Well, it's time to realize i can't load 180-200 lb deer by myself and not pay the price.
Has anyone here have and used one? I'm needing recommendations to which brand and price. Would only use to load deer, lift lawn tractor to change blades. Thanks, Sarge

I was thinking about getting one until my buddy showed how easy a 2' or so wide sheet of plywood was. Not really answering your question but im going to try that until i have to break down and get the hoist. Of course that wont help on your 4 wheeler, but does wonders for the bed of a normal height pickup.

I have a bad back, so not just about age. I couldn't handle anything bigger the 125lbs or so. This year i used the come along and a ratchet strap. That certainly worked but was a hassle getting up underneath my toolbox for the cleats.

I believe you need to shop for a winch rather than a hoist.

I used the ramp pictured for years to load deer in several different trucks. Can use a block and tackle or come along if needed.

I also built this to use as a skinning pole. It is 2 pieces and the top will rotate 360 degrees with the pin removed so I can pick up or lay the skinned carcass in the truck bed by myself. Work smarter, not harder!

You might look into one of these from Viking solution web site.I have one of each of these and have saved my back more times then I can count.

I got one of these: hoist Not from Cabelas but other internet vendors carry the same HME hoist.

It worked well for me. Pull a pin and it will swivel over your tailgate. The only issue I had was that you can't crank the hoist with the tailgate down unless you pull the pin and swivel a bit. The crank handle will hit your tailgate when down. Not a problem really but a slightly different design would solve it.

I got it to be able to break down a pronghorn on the roadside during a western hunt. Not sure I would bother if loading was the only purpose. The board would serve that purpose well enough. Also, I don't see the HME hoist working with an ATV. It's pieces are too long to carry and it is made to use with a 2"x2" hitch. With the ATV I just tow a plastic sled.

Don't know what you call them but just get one of those racks that fit In your receiver hitch. Then you only have to lift that deer about 18" up on to the rack.

A smooth ramp of any kind with a long enough rope works pretty well. Been doing it for years. I'm 69 now and loaded a 230lb buck last fall. Make sure you have a rubber matt in the truck bed, no slipping.

Thanks for all the replies. Work smarted not harder. LOL. Sarge

it doesn't have to be all that expensive or complex , depends exactly what you want to do or how permanent you want it to be.



this started as a saw horse that I made into a skinning rack it was ok bit a little short , it got repurposed this year for a deer , a ewe and a hog this year.

it needs a strap to keep it from wanting to tip when raising it

If I was building one just for deer lifting , skinning and quartering it would just be one big saw horse with 8 foot legs

I just use a block and tackle over a tree limp. Lift it up with the winch on my quad - tie it off - then load it up!
When I get it home I use my electric hoist to hang it by. Also use the hoist for skinning critters.

Check out Rack Jack, goes in receiver hitch has winch, pivots to drop load in truck bed. Had one winch strip a pulley they replaced it with good customer service.

I bought one called an EZ buck skinner from somewhere in south GA about 15 years ago. Heavy duty and was collapsible so it folded up for easy storage. Fit in a 2 inch receiver. Made loading deer or any other heavy stuff easy. Great for skinning too. I'd highly recommend if they are still made.

I have an ATV winch mounted in my toolbox of my truck, a piece of plywood for a ramp and they'll load real easy.