Quick Answer
To field dress a coyote, start by making a midline incision from the anus to the base of the throat, then cut through the diaphragm and make a second incision from the breastbone to the ribcage. Remove the organs and cavity contents, and rinse the carcass with water.
Preparation
Before field dressing a coyote, ensure you have a sharp knife and a clean work surface. Make a midline incision from the anus to the base of the throat, cutting through the skin, fascia, and muscle. Be careful not to puncture the digestive tract.
Dissection
Continue the incision through the diaphragm and make a second incision from the breastbone to the ribcage, cutting through the ribcage and sternum. Remove the organs and cavity contents, taking care not to spill any contents. Remove the lungs, heart, liver, and intestines, and set them aside for processing or disposal.
Final Steps
Rinse the carcass with water to remove any remaining blood or debris. Pat the carcass dry with paper towels or a clean cloth to prevent bacterial growth. This will help preserve the meat and make it safer to handle and consume.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.