The best game cart for hauling deer is the one whose rated capacity matches your animal and whose tires match your ground. For most solo whitetail hunters the Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart is the most straightforward all-round answer, while the four-wheel Hawk Crawler is harder to tip on mud and sidehill, and anyone chasing elk, moose or bear needs a 750 lb steel frame.
A game cart, also called a deer cart or deer hauler, is a wheeled metal frame used to roll a harvested deer from the woods to your truck instead of dragging it by hand or rope. You strap the animal onto the deck, then either push it yourself or tow it behind a quad. Large wheels and a well-placed axle let a loaded cart crawl over logs, roots and ruts that would stop a drag rope dead.
We put ten of the most-reviewed game carts on the market through the same comparison: rated capacity against real field-dressed weights, tire compound and diameter, empty weight in your hands, frame material, folding behaviour, and the hardware that tends to fail first. Nothing here is based on a spec sheet alone. Where owners report a specific weakness, we name it.
One thing worth saying up front: a cart changes the job, it does not delete it. A cart shifts the load onto two wheels instead of your back, and the hauling still happens. The right cart is the one that keeps you upright on the worst ground between you and the tailgate. If you also haul firewood, stands or garden material, our guide to the best garden carts for hauling covers the lighter-duty end of the same category.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Hauling Deer (October 2026)
Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart
- 300-lb capacity
- 16-inch solid rubber spoked wheels
- Centered weight over the axle
- Folds flat
Hawk Crawler 500 lb Cart
- 500-lb sling bed
- 360-degree pivoting axles
- Foam-filled all-terrain tires
- Four wheels
Goplus 550 lb Folding Cart
- 550-lb metal frame
- 20-inch solid rubber wheels
- Double-layer deck
- Two-level lock
Those three cover the widest range of real hunting conditions we found. The Guide Gear wins on proven durability and the deepest owner base. The Hawk Crawler wins when the ground tilts. The Goplus wins when wheel diameter is the deciding factor and you plan to use the frame for more than one season of deer.
Best Game Carts for Hauling Deer in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart |
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Check Latest Price |
| Hawk Crawler 500 lb All-Terrain Cart |
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| Goplus 550 lb Folding Deer Cart |
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Check Latest Price |
 Kill Shot 500 lb Folding Game Cart |
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 GYMAX 550 lb Cart with Polyester Liner |
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 Guide Gear Aluminum Game Cart |
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 Kill Shot 750 lb Heavy-Duty Cart |
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 Moccha 500 lb Double-Layer Cart |
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Check Latest Price |
 Rivers Edge Tri-Fold Game Cart |
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Check Latest Price |
 Kill Shot 750 lb Cart with Tow Bar |
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Check Latest Price |
Two numbers in that table decide most purchases before you ever look at a tire. Rated capacity tells you what the frame is built to hold. Empty weight tells you what you will be lifting into a truck bed at the end of a long day. A 750 lb cart you cannot get into your bed alone is a worse deer cart than a 500 lb cart you can.
How Much Weight Can a Deer Cart Actually Carry?
Most carts in this roundup are rated between 250 lb and 750 lb, and the rating describes a flat, centred, evenly distributed load. Match that against typical field-dressed weights and the tiers make sense on paper.
250 to 300 lb: a single whitetail doe, or an average-size buck on good ground. This is the tier the Guide Gear Deluxe and the Rivers Edge sit in.
500 to 550 lb: a typical 150 to 200 lb buck with gear, or a moose cow. This is where most deer hunters land, and where the Hawk Crawler, Goplus, GYMAX, Kill Shot 500 and Moccha live.
750 lb: elk, moose bulls and black bear. Both Kill Shot heavy-duty carts carry this rating.
Rated capacity is not the same as usable capacity. On a side slope, in soft mud, or with the load sitting forward of the axle, a meaningful share of that weight transfers onto the frame joints and the front of the tires instead of rolling. Owners on hunting forums repeatedly describe carts rated 500 lb that feel taxed well below that in wet ground. Treat the rating as a ceiling in ideal conditions and plan on roughly half to two-thirds of it as your comfortable working load on rough terrain.
One more caution: a 300 lb cart can carry a 200 lb buck fine on a level two-track and fail on a steep sidehill, because the problem is leverage rather than mass. Add a second animal, a cooler, or a heavy pack of gear and the same cart is over its working load.
1. Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart with Big Wheels
Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart, Game Hauler Hunting Gear Accessories, with Big Wheels
300 lb capacity
16 inch solid rubber spoked wheels
Alloy steel frame
28.2 lb empty
Pros
- Weight centred over the axle makes a loaded cart easier to pull
- Large solid rubber spoked wheels roll over rough terrain
- Folds flat for truck or garage storage
- Three lashing straps included
- Doubles as a firewood and tree stand hauler
Cons
- 300 lb rating is modest next to the 500 lb and 550 lb carts here
- Two-wheel design needs balance control on steep side slopes
This is the cart we come back to most. It has more owner reviews than anything else in the roundup by a wide margin, and the pattern in those reviews is remarkably consistent: simple steel frame, folds flat, pulls straight, and does not fall apart. The design decision that matters most is the one the manufacturer calls centring the weight over the axle.
On a two-wheel cart, load placement decides everything. When the weight sits over the axle, the cart is balanced and the handle is almost weightless to hold, so you can steer it with one hand on rough ground. When the load sits behind the axle, the handle pushes down on your wrists and the whole thing tries to tip back. You can feel the difference within the first hundred yards.
The 16-inch solid rubber spoked wheels are the other reason this cart keeps working. Solid rubber means no pressure to check before dawn and no plug to find in the rain. The spokes flex slightly over roots and small logs instead of slamming into them, which is a gentler ride for the load and for your arms.
At 28.2 lb empty, it is light enough for one person to lift into a pickup bed, which is a bigger deal than it sounds. Many of the higher-capacity carts in this list need a second pair of hands for the loading step alone. Three lashing straps ship in the box, and owners report using the cart for tree stands, firewood and hoists long after the deer season ends.
Who the Guide Gear Deluxe suits
This is the right cart for a solo hunter carrying a doe or a typical buck out of fairly walkable woods, and for anyone who wants one tool that also moves firewood and gear. The low empty weight and simple fold make it one of the easiest carts here to keep in a truck bed all season without thinking about it.
Where it falls short
The 300 lb rating is the real limit, and it is a hard ceiling. A genuinely large buck, an elk calf, or two animals in one trip is outside what the frame is rated for. On a steep cross-slope a two-wheel cart can also get away from you quickly, because balance is a wheel-width problem as much as a weight problem. If your ground is hillside, read the Hawk Crawler section next.
2. Hawk Crawler 500 lb All-Terrain Recovery Cart
Hawk Crawler 500 lb All-Terrain Deer & Game Recovery Cart, Flat Dark Earth
500 lb capacity
Four wheels with 360-degree pivot axles
Foam-filled all-terrain tires
45 lb empty
Pros
- Four-wheel stance keeps the load upright on side slopes
- Foam-filled tires never need airing up
- Textilene DuraMesh sling rated to 500 lb
- Folds to 42 by 31 inches for transport
- Crawls over logs
- stumps and mud
Cons
- At 45 lb it is one of the heavier carts here
- often a two-person lift
- Sling bed is less protective than a solid deck for wet game
The Hawk Crawler is the most mentioned cart in hunter forums we reviewed, described across independent threads as the best deer cart owners have owned. We did not take that at face value, but the design does explain the reputation. It is the only four-wheel cart in this roundup, and the 360-degree dual-pivoting axles are the reason it behaves differently on a tilted hillside.
A cross-slope is the worst case for a two-wheeler, because the frame wants to tip downhill. Here the wheels swivel to stay flat against the ground and the load stays upright, which is what makes this cart the choice for swampy, off-camber, downed-timber country.
The foam-filled tires are the other headline. They are filled with microcellular polyurethane foam, so they never go flat and never need a pump. There is no pressure check before a 5 a.m. walk and no roadside repair in the dark. The 14 by 3 inch tire size is smaller than the 20-inch wheels on several competitors here, and that shows on deep ruts even though the foam fill softens the ride.
One real-world report stands out. A hunter on the njwoodsandwater forum documented moving a 217 lb bear over mountainous terrain in 70 minutes with this cart. That is a specific number, on a specific weight, over a specific distance, which is worth more than any star rating. Another owner elsewhere reported a 170 lb deer moved 1.25 miles over hills and downed logs in 40 minutes, roughly double the time of the same drag with a plain rope, which is the honest benchmark to set against.
Who the Hawk Crawler suits
It suits hunters who work ground with sidehills, swampy bottoms, or heavy blowdown, and who want the animal held stable rather than sliding. It also works as a general utility hauler for firewood, gear and equipment. If you have a quad or UTV nearby, the folding frame and handle pack down for transport.
