Knives and assisting in animal breakdown?

[Totoro]

Fellow hunters, have a two fold question here; pardon the redundancy if it's be covered already. If so, please guide me to the correct sub-forum and thread.

First, is there a general rule in terms of number/quantity and size of knife that can be brought into country or does it vary from one location to another? I've always carried a fixed blade and folder while out in the field but only in the lower 48.

Second, is assisting with animal breakdown a traditional practice or best left to the guides/trackers/packers etc? It would seem best to have all capable hands on to get the meat off as quick as possible to prevent spoilage etc.

I have only hunted with a handful of guides in the lower 48 and I haven't been told I couldn't help when I've downed the game.

I feel that it's a privilege and duty to do justice to the game I've taken.

 

[JimP]

On my only safari all the animals except for 1 were brought back to the skinning shed whole where the outfitters skinner's went to work on them. And since I wasn't able to bring any of the meat home I didn't worry about it but let them go about their business which was quite interesting to watch. They work very fast getting the cape and head ready for the salt.

On the knives I took a folder and a pocket knife. The folder stayed in my room and the only time that I took the pocket knife out was when I ended up with a thorn in my hand

 

[Shootist43]

The location of your hunt may make a difference. In Africa the skinners do the work once the animal is brought back to camp. An Elk or similar guided hunt in the U.S. may be a different story. Ask your outfitter.

 

[PARA45]

I've only been to one safari. I however like to be useful and I like to help. I feel like the hunt is not complete without me getting my hands dirty. I asked the PH if it was OK to help out, and he basically said that they were my animals and if I wanted to help that it was up to me. I did noticed how efficient the skinners were, that I didn't even try to help, but I did help hoisting the animals for gutting/skinning, helped them hold the animals while they were gutting/skinning, and helped them rinse the animals. It was fun to watch them do their thing. I noticed that the skinners smoked, and were thrilled when we gave them some Marlboros to smoke.

 

[gillettehunter]

I've been fortunate enough to hunt africa 6 times. I carry a folder knife with me just like I do at home. In Africa normally after pics the animal is loaded up whole and hauled to camp and processed there. My last trip to africa the trackers/skinners got to keep the organs for their consumption. So usually put in a bucket in camp. That's not uncommon.
I think its a good practice to be there and to show interest. They do far more of it than what we do and faster. Trying to help probably just slows them down. @PARA45 helping to hoist and hold the animal is about the best you likely can do.
Things may change if you knock a big animal down and can't get a truck closer than 1/2 mile. Then its grab hold and help as best you can.
Bruce

 

[Ryan]

There's at least two threads about knives, one fairly recent.

Show Us Your Hunting Knife

I recently sold a bunch of knives (thank you AH members who looked and bought them) and as any proper AH member, already had in mind what my next one would be. So before the funds could hit the bank, I purchased a Smith & Sons Brave with Natural Micarta Scales. Fits my hand well and is now...

www.africahunting.com

Show Us Your Hunting Knife

Your participation is not mandatory. My first two trips were to a farm run by the owner/outfitter/ph and I did help load animals into the vehicle, off again and hanging it up at the shed. I assisted with some of my animals and it was appreciated at that place since they only had one skinner. But the next two places had two or three skinners and they took over from the second an animal arrive at the shed so I did little work. Honestly what you bring is all up to you. As many have mentioned the skinners will have their own, usually several pretty basic paring knives, and they will use them with great efficiency. A Leatherman tool is probably your most useful tool. Peter Hathaway Capstick felt a Swiss Army Knife was the best tool going, same idea. After that I take a pocket knife or two. I took a sheath knife my first two trips, it barely got used.

 

[Nyati]

In Africa, they will appreciate that you get involved, that is, give a hand in loading, unloading your animals.

Skinning is best left to the professionals, they have their pride in their job. Do show up by the shed, give them some cigarettes. Even if you don´t smoke, bring them, everybody smokes in Africa.

I will have a light folder on my belt, and a Victorinox Swisschamp in my backpack.

