Vital kit that is a cut above

The term ‘gralloch’ is derived from the Scottish word grealach and defined as “the process of removing the entrails of a dead deer”. An efficient, timely and hygienic removal of a deer’s internal organs is required to avoid any risk of food contamination or damage. The gralloch is the process of removal of the stomach and intestines, with the term ‘pluck’ meaning the organs on the head side of the diaphragm, primarily the heart and lungs.

“All that is holding the organs and stomach is connective tissue and diaphragm skirt”

I oversee training for people who are starting out on their stalking journey, along with those at the other end of the spectrum as they work towards the standard required to negotiate Deer Stalking Certificate Level 2. There are various methods of conducting a hygienic gralloch and best practice would recommend doing the minimum in the field, with the bulk of the work conducted in a clean larder environment.