The Only Tools You Need to Gut a Deer

If you watched five hunters gut a deer, you’d probably see them all use different tools for the job. So, what tools do you actually need to gut a deer?

A gutting knife is the only tool you actually need to gut a deer. However, a gut hook, butt out tool, and gloves make the job easier, quicker, cleaner, and safer.

There are several tools that you don’t actually need to gut a deer with, but many hunters buy them anyways and never use them. Let’s dive into what you actually need, what you might need, and what you don’t need.

Tools You Need for Gutting a Deer

1. Knife

I highly recommend buying the Outdoor Edge RazorPro 3.5″. You can learn why this is The Best Knife to Gut a Deer with, by clicking the link and reading my article.

It’s key for your gutting knife to be razor sharp, easy to handle in tight spaces, and have a blade that’s 3-4 inches long.

Many people make the mistake of purchasing a fixed blade knife for gutting deer with. (You can read more about why this is a mistake in the article I linked to in the previous paragraph). Therefore, buy a knife that uses replaceable blades.

2. Gut Hook

A gut hook helps you quickly cut through the underbelly of the deer without accidentally cutting the stomach or guts. It’s convenient to have a designated gut hook so you don’t have to worry about swapping out the blades on your knife.

Gerber Gear Vital Zip [31-002745], Orange

3. Butt Out Tool

A butt out tool allows you to easily cut around the anus and pull it away from the butt. This allows it to be easily removed with the rest of the gut pile.

Hunters Specialties Butt Out 2 Big Game Dressing Tool, Orange

Tools You Might Need for Gutting a Deer

Even though you can gut a deer without the list of items below, you still might want to buy them. Let me explain:

1. Headlamp

You’ll need a headlamp if you’re gutting a deer in the dark. You need to be able to use both hands freely and aim the light exactly where you need it.

Petzl TACTIKKA +RGB Headlamp – Compact and Powerful 350 Lumen Headlamp, for Hunting and Fishing With White or Red Lighting – Camo

2. Zip Ties

It’s a good idea to tie a zip tie around the end of the anus after cutting it loose from the butt. This will prevent poop from getting on your meat as you pull the guts and anus out.

GTSE 8 Inch White/Clear Zip Ties, 100 Pack, 50lb Strength, UV Resistant Strong Nylon Cable Ties, Self-Locking 8″ Tie Wraps

3. Gloves (Elbow Length Gloves & Rubber Gloves)

Wearing gloves is a best practice that many hunters, including myself, don’t use. However, gloves offer protection from cuts which can lead to infections.

Additionally, gloves keep blood off your skin, your clothes, and other things (like your phone) that you need to touch after you’re all done field dressing the deer.

Guardian Hunting Deer Gutting Gloves Field Dressing Gloves with Long and Short Gut Glove Combo Pack (Black/Orange, 3 Pack (6 Pairs))

4. Hand Sanitizer

Use hand sanitizer after you’ve finished gutting a deer. If you don’t have hand sanitizer with you, rinse your hands and arms off with water until you get back home to wash properly with soap and hot water.

10%

Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer Refreshing Gel, Clean Scent, 2 fl oz Travel Size Flip Cap Bottle (Pack of 6) – 3155-04-EC

$9.98 ($4.99 / Fl Oz)

5. Trash Bags

There several reasons why you might need to put the deer’s guts inside a thick trash bag and dispose of it somewhere else. Gut piles are heavy, so make sure you use a heavy duty garbage bag that is thick enough to not tear and break.

Ultrasac Contractor Bags 42 Gallon (20 PACK/w FLAP TIES), 32.75 x 44.5-3 MIL Thick Large Black Heavy Duty Industrial Garbage Trashbags for Professional Construction and Commercial use

Tools You Don’t Need for Gutting a Deer

You don’t need to buy a bone saw or a rib spreader to gut a deer. I’ve never used either of these tools in all my years of deer hunting. Both tools serve a specific purpose, but I wouldn’t recommend wasting your money on them.

Lastly, you don’t need to buy any knife sharpening supplies if you use a knife with replaceable blades (like the one I recommended at the beginning of this article).

Conclusion

There is more than one way to gut a deer, and lots of tools for the job. Having the right knife is key. However, consider using other tools and items that will make field dressing easier, quicker, cleaner, and safer.