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Sled reviews

Weldabeast

Weldabeast

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
May 23, 2019
Messages
12,570
Location
Northeast Florida
I'm looking to get a sled.Any to avoid? Would you be able to float harvested game in thigh to waist high water? I think a sled will work better than my game cart since i usually end up in swampy muddy areas. Ican see it being pretty useful tool around the yard as well
 
Researching the same thing. Wheels are a NO GO where I'm at due to water.

Here is a link I found (https://under-the-open-sky.com/best-deer-sleds/), but also interested in others 'real world' experience. Based on this review, however, I have been leaning Jet Sled because I don't really think I need complete buoyancy and the price is 1/3 the beaver tail. Otter sleds did NOT make this list, but they are in my research too.
 
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*Disclaimer I've never used one to get a deer out via water, if thats what you are looking to do.

I've owned both Jet Sleds and Otter Sleds. Both work well but Otters tend to be a little more heavy duty and last a bit longer to the constant grinding that occurs from being dragged.
 
Been thinking about maybe using a deer sleighr this year. Just a cheap little roll up sled that's compact and could get stashed somewhere close
 
I know @John Eberhart uses one as well as @redsquirrel. I’m sure there’s more. There’s all kinds of YouTube videos on them. I’ve been considering them for a couple years now. They will float for sure but it’s a question of if they can displace enough water to float with 200 lbs in it.
 
I've used a tarp to drag before and it works OK on high ground but it would be nice to have a floating something when your dragging them through wet marsh or flooded forest areas
 
EricS said:
I know @John Eberhart uses one as well as @redsquirrel. I’m sure there’s more. There’s all kinds of YouTube videos on them. I’ve been considering them for a couple years now. They will float for sure but it’s a question of if they can displace enough water to float with 200 lbs in it.
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Im thinking pool noodles around the rim to help with keeping it upright
 
I use the terrain deer drag sled. I have been using it for about 8 seasons now and it works pretty good. I did replace the rope with amsteel as the rope broke on me after 6 years of use. I hunt wet, swampy stuff and deer don't really float in this sled but the house nicely across the wet terrain.

Large bucks can be a bit of a pain but that is because their antlers tend to grab the vegetation. Part of the game hunting 1 to 2 miles back in a swamp.
 
I use a jet sled. I put a hole in the bottom of one after a few years but they're cheap enough to replace. I often will use gravel trails or old rocky mining roads to get out depending where I'm at so that is why it wore out. I don't usually have to go across lots of standing water where it needs to float for long periods. We did have to float my sitka across a pretty decent sized puddle. It floated but I wouldn't want to do that for any distance. It would be a PITA if it tipped over.
 
I use a rigid snow sled, but nothing that I would use in the water.
 
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I run a kids toboggan/sled. It was probably $15. It works just great on all terrain including water (just keep moving).
 

I had good luck with jet sled this past season. Got my first deer last season and the sled made it an enjoyable experience. Floated fine with a deer across a smaller creek that was flooded. Video footage about half way through the video.


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jet sled with hifax runners. Use it religiously for ice fishing. Has also hauled 2 deer out of the woods. Not looking anyworse for the wear.

I drilled out two 5/8" holes and replaced the puny rope with some retired treestand lifeline rope. Makes hauling much easier.
 
Only sled I've used and still do when I dont pack out it a deersleigh....heavy plastic that rolls up and boy do the deer slide right over everything makes a world of difference...usually around $50
 
You can see it here....weighs next to nothing I carry it in with me mostly during rifle season
 

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Mtnbuck said:
You can see it here....weighs next to nothing I carry it in with me mostly during rifle season
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I always keep one in my truck

It worked pretty good on deer & hogs over even ground

I finally tore mine up while dragging a buck

Got a new one for next season

Saw a video where a guy installs screw-together grommets to reinforce the holes so will last longer & I’m gonna try that


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I never hauled a deer through water with one, but I used to haul beaver carcasses, traps and gear through the water with one. I was always nervous doing so because I learned early on that if your load isn't centered and completely non-shifting the sled will tip and sink faster than you can imagine.
 
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