Successful deer hunt!!

I shot my deer at 7am on November 22nd up by Fort Collins.  It was about 75 yards away and he dropped from one shot without any additional shots.  He was a 4x4 - or 8 point - buck with a broken tine, likely from a fight with another buck.

First step was to gut the deer.  I started just below its sternum by cutting just into the skin being careful not to cut the stomach or intestines.  I cut down to the anus opening the deers cavity so I could remove its organs.  I reached up to the heart and lungs and cut above them to release them.  I removed the rest of deer's organs making sure not to rupture anything.

I hung the deer by it's hind legs to skin.  I started with the legs and continued being careful not to cut the meat down to its head.  If I was going to do a shoulder mount I would stop at the neck leaving more skin.  I removed the antler with a saws-all just at the forehead.  I will let the deer hang for 2-4 weeks before taking it to a processor.  I will have a lot of deer sticks and jerky made and keep a few of the nicer cuts.  I plan on continuing to hunt deer/elk and will start duck and geese soon.  Next month's hobbies will be infusions and homemade gifts so stay tuned!