What is the hook on a birdknife used for and how is it used?

[William W Simon]

What is the hook on a birdknife used for and how is it used?

[4everAutumn]

It's a gut hook. I have never used one, but I think they are meant to aid in field dressing a bird. I have heard that you can stick it in the anus, twist it around and pull most of the guts out. Seems like that would be a sure way to spill contents as it tears guts apart. I cut a small slit at the base of the breast, cut around the anus and pull everything out in one glob with my fingers. This has seemed to work pretty well for me in my 35 years of hunting.

[charlie elk]

Hold the bird by the back with one hand breast up, insert the hook through the vent (birds do not an anus)just short of the handle, rotate the hook and gently pull it out; the intestines will come out on the hook. You can reinsert the hook if you don't get them all the first time.
It is wise to remove the bird intestines as quickly as possible. They are the main cause of gamey flavors. Frequently the intestines are ruptured due to shot.
later,
charlie

[Trapper Vic]

I've seen several articles that say you should age your birds with the guts in. Ihavn't tried it yet but I'm thinking you probably would not want to use a gut hook after they have hung 4-5 days. What do you guys think?

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...



Yes, it's a gut hook. I would recommend opening up the breasts of smaller birds to be sure that all of the innards are removed.

On larger birds such as pheasants ,ducks and geese, I think you would be better off just using your hand, as with a chicken, for example.