Tree Hugger & AutoLift

Napier’s latest two accessories from their Apex range; the Tree Hugger and Auto Lift will make gutting, skinning and jointing a carcass easier. In truth it’s a lot easier and hygienic to hang the beast for the gralloch, though most of us do the job on the ground (deer belly-up), because there’s little alternative. But suspending an animal means finding a tree with a suitable branch sticking out, which is not always the cases and if it’s high up you need a good length of rope to throw over.

The Tree Hugger uses a 2m length of special, cross weave, orange, nylon webbing, which is self-gripping, so can be wrapped around the trunk and will not slip down under load. There are D-rings at either end, and the kit comes with 2 x S-hooks, belt pouch and rubber gloves. Once you’ve located a suitable tree; 25-100 cms minimum/ maximum width, wrap the strap round at the required height and tuck the ends under to lock. Now hock the deer – slit the rear leg where the Achilles tendon is and set the S-hooks then hang it off the Tree Hugger and you’re ready.

GETTIN’ HEAVY

Fine for roe or muntjac, but fallows and reds are a lot heavier, that’s where the Auto Lift comes in, which is better and without all the hassle of the old, multiple pulley systems with yards of cable! It’s made of plasticcoated, galvanised steel and holds a 2.5mx5cm nylon strap with a loop and ring on the end. Operation is by a ratchet, with a rubber-covered handle with integral release catch. At the top, there’s a hanging hole for the Tree Hugger S-hooks. Also included is a 2-piece gambrel (hanging bar).

With the hocked deer on the floor, grip the handle and pull up the release catch, then pull the handle down to 90°, which unlocks the strap. Pull it down and slide the gambrel through the loop then located into the slit legs. Grip the handle and raise it vertical and let go of the release to engage the ratchet, and then wind the handle up and down to raise the animal. The movement is not arduous! The quoted safe lifting weight is an impressive 200Kg so will easily do most UK species and up to medium wild boar. It can also be used in conjunction with Napier’s Auto Click hanging strut system too. Looks like Napier has done it again… respect!