Tips & Tactics

The ‘Belly Up’ Kit

The ‘Belly Up’ Kit

By Dave Zilai

Photo: Buckmasters Life Member Dave Zilai invented a simple kit that makes it easier to field dress deer alone. His buddy, who lost the use of an arm due to polio, inspired Dave’s device.

— Editor’s Note by Tim H. Martin

This tip is actually an invention. Buckmasters Life Member Dave Zilai of Lowell, Indiana sent it to us, along with a sample of his ‘Belly Up’ field dressing kit.

Dave’s intention is not to market his idea, but rather to share his invention with fellow deer hunters to make their lives easier. We will happily help spread the word.

On behalf of Buckmasters and our fans, thank you, Dave! It’s refreshing to see someone act out of genuine kindness instead of personal gain.

Belly Up Field Dressing Kit
— By Buckmasters Life Member, Dave Zilai

A friend of mine who lost the use of one arm due to polio inspired my invention. He loves to hunt solo.

Watching my buddy struggle to field dress a deer by himself prompted me to devise something helpful. I call it my Belly Up Field Dressing Kit.

All you need to make your own is two 9-inch tent stakes and two approximately 48-inch lengths of rope.

Buy a pair of cheap tent stakes at a sporting goods store, and the rope can be the same type used to hoist gear into your stand.

Tie a rope below the head of a tent stake, then make a 2-inch slipknot in the free end of the rope. Repeat with the other stake and rope — that’s it!

To use: With the deer lying on its back, lay a rope underneath one of the deer’s hind legs, just below the hock joint.

Circle the tent stake around the leg and poke through the slipknot, creating a loop around the leg. Pull the stake tight until the rope cinches just beneath the hock joint.

Push the tent stake into the ground with enough rope tension to keep the deer belly up (hence the name). Repeat on the opposite leg until the legs splay open wide.

Now, the deer’s legs will remain securely spread for easy field dressing. This comes in very handy, especially if you’re alone.

Also, your Belly Up kit will store easily in a ziplock bag, which you can keep in your pack.

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Copyright 2020 by Buckmasters, Ltd