 

[Bert the Turtle]

The best thing you can do is stay out of the way.
If there is some heavy lifting or there is need to pack out an animal, feel free to pitch in. Ask “how can I best help?” Not “can I help?” The latter is often said if someone wants to look like they are willing to help but doesn’t actually want to help. But as far as skinning, stay out of the way. They know what they are doing and don’t need an extra pair of hands to worry about cutting.

 

[wesheltonj]

In Africa hunting, I only took my Victorinox Spartan pocket knife (which has all the tools that I need for any trip: cork screw, bottle opener, two blades to cut meat and cheese & toothpick). The skinners will do all the work, back at the shed. I would stay out of their way, and let them do their work.

 

[Vintageguy]

I’m naked without my pocket knife but there was no use taking my hunting knife. Like most here I do everything myself including my meat cutting and packing but in Africa I did well if I was able to contribute any help in loading the animal on the truck. Large stuff were loaded with a winch and everything got hoisted straight out of the truck bed at the butchery. The only time I was able to do much was carrying out my wife’s gemsbok in a body bag. We would drop off the latest kill before it could even begin to stiffen and we’re gone back out hunting. I carried my Buck folder 2 days then left it in my bag the rest of the trip.

 

[Totoro]

Thank you for the information folks, that clears up a lot of my own questions.

A pocket knife is a for sure for me.

As many others have said, I feel a bit naked without one even when dressed for a board meeting I always have something.

 

[spike.t]

Take a Swiss army knife ...you will use the toothpick probably more than anything else on it.....

 

[CJW]

I never go into the woods without some type of knife, even in Africa and when I was a kid as there are limitless reasons why you might need to use it. That said, don't plan on using it on animals over there. Those guys know what they're doing and I would suspect that they really don't want your help in that dept. anyways.

 

[Tanks]

The best thing you can do is stay out of the way.

...But as far as skinning, stay out of the way. They know what they are doing and don’t need an extra pair of hands to worry about cutting.

Exactly. There is a reason they get paid for that task and in one season they most likely skin more animals than you would in a lifetime.

Elephant

Buffalo

Leopard

 

[Hogpatrol]

As other have posted, best to let the pros handle the skinning job but take some small bills for the guy who finds the bullet.

 

[Totoro]

Good tips folks.

As I think about, I do want to get my hands dirty; if only for a brief moment or two.

Great stories to tell the grandkids and the like.

 

[CBH Australia]

I'm sure a little help will be appreciated but not expected.

In my one trip I went down the skinning shed to see the staff. They were surprised to see me there.

They were even more surprised when I asked my best black tracker Mike if they speak English and put my hand out to introduce myself I'm working class not a wealthy tourist.

I also included the boys in a couple of my staged photos, they are a part of my trip, my experience.

I've read elsewhere that buying Skinner's knives etc , they are trinkets to them , they are supplied a skinning knife.

I think if I went back I would take small items for their kids etc or a few small bills that I could give them through the trip.

I wanted to but my tracker new boots. His had a sole coming off but they were clean and polished every day.

 

[Tra3]

I agree that you won’t likely get involved in skinning or butchering. But you can help move stuff. I’ve carried kudu off a mountainside and helped carry a lechwe this summer. Elephant, hippo, giraffe all definitely have opportunities to move parts, pull and lift.

I enjoy listening to the men while they work, talk and then erupt in laughter. No matter the culture, there is always one guy in a group of 6-8 workers that is funny and respected. There is a noticeable joy in the men as they take apart a big animal. It gets more exciting when a chainsaw comes out!

One good tip: having extra flashlights is a very big help. Being able to just hold a flashlight or two so the men can see while they work is a big benefit. I like to carry 2 headlamps and 2 handheld lights in my pack in the truck. They will get used.

 

[Safari Dave]

On one safari, my PH asked to use my knife because he didn't carry one. He made quick work of it with the job he needed to do and handed it right back.



Do not make the mistake of loaning or offering an expensive knife to safari staff unless they REALLY need it. To them, they are merely tools to be used hard and sharpened by whatever means necessary.


I don't fault them. I worked as a butcher in a grocery store during high school and college and sure didn't treat those knives as fine works of art!

 

[Safari Dave]

I know of some 'ole boys around me who keep a chainsaw with vegetable oil as bar lube in their truck.

It may not be pretty, but is sure it fast!