Field dressing (hunting)

Field dressing, also known as gralloching[1] (/ˈɡræləkɪŋ/ GRA-lə-king), is the process of removing the internal organs of hunted game, and is a necessary step in obtaining and preserving meat from wild animals such as deer.

Field dressing is often done as soon as possible after the animal is killed to ensure rapid body heat loss, which prevents bacteria from growing on the surface of the carcass.

Field dressing also aids hunters in transporting hunted game by lightening the weight of the carcass.

However, the fact that harvesting locations are generally in remote areas makes the transporting and use of larger tools impractical.

Using a knife specifically designed for field dressing and the use of surgical gloves can greatly aid in sanitation.