Some of the public land spots I've been hunting lately are 1+ mile walks back to the spot. I'd like to get a deer cart to haul my climber in, and possibly a kill out. There are several on the market though. What brand and model do you use? How do you like it? Anything different that you did to make it more user friendly?
I bought one for $49.00 on sale from Gary @ S.G. Works great ! Most of the ones I've seen are all about the same-either steel or aluminum.(I have the steel model)
I dont but want one and a sled for snow. I think the folding kind out of aluminum would be great.
I hunt a lot of public land that has long walks. I use a aluminum folding cart. It works for hauling stuff in and out just fine. I spent a good bit of time getting it to pack up quiet so the trip in would not blow everything out of the county.
Chris
I've got a Cabelas Super Mag cart. It's a real lifesaver if the terrain is appropriate. Doesn't work well in thick brush, but open areas are fine and if you have a trail...getting a deer out is a piece of cake. I have the brush guards on the wheels and consider them mandatory, keeps a lot of crap out of the wheels.
Whatever you get make sure the weight is carried as low as possible for stability.
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r224/REALVTer/Nov11bow9pt019.jpg)
This is a homemade one, out of black iron gas pipe and a couple of cart wheels. it hinges in half at the axles.
Got one end of last season--hope to use it soon!
I have used one a few times. Honestly, in hilly country I would just as soon quarter a deer out and haul it out on my back. On flat ground, they work OK, but if it is hilly or marshy, I'll pass.
I used one once in the mountains. Lets just say there is a reason I only used it once.
There aren't hills, mountains, marsh, or anything else crazy in my way. Basically just long two track roads that you can't drive on anymore. To get a deer out of there by myself, with a climber and bow or gun, would be a giant pain. There aren't a lot available locally, so I have to rely on reviews to decide which one to go with. Thanks for the help so far.
Ive used mine to haul climbing stands in and deer out. They work good.
I use them because I am on public and they are a necessity. I don't know how I would get on out if I did not have a cart..
Yes, I do. I bought this on http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DS7DPO/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001CM5JIS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0G737YR0M7 9HVZC36ZPP (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DS7DPO/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001CM5JIS&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0G737YR0M79HVZC36ZPP)
It's pretty decent. I used it to haul my daughter's 180 lb. 8-pointer out during the youth season here. It was a godsend for that for sure.
Too much trouble here in the mountains. I find a Honda trail 90 works better or cuttin up the deer
I think my plastic sled works better than a wheeled cart. I can't imagine trying to wheel through a swamp with a bunch of blowdowns...my sled scoots under, over, even across creeks like a boat.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/sled.jpg)
X2 on the Jet Sled. I have used mine when I hunted whiteys back east on leveler ground. Works pretty slick.
The area I hunt is quite rocky with few trails. The cart is constantly tipping. Pretty hard on the wrists and forearms when that happens. If I were to buy another, I would get one with slanted wheels and nylon straps that would sag and allow the animal to stay centered.
i have a large plastic sled(the bottom of an old portable ice shack), and the Cabelas aluminum. I have not had to pull the sled or the cart since I got them. Someone has always volunteered to do it for me, in return I let them use my stuff for their deer.
Reason I was thinking of a cart was because the sled would be too noisy pulling across grass, rocks, and road. I've used the sleds before, but that was with snow. No snow usually here.
One summer cabala's had a close out tent. for some reason they had a fully boxed brand new aluminum lightweight game cart on sale for $42.99. I went ahead and purchased it but I have never used a cart before. The following fall cabala's had that same cart advertised for $129.99. I think it was a good deal, it will haul up to 400 pounds. now that would be a big deer.
that was about three years ago and now I see there 149.95.be sure and look in the bargain caved
I would get yourself one it a bareback saver.
Carl
I use one, sorry it is so old and I bought it from someone else so I do not know the type. They work well though. I have pulled out two deer at once on several occasions.
Are there paths? If so, just use a bicycle and backpack it out in sections.
Used mine yesterday, in fact. She was a good sized doe, but the cart allowed me to get her out to the road by myself.
Schlaggerman and I did a pack in mulie hunt in Utah many years ago. The seep we were to get camp water from was dried up that summer, so we borrowed a game cart and hauled two five gallon jugs up to where we camped. Of the many questionable things I've done in my life, that has to rate up near the top. Just plain dumb.
To answer the question, ON FLAT GROUND they work great.
It the right situation they are priceless. I have hauled out numerous critters from closed logging roads with them. My dad and I once hauled out 2 quartered bull elk out in one trip. About 2 miles slightly downhill. Easy as pie.
absolutely the best way to get them out.
I'm thinking about getting one, too. Or making one. I hunt in a lot of areas that have logging roads or service roads that are closed to traffic. I usually walk a mile or so in, then another 1/4-1 mile into my spots. My Gamesled is great for hauling something to the roads, but is not so good on gravel. I'm thinking a cart would work well for the gravel road sections. I could stash it somewhere until I need it.
I used to carry them over my shoulders or drag them, but I had back surgery this year, so I think I'm moving to the cart.
X3 on the Jet Sled. If my son Jay (JJB on here) isn't around to pull for me ( :D ), I use the same sled that Roger pictured. It works great!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
A few bungee straps are handy with the carts when going up/down hills.
Where do you find wheels for them mine broke?LCH
X4 on the Jet Sled, used them Bear hunting in Quebec this year to haul Bear out and they beat a cart hands down.
I do... Nxt Shot Versa Cart... best money I've ever spent... angled wheels really help with stability and you can balance the deer right over the axel and on logging roads, basically just walk out...
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r233/twigflicker/09%20Buck/DSCN0235.jpg)
They weren't available for years, but understand that they are being produced again...
Jonathan
Used one this morning on a neat little 6 point, pics to follow.
Bill
QuoteOriginally posted by LCH:
Where do you find wheels for them mine broke?LCH
Maybe a bike shop? I was going to take off stock wheels and put bigger ones on but never got around to it.
I just call Mike Mitten, he can haul out two deer at a time by himself...
Here is what i use, of course i do have to get to a good trail or better but it works like a charm.
:bigsmyl:
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f85/wtpops/SDC15562.jpg)
The Cabelas Super Mag Hauler has served me very well, thru the years. It's built like a tank, and will haul it, if you can pull it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsmiTkSdPT8&feature=plcp
Versa cart
(http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh338/spikeknife/P1010045.jpg)
(http://i544.photobucket.com/albums/hh338/spikeknife/PA200007.jpg)
I have one from cabelas. It's deffinately a life saver.
My buddy has one and I have used it. Beats dragging if you lucked into a good size deer!! :wavey:
I'm gonna have to try that sled. The areas I hunt have some very steep ravines. Seems like the deer's last act of vengenance is to croak at the bottom of the steepest ones. I also use a come-along in desperate situations.
I use one and the canoe when the river is up. Can't beat them. Shot a four pointer this weekend and laura lent a hand. She was able to pull the deer on the cart several hundred yards....she refused my help. Told me I needed to take a rest. The only thing better than a cart is a partner like Laura.
First one I had was a one-wheel torture machine by Warren and Swett. About killed me.
Next I bought a Non-Typical folding back pack cart... not light, but with the angled wheels, you can side hill with a heavy load... big wheels help too...over logs and such.
This one has fabric over it as a sling and since, the light weight one Prejeans made was just tubular alum... lighter.
Since he licensed Ameristep to make his stuff, don't know if that cart is in the line up anymore.
I've used it to haul in gear and then haul out deer.
Does anyone have experience with the carts by BIg Game? It's all I can seem to find around here.
Cabelas super mag, never leave home without it!