Planning for a big game hunt takes months or even years depending on the species and area of the country you will be hunting.  I know on my last bowhunting trip for elk in Montana took close to a year of planning and preparation. 

Talking numerous times with my friend in Montana on how the scouting was going in the area where we would be hunting as well as doing some research on my own boosted my confidence.  Then weeks before the trip I checked and rechecked my equipment to make sure that I had all the essentials packed and ready.  This is how most hunters prepare for trips but have we really thought about what happens after the shot and the animal is down.  This is where I am probably least prepared.  Yes, you throw some game bags in your pack, your trusty ole knife, a piece of rope and some marking tape.  But after the shot and the animal is down, then the real work begins. 

I had the pleasure of evaluating Dan Walkers Field Dressing Big Game and the saying is true that you learn something new everyday.  I have been hunting for over 25 years and it seems that twenty years ago I was tabbed as being the official "field dresser" or our hunting party.  I feel like Robert Redford in "Jeremiah Johnson" where he tells Will Greer he can skin just about anything.   This video, approved by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, gives great tips on skinning and quartering elk in the field but can be used effectively on any big game North American game. 

Idaho State Hunter Education Coordinator Clint Rand provides instructions and begins by introducing the necessary tools required accomplish the task. Next he explains the importance of attaching your tag and the best places to do so.  The quality tape then begins with the comprehensive steps necessary to dress, skin and quarter large animals. 

What best stands out about the tape is that an actual harvested animal is used.  The most informative way to instruct or train for anything is through actual examples.  Diagrams and charts just don't do justice like actual "real life" training.  Clint Rand does a great job narrating while guiding the viewer through informative examples and points.  These important points are emphasized and reviewed at the end of each segment in order to minimize waste as well as the damaging effects to the meat. 

I truly recommend this tape to hunters of all ages and skills. You went to great lengths to prepare yourself for harvesting a great animal and you owe it to the animal as well as yourself to properly care for the meat.  It is very discouraging for me to witness a fine animal that has been harvested but due to improper care losing quality meat. 

Informative 5 of 5 - The tape was very informative, clear and concise on the effective means to gut, skin and quarter big game animals.  As mentioned earlier important points were reviewed to aid in the learning process.

Content 5 of 5 - The tape included all the necessary steps to prepare the animal.  Special instructions were also covered for organ care, such as the heart and liver.  It also covered the critical points necessary to legally complete the process, including how to tag the animal. 

Quality 4 of 5 - the video quality is exceptional with the close-up shots combined with detailed descriptions. 

For Information On Dan Walker Productions "Field Dressing Big Game" contact:

1. Toll Free Number 1-888-524-7668 
2. or visit the web site at www.HunterEducation.com
3. or email danwalker@dwproductions.com
4. or buy the video in BowhuntingStore.com