Has anyone used any of the game carts that are on the market and what would you recommend for deer to elk size animals? Thanks
I have one I like ,but don't recall the brand. Some things to look for would be
Load capacity in pounds
Solid tires( won't be flat when needed )
Tire size ( bigger tires roll over logs and rough ground better )
Low center of gravity. (keep the load close to the axil where it does not tip over easy )
The one I have has a belt between the handles you can put on and pull it like a mule so your hands are free to carry your bow or what ever.
Don, I have heard very good things about this cart, but I have no experience with it. I plan on getting one this year to try out. It might interest you, too.
http://www.bowsite.com/nxt/gamecarrier.html
(http://www.bowsite.com/nxt/cart1l.jpg)
Whatever one you end up with make sure that the bearings are more than hollow plastic. After my health went south, I bought one. I think it is a Yukon. The first deer I put on it broke one of the plastic bearings. I milled a pair out of solid teflon, and it now works great. Hap
Second on the VersaCart. My teenaged daughter can roll her own deer out of the woods with out adding to my knee problems. Not real compact, but stable.
Versa Cart- I love mine! Can be hooked up to a bike or a quad. The 15 deg tilt of the tires lets it walk right over many logs. Plus you can adjust the outer structure to keep in cargo or stabilize it.
The one downside to it is that it does not fold flat. A minor problem for me. It really is one of my best buys as far as hunting goes.
Notice the brush guards in front of the wheels??
I do believe the capacity is also #500
Have the Big Game cart.. It werks, but don't overload it!!! Had a problem when carrying the full load of 500 lbs(lime) when I went over a log, the spokes pulled away from the hub...
Normal operations, werks fine... But you still have some work in rough terrain!!!
I used the Versacart to pull an 8 pointer out. had a long haul and that made it pretty easy. Gonna get me one.
As size is concerned, the handle does fold back and the "cargo wings" are removable. For deer hauling duties, the wings stay at home. Have also rolled two 150 lb hogs and a deer and a hog on it at the same time. Just keep a couple of good bungees strapped to it.
I have one from cabela's that has 2 wheels and a canvas sling. Works well. You can step thru the handle and pull it with the bar at your hips and makes it easier pulling. You don't pull with your arms. You can also get a extra set of wheels, makes it a dually for extra capacity. Has been well worth it. I rocky terrain, just lean into the handle a little to get it over rocks.
I have a Versa Cart I would sell, but I hate to think about the shipping. I will either use a Cabela's Mag Hauler, or a custom one that fits behind my pickup seat.
Buckracks7, do you not like the VersaCart because it is not compact or are there other reasons? Thanks.
Well, at the risk of costing myself a sale, I'll tell you why I would sell it. Notice the sharp V in the front of the cart. This cart is the best for small to medium game. But, I have tried to load a couple of deer over 200 pounds, and couldn't get their hind quarters past that sharp V. I was by myself and could not pull from the top and move their butt past the V at the same time. 2 guys would not have a problem. One buck I took out dragging his butt on the ground. The other I had to first strap the cart to his back, and then turn the cart over. That was very difficult to do, but he hauled easy once loaded.
I used a friends Cabela's Mag Hauler last year. Liked it so well, I bought one for myself for this year. For anyone purchasing the Mag Hauler, the instructions for putting it together are hard to follow.
Home made cart using two pieces of 1/2" rigid conduit and 12" solid tires. Folds in half for storage.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00018.jpg)
Dennis
I am using the ameristep non-tyical cart. Choose it because it is packable. So far I have had no issues with it and can not find anything I do not like about it.
I'm w/CLS... bought the original Non-typical Cart. Fully collapsable with stow-away features and it backpacks in.
Big wheels, solid frame that slides in itself. Hauled stand, pack and deer on it over all sorts of terrain...wheels are heavily cambered (flare out)so don't tend to roll over on steep hillsides if side-hill traveling.
I think Wayne had one without the heavy fabric "sling" and just bars that is somewhat lighter in weight.
I also have the NT cart and love it. well thought out design, light enough to backpack in, you can haul a big hog on it without problems.
QuoteOriginally posted by Aeronut:
Home made cart using two pieces of 1/2" rigid conduit and 12" solid tires. Folds in half for storage.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/aeronut/Tools/DSC00018.jpg)
Dennis
That looks familiar. ;)
EJES,
I have a cart with the same plastic types wheels that is shown in the photo. First deer we hauled out of the woods or tried to haul out of the woods broke one of the wheels at the hub. Contacted Gander Mountain who told me to take it up with the company. the clerk gave me the phone number for the company and the rep told me they had trouble with the composit wheels and they sent me two wire spoked wheels. Works great now.
Jon Stewart
Semper Fi
Hope its OK to post this..
I have on that I would sell.. Pm if interested...
Trades considered?
Thanks Jon. I noticed in their web page that they show both types of wheels. I wonder if they are using the spoked ones now. I need to give them a call.
It isn't a great picture but here's my daughter hauling out her spike buck with the VersaCart on the gun opener when she was 15 - note smile on face. I have many photos with many smiles - just have to get her shooting the bow one day. Hard to beat a pretty hunting partner, though! :D
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j87/SOS_321/Deercart009.jpg)
I actually bought my cart from the guy who designed it over in North Augusta, SC.