How to Strip a Deer

Deer have been killed for both food and clothing for thousands of years. The nimble animals contain a great deal of nutritious meat but also another very important part -- a thick and warm skin. Stripping a deer, or skinning it, generally happens at the same time it is butchered, to reveal the flesh underneath. Taking the skin off as one large piece is the standard means of removing it, for it allows for a diversified number of projects, from rugs to moccasins, to be created with the skin.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh deer carcass, field dressed
  • Rope
  • Sharp hunting knife
  • Hacksaw
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Instructions

    • 1

      Tie the front feet of the deer to a high overhanging structure that will allow it to dangle, such as a thick tree branch. Ensure that the legs are spread to allow you easy access.

    • 2

      Insert the knife at the top of the deer's neck. Continue the cut all the way around until the cut, through the hide but not the skin, encircles the deer's neck.

    • 3

      Continue the cut down the center of the body to connect with the cut at the stomach. Cut another slice to encircle the front leg, right above the knee. Repeat this with the other leg.

    • 4

      Connect the cuts in the front legs to the long cut in the middle of the deer. Insert your knife just underneath the two cuts made near the neck.

    • 5

      Pull the hide back, slowly and carefully, over the shoulders, cutting any membrane if you need to as you remove it. Pull it down so it rests above the deer's tail.

    • 6

      Slice off the tail, which will contain the tailbones as well, and discard it. Continue to pull the hide downward until it reaches the dark patches on the inside of the deer's hind legs.

    • 7

      Cut off the hind legs slightly above the dark patches to remove them completely. Pull off the hide around the two stumps. Continue dressing the animal if desired and save the hide for future use.