If the animal has to be moved to another location for hoisting, tie a
rope or chain around the hindlegs above the hocks (fig. 8). Position
the animal with the hindlegs directly beneath the hoist. Roll the
animal onto its back and prop it in place with two concrete or wooden
blocks (fig. 9).
[Illustration: Rope tied to hindlegs]
Figure 8.—Dragging to tree. Secure both hindlegs.
[Illustration: Cow in supine position held with blocks on either side]
Figure 9.—Position of carcass for hide removal.
Begin removal of the hindlegs by cutting through the hide and tendons
between the sole of the foot and the dew claws (fig. 10). Split the
hide from the dew claws down the leg to the hock and over the rear of
the round to a point about 6 inches below the hock and remove the hide
from each hindleg (fig. 11). Remove the hindleg by cutting through the
joint closest to the foot with a knife or saw (figs. 12 and 13). Be
careful _not_ to cut the large tendons just below the hock for they will
be needed when hoisting the carcass.
[Illustration: Man slicing across hind foot using a knife]
Figure 10.—Cutting beneath dew claws.
[Illustration: Man slicing along hindleg using a knife]
Figure 11.—Removing hide from hindlegs.
[Illustration: Man slicing through hindleg joint using a knife]
Figure 12.—Removing hindleg by cutting through joint.
[Illustration: Man sawing through hindleg joint]
Figure 13.—Removing hindleg by sawing through joint.
To remove the foreleg, cut through the hide and tendons at the joint
closest to the foot. This joint is approximately 1 inch above the bony
rise in the knee. Split the hide from the dew claws to the original
cut and skin out the forelegs. Remove the forelegs with a knife or saw
at the original cut (fig. 14).
[Illustration: Slicing through one foreleg joint and sawing through
the other]
Figure 14.—Removing the forelegs with knife or saw.