Where it falls short
At 45 lb empty it is one of the heaviest carts in this roundup, and the loading and unloading step into a truck bed is a genuine two-person job for many hunters. The sling bed is also less protective than a solid deck. Blood and hide fluids drain through the Textilene mesh instead of being contained, so a wet animal stays wet and the sling needs a hose-down afterwards.
3. Goplus 550 lb Folding Deer Cart with 20 Inch Wheels
Goplus Folding Deer Cart, 550 LBS Adjustable Game Cart with 20 Inch Big Wheels, Heavy Duty Cargo Carrier, 2-in-1 Deer Hauler for Luggage, Firewood, Animal
550 lb capacity
20 inch solid rubber wheels
Double-layer deck
47.5 lb empty
Pros
- Double-layer deck keeps the animal from sliding off
- 20 inch solid tires handle grass
- sand
- gravel and snow
- Two-level lock works as hauler or flat cargo cart
- Most owners report it hauls heavy loads easily
Cons
- Metal hardware rattles and small wheel clips can work loose
- Handle suits shorter users unless mounted in reverse
- No built-in tie-down points so straps must be added
Wheel diameter is the single most useful spec number on any game cart, and this one pairs a 550 lb rating with 20 inch wheels, the joint-largest tires in the roundup. A bigger wheel rolls over a rut or a root without the frame ever noticing. When your ground is uneven rather than soft, diameter does more for you than capacity does.
The two-level adjustable frame is the sleeper feature. A locking latch lets you run the bed upright for hauling game or drop it flat for firewood, gear or a cooler run, and owners end up using it far outside hunting season.
The double-layer bed is a genuinely smart bit of engineering. The upper platform cradles the load so a deer cannot slide off sideways on a turn, which matters on a long pull over uneven ground. With 550 lb of rated capacity and a metal frame, the majority of owners report it hauling its advertised loads without drama.
There are three honest complaints in the reviews, and they are all fixable. Metal-to-metal hardware rattles loudly once a load is on, so a few owners replace the clips with bolts. The handle is best mounted in reverse to pull level, which suits taller pullers but looks wrong to anyone expecting a one-piece handle. And there are no built-in tie-down points, so bring your own straps.
Who the Goplus 550 suits
It suits hunters with hard, uneven ground who want maximum wheel size and a bed that keeps the animal in place. It is also a strong pick for anyone buying one cart for the whole property, since the flat-bed mode turns it into a firewood and gear hauler. Solo hunters on two-track roads and long flat approaches will find the 550 lb rating far more than they need.
Where it falls short
At 47.5 lb it is among the heavier steel carts here, so the truck-bed step needs planning. The rattle from unpadded hardware is genuinely louder than it should be on a night walk, and buyers who are sensitive to noise will want to add foam or threadlocker before the season starts. It is also not the cart for a hunter who carries everything themselves on foot, because you will feel that weight on the walk-in.
4. Kill Shot 500 lb Folding Game Cart with 16 Inch Wheels
Kill Shot Deer Hunting Folding Game Cart 500 lb Capacity, 16″ Rubber Wheels
500 lb capacity
16 inch wheels on 3/4 inch axle
Alloy steel frame
32 lb empty
Pros
- Highest average rating among 500 lb two-wheel carts here
- Rolls over logs
- hills and rough ground
- Folds flat and assembles without special tools
- Owners report successful deer and bear hauls
Cons
- Handle angle suits shorter pullers unless reversed
- Wheel retaining pins can pull out and bearings can dry out
It carries the highest average rating of any two-wheel 500 lb model in the roundup, and the review profile explains why. Owners talk about a brown powder-coated steel frame, a heavy 3/4 inch steel axle and side braces that keep the load from shifting, not about marketing claims. It is a plain, well-built cart that does the job without pretending to be something else.
The 3/4 inch axle is worth calling out. Axle diameter is the part of a two-wheel cart that actually carries the load into the frame, and a heavier axle resists bending on a log or a rock in a way a thin one does not. The 16-inch rubber wheels pair well with that axle, giving a compromise between the small-wheel carts and the 20 inch models.
At 32 lb empty it sits in the middle of the weight range, light enough for a solo lift into a bed and heavy enough to feel planted when loaded. The extended 15.75 inch handle spreads the grip, which reduces the pinch you feel in your palms after a mile of pulling, and owners report the cart assembling quickly with no special tools.
