/horizontal-pod.jsp;jsessionid=KQJVFXURWIROQCWQNWQSCNYK0BW0GIW E?id=0005568&navCount=5&parentId=cat601052&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20712-cat601052_TGP&parentType=index&indexId=cat601052&rid=&_requestid=37612

I ordered some other stuff, got my $20 off for being over $150 and got an additional $18 off from my Cabelas points. Turns out it will fit in the back of my SUV with some room to spare. I really like the lower center of gravity, wide stance and weight cabability(can serve double duty at home) It's got good metal spoked wheels instead of composite that can get brittle in the cold and should serve my purposes well.

[SHANK]

My cart... ;)

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/521/medium/DVC00104.JPG

[TrekJeff]

Yep......you're all set then. Still, you throw a 130 lb deer on a cart with all of your gear it's going to give you a workout. Plus, I don't know if a Trek would handle that much weight! :evilsmile (J/K....I ride Specialized! :coolgleam)


That ain't right....:16suspect Actually it's an older 7000ZX, before they started making them light weight...lol it's a tank. The majority of my commuting is done on a Surly CrossCheck, but the Trek will be used for the cart/deer trailer. I just about have it all fitted, I just have to tack it all together with the wire welder. I post pics when done.
It's just made with old tent poles. I thought they were aluminum until I started to smooth out one of the sharp edges with my dremmel and it started to throw sparks..So I say, Great, no brazing, straight up tig weld it!:D

Caseman...I'll see if I can get some pics this weekend.

Case, the horseshoe set up is going to work good, the rack I'm building is 8feet long and 24 inches wide, plenty for gear and backstraps.

[TrekJeff]

Yep......you're all set then. Still, you throw a 130 lb deer on a cart with all of your gear it's going to give you a workout. Plus, I don't know if a Trek would handle that much weight! :evilsmile (J/K....I ride Specialized! :coolgleam)
That ain't right....:16suspect Actually it's an older 7000ZX, before they started making them light weight...lol it's a tank. The majority of my commuting is done on a Surly CrossCheck, but the Trek will be used for the cart/deer trailer. I just about have it all fitted, I just have to tack it all together with the wire welder. I post pics when done.
It's just made with old tent poles. I thought they were aluminum until I started to smooth out one of the sharp edges with my dremmel and it started to throw sparks..So I say, Great, no brazing, straight up tig weld it!:D

Caseman...I'll see if I can get some pics this weekend.

Case, the horseshoe set up is going to work good, the rack I'm building is 8feet long and 24 inches wide, plenty for gear and backstraps.

[outdoor_m_i_k_e]

one thing we always used. . worked AWESOME, is take a kids 6 foot sled. . drill holes every 8-10 inches on each side, and attach bungy(sp?) straps criss cross along the sides. . snow or no snow, buck or doe, doesnt matter once you get all the straps on it. . its easy enough for one person to take a deer through anything, and quick. . usually paint it camo to leave at the stand, and if someone does steal it whoopty doo, its $5. . . im tellin ya it works awesome. . deer stays on and doesnt get tangled. . some spots ive hunted, you cant take a deer cart through. .

[dtg]

one thing we always used. . worked AWESOME, is take a kids 6 foot sled. . drill holes every 8-10 inches on each side, and attach bungy(sp?) straps criss cross along the sides. . snow or no snow, buck or doe, doesnt matter once you get all the straps on it. . its easy enough for one person to take a deer through anything, and quick. . usually paint it camo to leave at the stand, and if someone does steal it whoopty doo, its $5. . . im tellin ya it works awesome. . deer stays on and doesnt get tangled. . some spots ive hunted, you cant take a deer cart through. .

Do you have to reinforce the front tow rope with a piece of 2X4 or anything? I wouod think that would be a great idea when there's snow on the ground, but with no snow it seems the tow rope would pull out easily.

[outdoor_m_i_k_e]

i just retie the knots to make sure they dont pull out, but i also forgot to add that we usually attack either a big dowel rod or a heavy stick on the end of the line so you dont get ropeburn. . the rope holds up well, and yeah surprisingly, even in a field with grass it pulls easily. . doesnt matter if theres snow or not. . if i dont have access to a four wheeler to throw the deer on, or cant get a 4 wheeler to where the deers at, this is the way the deer comes out. . keep the front legs of the deer tucked in to its body, and back legs hangin straight back, head right in the front of the sled strapped down with the cords, and no snags or problems. . i know it seems liek it wouldnt work well without snow, but trust me it does good!