HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Young hunters tend to be either really excited or really weirded out by the field dressing process. It’s a ‘circle of life’ teaching moment to be sure. In the spirit of damage control, make sure you explain to your kids that gutting the animal is as much a part of their hunting experience as cleaning their firearm or tying their boots. If they understand that the animal will be providing dinner meat for the next year, they may not be as ghost-faced when you pull the steaming guts out.  Slowly explain the steps of the process and the body parts you’re removing. Ask them to help you—newbies could hold the legs back or pass you the equipment you’ll need. Oh, and warn them about the smell beforehand.