deer hanger

Types of deer hangers

A deer hanger is a tool used in hunting and butchering to hang deer for various purposes, such as field dressing, aging meat, or processing. There are several types of deer hangers, each serving a different purpose. They include:

• Ceiling deer hangers: These are mounted on ceilings. It makes them ideal for hanging deer indoors or in places like meat processing shops. They have strong ceilings that can support the weight of a deer. Their design allows for easy hoisting and securing of the animal. Ceiling deer hangers are often used in commercial setups. They are also useful for big hunters who want to hang their kills safely and efficiently.
• Wall-mounted deer hangers: These are mounted on walls and are ideal for smaller spaces or for hanging deer in garages or sheds. They are more accessible and require less space than ceiling-mounted hangers. Wall-mounted deer hangers are also called wall hooks or gamy hooks. They are strong and stable. Wall-mounted deer hangers provide a permanent solution for hanging deer.
• Portable deer hangers: These are designed for portability. They can be easily transported and set up in different locations. They are suitable for outdoor hunting or for use in remote areas. Portable deer hangers are often collapsible. It makes them easy to store when not in use. They provide a flexible option for hanging deer in the field. Popular portable deer hangers include gambrel hangers, tree hangers, and electric deer hangers.
• Electric deer hangers: These are motorized devices designed to simplify the process of hanging a deer. They are especially useful for those who may have difficulty lifting heavy animals by hand. It has a powerful motor that can lift the deer quickly and smoothly. The motor is often equipped with safety features to prevent accidents during operation. Electric deer hangers are usually used in slaughterhouses or large hunting farms.
• Gambrel deer hangers: Gambrel deer hangers consist of two angled beams connected by ropes or pulleys at the top. They are shaped like a roof. It allows for efficient weight distribution when lifting and hanging heavy animals like deer. They are commonly used by hunters to hang game kills from trees or buildings. It is done to field dress them. They are also used in slaughterhouses.
• Tree deer hangers: Tree deer hangers are designed to be used outdoors and can be hung from a tree. They are portable and easy to use, making them ideal for outdoor hunting. They are often used in remote areas where space is limited.

Designs of deer hangers

Deer hangers come in various designs to meet different needs and circumstances. Each design offers special benefits, making it easier to select the right deer hanger for a given situation.

• Wall-mount hangers

  Wall-mount deer hangers are an excellent choice for people with limited space. These hangers are fixed onto a wall and can support the weight of a deer. They are ideal for use in places like butcher shops, garages, or even homes where game meat is processed or stored. Most of these wall-mounted deer hangers have a foldable design, meaning they can be folded back when not in use to save space. Wall-mount deer hangers are made from strong materials that will last a long time. They usually come with hooks or loops where the deer can be hung, making it easier to clean the animal or hang the meat afterward.

• Ceiling-mount hangers

  Ceiling-mount deer hangers are another great option for areas with limited floor space but high ceilings. These deer hoists are installed on the ceiling and allow hanging deer to lower or raise them as needed. Like wall hangers, ceiling hangers are also good for butchering shops, garages, or homes. They help save space and are perfect for areas where wall mounts cannot be installed due to lack of suitable walls.

• Portable deer hoists

  Portable deer hoists are designed for outdoor use, such as hunting camps or remote locations. These hangers are easy to carry around and set up when needed, then taken down and stored away afterward. Portable deer hangers are made from lightweight but strong materials that can support the weight of a hanging deer without any problems. They often come with adjustable heights so that whatever size animal is caught can be accommodated properly. Also, most portable models include extras like winches or pulleys, which make lifting and lowering the game simple and safe.

• Tree hangers

  Tree deer hangers are designed to be used in natural environments where there are many trees, such as forests or wooded areas. They provide an alternative solution for suspending deer when no artificial structures like walls or ceilings exist. Tree hangers often take the form of straps that wrap around a tree trunk and have hooks or loops at their ends onto which the deer can be attached. This keeps the game meat off the ground, reducing contamination risks while also allowing for easy field dressing.

