Re: Moose field dressing question
Big fan of the gutless method, but I typically end up removing the guts at the very end to get easier access to the tenderloins. I've never needed a saw. A havalon is good for everything other than removing the head and if I was more patient I could probably do that too.
I found when I left the hide on to keep the meat clean I ended up with a lot more hair on the meat when all was said and done. Now I prefer to skin the whole thing and use game bags to keep the meat clean. Once you feel the weight of a moose hide I think you'll agree you don't want to be lugging that around, even if it is just on the quarters.
This time of year I don't think cooling is a huge issue as long as you have air circulating around the meat. We cut a bunch of deciduous branches to lay the quarters on and flip the quarters frequently. Even in cold air it takes quite a while for the meat to come down to ambient temperature so it will get hot spots if you leave it laying for too long on one side.
Good luck!
Is Justin Competent, or just incompetent?