Real haul reports are the strongest part of the review set. Multiple owners describe successful deer hauls including bear, which is a reasonable test of a 500 lb rating. The failures reported are small and mechanical: wheel retaining pins pulling out on rough ground, and bearings that eventually lose their grease.
Who the Kill Shot 500 suits
It suits a hunter who wants a properly built steel two-wheeler, will occasionally take a bear or a very large buck, and does not need extreme wheel diameter. The side braces add real security on a long pull with the animal shifting.
Where it falls short
The handle geometry is the most common complaint. It is set for a shorter puller and drags when taller hunters use it as assembled, so plan to reverse the handle on arrival. The 16 inch wheels are the limiting factor in deep mud compared with the 20 inch models here, and the retaining pins deserve a dab of threadlocker before you leave home.
5. GYMAX 550 lb Cart with Polyester Liner
GYMAX Deer Cart, 550 lbs Folding Game Carts with Polyester Liner, 20″ Big Wheels, All-Terrain Heavy-Duty Deer Cart Game Hauler for Hunting Fishing Hiking (29″ x 48″ x 47″)
550 lb capacity
20 inch rubber tires
Removable polyester liner
37.5 lb empty
Pros
- Removable polyester liner makes cleanup after a haul easy
- 20 inch tires roll over roots
- steps and snow
- Folds compact enough for a pickup bed
- 550 lb rating on a powder-coated steel frame
Cons
- Handle angle drags when set as shipped
- Many packages arrive with no printed instructions
- Some sizes run smaller than the product photos suggest
The removable polyester liner is what separates this cart from the rest of the 550 lb group. It is a tear-resistant bag that straps onto the bed and comes off afterwards, so blood, mud and hair rinse out in a driveway instead of soaking permanently into a steel deck or a mesh sling. If you care about the smell on the second trip, that matters more than another 50 lb of rated capacity.
Underneath, the chassis is conventional and competent. A 550 lb powder-coated steel tube frame, 20 inch wear-resistant rubber tires with locking pins, and a fold that is compact enough to live in a pickup bed between hunts. Owners report hauling multiple deer over a drainage ditch without complaints about the structure.
This cart shares the lowest average rating in the roundup at 4.1, and reading the reviews makes the reason clear. The complaints cluster around assembly and sizing rather than durability. The handle angle is set for a shorter puller and drags for taller users, and a number of buyers report that packages arrive with no printed instructions, which turns a simple build into a guessing game.
The sizing complaint is the one to take seriously. Several owners of smaller variants say the cart runs tighter than the product photographs suggest, which matters a great deal when you are trying to lay a deer across it. Check the stated dimensions before you commit, because the same brand is offered in more than one size.
Who the GYMAX 550 suits
It suits hunters who haul multiple animals through a season and care about cleanup between trips, and who want 20 inch wheels for rough ground. The folding size is genuinely good for anyone without a garage, since it disappears into a truck bed rather than needing a corner of one.
Where it falls short
It is the weakest fit for a first-time buyer who wants a smooth setup. Missing instructions and a handle that drags out of the box are real friction, and both are solved in ten minutes with an online video and a wrench. We would suggest reading recent reviews on your specific size before ordering, because that complaint is about the variant rather than the design.
6. Guide Gear Aluminum Game Cart
Guide Gear Aluminum Game Cart Deer Hauler Tree Hauling Hunting Gear Equipment with Wheels
250 lb capacity
Solid aluminum frame
15 inch solid rubber spoked wheels
23.6 lb empty
Pros
- Aluminum frame is roughly half the weight of comparable steel carts
- Easy to assemble and rolls smoothly on typical woods ground
- Owners report carrying two whitetail does at once
- Folds flat for transport and storage
Cons
- 250 lb ceiling is the lowest rating in the roundup
- Folding means disconnecting six points rather than a quick fold
- Included D-pins and straps are weak so owners upgrade them
It is also the only aluminum frame in the roundup, and the lightest frame we reviewed at 23.6 lb. For a hunter who walks a mile and a half into a stand with everything on their back, that number is the whole argument. Every other steel cart here starts at 28 lb and climbs to 53 lb, and on a long walk-in that difference is felt every single trip.
It also folds flat in a way that suits a small vehicle. At 36.5 inches long by 21 wide by 5 high when folded, it slides under a bed or stands against a wall without taking a whole corner. The 15 inch puncture-proof solid rubber spoked wheels roll smoothly on typical woods ground with roots and leaf litter.