Scenarios of deer hangers

Deer hangers are useful tools in many scenarios.

• Field dressing

  Field dressing is a must for any hunter who wants to eat their kill. It should be done as soon as possible after the animal is killed to keep the meat cool and reduce spoilage risk. For this, a deer hanger will be needed to suspend the animal from a tree or pole. This makes it easier to work on the deer.

• Meat processing

  Once field dressing is done, hanging the deer for at least 24 hours before cutting into it will improve flavor and tenderness. This is called aging or ripening meat. A deer hanger is also needed here to keep carcasses off work surfaces while butchering can take place.

• Taxidermy

  If someone wants to mount their trophy buck instead of eating them, they'll need a different kind of preparation called preservation. It involves hanging the skin properly so it doesn't rot or dry out too fast during the process. Again, a deer hanger will be needed here.

• Cold storage

  For those who live in warmer climates where meat spoils quickly due to high temperatures, using a deer hanger to hang the game inside walk-in cool rooms or outside cold storage units, which are big refrigerators, is another option available to them.

• Outdoor cooking

  Deer hangers can also be used as makeshift spits for grilling whole animals over open fires or rotisseries if one has them. This is convenient for hunters who want fresh venison immediately after killing it without returning home first.

How to choose a deer hanger

• Weight Capacity:

  Choosing a deer hanger that can hold the weight of the deer is important. Consider the biggest deer that may be hung. The deer hanger must be strong enough to hold the deer without breaking or bending. It helps to look at the weight ratings for deer hangers and pick one with a comfortable margin of safety.

• Material and Durability:

  Deer hangers are made of metal or strong plastic. Metal hangers last longer than plastic ones, especially if they are used in tough conditions. Look for hangers with coatings that protect them from rusting or corroding. Check for thick materials and solid welds or construction that will withstand repeated use over many years.

• Ease of Use:

  Choose a deer hanger that is easy to use alone or with another person. It should be simple to raise and lower the deer without needing many hands. Look for designs that allow for smooth adjustments and secure locking mechanisms. Make sure any required assembly is straightforward so the hanger can be set up quickly in the field or at home.

• Portability:

  If the deer hanger will be used far from home, portability is important. The hanger should be light and easy to carry. It should also fold or come apart without needing tools. For hangers used in hunting camps, look for features that allow convenient storage between uses.

• Stability:

  The deer hanger should be stable when supporting the animal. Its legs or base must be wide enough to prevent tipping. Hangers should have features like weight distribution across platforms and secure locking of adjustable sections. This stability keeps the deer secure and helps prevent accidents.

• Versatility:

  Versatility is the ability of the deer hanger to work in many ways. Some hangers can be used for deer or other animals, while others function as game carts or cleaning stations. Consider how the hanger may serve multiple purposes, especially for those who hunt various game species or have different processing needs.

• Price:

  Compare the prices of different deer hangers to find one that is affordable but of good quality. Do not choose the cheapest hanger without considering its features and durability. Often, spending a little more means getting a hanger that will last many years rather than needing to be replaced frequently.

Q&A

Q1: What is a deer hanger?

A1: A deer hanger is an apparatus used by hunters to hold game animals, particularly deer. It aids in field dressing, processing, and butchering, ensuring efficiency and safety.

Q2: What are the types of deer hangers?

A2: The most common types are tree hangers, pole hangers, and wall hangers.

Q3: How can one hang a deer using a deer hanger?

A3: To do this, secure the deer's back legs with the straps or hooks of the hanger and then elevate the body until it is firmly attached to the hanger's frame.

Q4: What are the benefits of using a deer hanger?

A4: They provide effective game management by enabling proper field dressing and meat processing while also ensuring safety and minimizing carcass damage.

Q5: How does one clean a deer hanger?

A5: Disassemble the hanger parts and wash them using warm soapy water before rinsing them under clean water and drying them thoroughly.