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Sleds
Kevin WilsonMany years ago, my father shot a bull moose just a few hundred metres from a roadway. We didn’t have an ATV, pack frames or a game cart, but we did have a tarp and, most importantly, a few centimetres of snow on the ground. So, we simply quartered the bull, loaded it onto the tarp and slid it down a cutline all the way back to our vehicle. Think of it as a poor man’s sled.
Snow can be a curse or a blessing when it comes time to head home with your downed game—a curse if you only have a game cart, but a blessing if you’re equipped with a sled. But as with the various game cart models, not all sleds are created equal. I’ve purchased several different ones, and found some were more hassle than they were worth.
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If opting for a sled to haul out game, make sure it’s durable and lightweight, and has a curved front to help cut through the snow and navigate over logs and other obstructions. You also want it to be big enough to hold and handle the loads you plan to move. Several years ago, I visited a plastics shop and found the ideal sled. Complete with 16-inch sidewalls, it’s durable and can easily transport two deer or the equivalent. I simply fastened a towline and was good to go.
Regardless of where or when you tip over your animal, there’s always a way to retrieve it. Quads and 4×4 trucks aren’t the only answer. Just bring the right gear and attitude and expect to expend a little energy, and you’ll soon have your downed game home and ready for the freezer.