Right in the middle of the Michigan firearms deer season I received a big box on my doorstep. It was a complete surprise and upon opening it I found an interesting looking metal object. The Critter Cradle is designed to assist the successful hunter in dressing out their large game. I couldn’t wait to try it. But first I needed a deer so I filled a doe tag right away.
What it is: The Critter Cradle reminded me of a short-legged version of a sawhorse until I opened it up. Yes, it does have short legs but the sides form a V shaped cradle on top of which the hunter rests their game carcass. The Cradle locks open with an attached locking pin. The game animal is placed on its back with the Cradle doing the work by supporting its shoulders and pelvis in a stable, belly up position. The legs of the device, though short, kept my game carcass up off the ground and even better, kept it up and out of several inches of new snow.
The Critter Cradle actually did its job. It was easy to place my deer in the device, just dragged it up to and over the opened up cradle. There was no wrestling with the deer trying to keep its body from flopping over or getting tangled in its legs. It remained in a steady belly up position enabling me to use both hands to dress it out. I had an easy field dress with no dirt and snow getting into the cleaned body cavity. Sawing through the pelvis was so much easier since I could use both hands to do the job.
I found it to be extremely portable and easy to clean. It hoses off with soap and water. It easily fits in any motor vehicle or could be left in the field waiting for use. It is constructed of stainless steel and won’t rust.