10 Best Game Carts for Hauling Deer

Updated March 2023

So you made a good shot, recovered and field dressed your deer. Now what? Getting a deer or other game out of the woods isn’t always an easy task and having a good game cart can make your experience much more enjoyable. If you have ever hunted areas of public land that do not allow vehicle or ATV access, or other hard to reach areas, you are probably familiar with using a game cart. A game cart is designed to make transporting an animal from the field to your vehicle or camp more efficiently. In some cases, a game cart can also be used to transport gear to your hunting spot. Without a game cart, you risk damaging meat or your trophy by other means of transportation such as dragging or carrying. This article will review recommended game carts that are some of the best options on the market.

List of Recommended All-Purpose Deer Carts

How to Choose a Game Cart and Things to Consider when Purchasing

Durability – When choosing a game cart, you ultimately want one that is durable and will withstand the use you put it through. A cart with a solid frame will usually be constructed of steel or aluminum. In general, steel carts tend to be more durable and are best suited for extreme conditions whereas aluminum carts tend to be significantly lighter and are easier to pull or carry. Some carts also come with straps that help secure loads on uneven terrain.

Weight – Game carts can vary in weight with steel being heavier and aluminum being lighter. A cart with a low center of gravity will prevent it from tipping when under a heavy load on uneven terrain. You should also look at the weight capacity of a cart. Most carts have weight capacities ranging from 250-500 pounds. You should also pay attention to how a cart is stored. Most carts fold in half for easy transport and some even come with backpack straps for carrying.

Wheels – The size of the wheels on a cart can make a big difference. Similar to bikes, larger wheels allow for the cart to roll over logs and rocks and through mud better. As for spokes, I believe that metal spokes seem to be better quality, stronger and last longer than plastic spokes.

Ease of Use – Over all else, a game cart should be easy to set up and use. Most carts do not require specialized tools and can be assembled in minutes. The last thing you want is a cart that is time consuming and a hassle to put together.

10 Best Game Carts for Hauling Deer

1. Summit Treestands Game Cart – Summit is a popular brand that makes quality treestands and other hunting accessories. This game cart is heavy duty and can carry up to 350 pounds. The Summit game cart is built to easily carry big trophies home with its solid steel axel and 16-inch diameter hardened rubber wheels. A curved handle also offers added control and leverage with heavy loads. This cart is equipped with edged teeth on the bottom of the cart to grip the ground while loading so the cart stays still. This cart also comes with three utility straps for secure load attachment and conveniently folds down for compact storage and transportation.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
Weight: 36 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

2. Guide Gear Game Cart – The Guide Gear game cart is an excellent option for those looking for a simple and easy to use product. This cart has a solid steel frame with a 300 pound weight capacity. The solid rubber 16 inch spoked wheels on this cart are durable and roll easily over logs, rocks, roots and mud. This cart has a balanced design with a low center of gravity which makes hauling more efficient. I personally own this game cart and have been very happy with it. I like how it folds flat for easy storage and comes with 3 straps. Overall, this is a solid game cart with a very durable design.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 28.3 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

3. Herter’s Game Cart – This game cart by Herter’s is another great game cart that is made of heavy duty steel and can carry up to 300 pounds. The frame is also collapsible for easy transport and storage and sits on solid 15 inch maintenance free rubber tires. These tires roll nice and quiet with the smooth ball bearings and durable spokes. This cart is designed to get over tough terrain whether you are pulling or pushing. Overall, this is a great cart for packing out a deer or making a trip with your quartered elk.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 31.5 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Cabela’s

4. River’s Edge Game Cart – River’s Edge is known for their quality ladder and hang on treestands. Their Sportsman’s cart is another great product that is both durable and high quality. This cart features a tri-fold design that folds down easy for compact transport and storage. The Sportsman’s cart has a 300 pound capacity that is guided by solid 18.5 inch puncture proof rubber tires that are designed to make it easily over logs and rocks. The 25 inch wide wheel base on this cart is made to prevent tipping on tough terrain.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 33 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

5. Muddy the Mule Game Cart – The Mule by Muddy is a uniquely designed game cart that features a zero gravity handle combined with its balanced design that allows for easy in and out of the field. This cart also folds flat for easy transportation and has a rubber coated handle for added comfort when hauling a heavy load. The durable steel construction can handle up to 300 pounds and sits on hardened 16 inch rubber wheels with smooth ball bearings. If you are looking for an easy to use and quality-built cart, the Mule by Muddy is a great option.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 29 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

6. Hawk Crawler Deer and Multi-Use Cart – The Hawk Crawler is a totally versatile game cart that offers next level strength and stability. This cart is designed to pull heavy loads over stumps, logs, rocks and anything else. The four oversized tires with dual rotating axles help to evenly distribute loads for increased stability, less bounce and eliminates tipping. The never flat tires are filled with micro-cellular polyurethane foam that guarantee no leaks. This cart has a weight capacity of 500 pounds, well above that of other carts on the market. The Textilene DuraMesh sling makes loading and hauling deer a breeze. Even with all of these features, this cart has a compact design with a folding frame and handle for storage and transport. Another benefit of this cart is that it can easily be used for hauling gear, wood and more.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 45 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

7. Goplus Game Cart – This game cart is perfect for moving heavy loads and has a 500 pound weight capacity for even the biggest trophies. The heavy duty steel axle holds 17 inch diameter wheels with solid rubber tires that are built for tough terrain. The Goplus game cart folds in half for easy storage and transportation and can be assembled in minutes. This hassle-free deer cart is a great option for those looking for a low cost option that will surely get the job done.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 25 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

8. Kill Shot Heavy Duty Game Cart – The Kill Shot game cart is a lightweight 500 pound capacity cart that is constructed of durable steel. The giant 18.5 inch tires make it easy to pull over logs and rocks and includes two straps for securing loads. This cart can also be folded away for compact storage. To top it all off, this cart has a brown powder coat finish for added protection from the elements. The Kill Shot game cart is a great choice for those who want a heavy duty cart that is made to withstand any situation.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
Weight: 30 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

9. Meat Wagon Game Cart – The Meat Wagon game cart is made by Allen, who have been around for years and sell a variety of different hunting gear and accessories. The Meat Wagon makes it easy to haul large loads with ease and features a solid steel frame that is designed to hold up for all situations. The heavy duty anti-puncture wheels make this cart invincible in the woods. This cart comes with tie-down straps and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transport. This cart also folds flat for convenient storage.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 28 pounds
Frame Material: Steel

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

10. Sherpa Hunting Game Cart – The Sherpa Hunting game cart is a lightweight cart that has large 20 inch flat-free tires with sealed ball bearings and is made with aerospace grade aluminum. This cart is extremely easy to set up and folds flat for easy transport and storage. This cart is made for anything and is one of the lightest game carts on the market, weighing in at 15 pounds. Because of its lightweight design, the Sherpa game cart comes with backpack straps that make it easy for taking in and out of the woods with you.

Specifications:

Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Weight: 15 pounds
Frame Material: Aluminum

Click here to view this cart on Amazon

If you don’t have room or if a game cart is out of your budget, the Deer Sleigh’R Magnum Game Sled is a great alternative option to a cart. Not only is this hauler small, light and easy to store, but it is great for use in snowy conditions where a game cart might be cumbersome.

Summary

With so many game carts out there, I hope you have found these reviews helpful. A quality game cart is a wonderful tool that can make a successful hunt even better. When choosing a game cart, you should always consider weight capacity, cart weight and the overall quality of the cart. There are many cheap carts out there, but the 10 carts listed above are some of the best ones available. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other articles on Bowhunting Depot!