The catch is the 250 lb rating, the lowest capacity here, and owners do report failures with larger bucks on rough ground. The second catch is the fold. Unlike the quick single-motion folds on the steel carts, this one means disconnecting six connection points, which is a chore every single time you unfold it at the treestand.
Third, and most important before a heavy haul, the included D-pins and straps are reported as weak. Owners routinely substitute bolts and better straps before trusting the cart with a deer, and that ten-minute modification is not optional in our view. New tires also carry a strong rubber smell that fades after airing out.
Who the Guide Gear Aluminum suits
It suits walk-in hunters, public-land and backcountry hunters carrying a stand or tree stand hardware on a long approach, and anyone who needs a doe or a small buck out of woods that are firm underfoot. Owners do report carrying two whitetail does in one trip, so it is not strictly a one-animal tool if the animals are small.
Where it falls short
It is not the cart for elk, moose, bear, or a trophy buck on rough ground. It is also not the cart for a hunter who needs the frame to survive repeated hard use without modifying the hardware first. Buy it for weight and portability, and treat capacity as a limit rather than a rating you will approach.
7. Kill Shot 750 lb Heavy-Duty Game Cart with 20 Inch Wheels
Kill Shot Deer Hunting Game Cart 750 lb Capacity, 20″ Rubber Wheels
750 lb capacity
20 inch solid rubber wheels
Handle adjusts to 14.5 inches
47 lb empty
Pros
- 750 lb rating handles elk
- moose and bear
- Height-adjustable handle reduces back strain for different pullers
- 20 inch wheels roll through gravel
- grass and sand
- Side braces and two straps secure the load
Cons
- Heavy at 47 lb and awkward to load solo
- Spring pin hardware can loosen and rattle under load
If you hunt anywhere with elk, moose or black bear in it, capacity is not a preference and the 750 lb tier is the floor. This cart is one of two in this roundup that carries that rating, and it pairs the capacity with 20 inch solid rubber wheels, which is the combination we would want on an approach over gravel, grass and sand.
The height-adjustable handle is the feature most write-ups skip. It extends up to 14.5 inches, so you set the pull height to your own frame rather than bending at the waist. On a heavy load, handle height is the difference between pulling with your legs and dragging with your shoulders.
Side braces and two included straps keep the animal from sliding off on a turn, and the wheels and braces remove for folding, which matters when the cart is 47 lb. Assembly uses wire spring pins, and those pins are the recurring weak point in the reviews. Several owners replace the pins with bolts once, which removes the rattle and the loosening.
This cart also has the strongest five-star share of any 500 lb-plus model here. That tells you the satisfied owners are deeply satisfied, which usually points to hardware that does not move when it should not.
Who the Kill Shot 750 suits
It suits elk, moose and bear hunters, and anyone who anticipates a genuinely large animal or who has a partner and a plan for two trips. The adjustable handle means it works for two people of different heights on the same cart, which is a real advantage in a two-person extraction.
Where it falls short
At 47 lb it is awkward to load solo into a truck bed, so plan the unloading step with a second person or a ramp. The spring-pin hardware is the item to inspect before every season, because a pin working loose under a heavy load on rough ground is a genuine hazard rather than a nuisance.
8. Moccha 500 lb Double-Layer Deer Cart
Moccha Double-Layer Deer Cart – 500 LBS Adjustable Game Cart with 20 Inch Rubber Wheels, Heavy-Duty Flat Hauling Dolly & Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier, Hunting Game Hauler for Hiking Fishing
500 lb capacity
Double-layer adjustable deck
20 inch rubber wheels
24 lb empty
Pros
- Light for its size class so one person can load it into a truck
- Pin system makes assembly and disassembly quick
- 20 inch wheels roll well on gravel two-tracks
- Double-layer deck keeps the load from sliding
Cons
- Short handle as shipped so owners reverse it
- Runs smaller than the product photos suggest
- Frame feels light for very large game such as elk
This cart solves a problem most listings ignore: how to have 20 inch wheels and a 500 lb rating without carrying a 47 lb frame. At 24 lb empty, it is close to half the weight of the other 500 lb-plus steel carts in this roundup, and that is the single reason one person can lift it into a truck bed unaided. It is also the only 500 lb-rated cart here that pairs that weight with 20 inch wheels.
Mechanically it is the Moccha 500 lb double-layer design with a two-level locking latch. You run the bed upright for game or flat for cargo, and the upper platform cradles the load so it does not slide. It also pairs with a hitch-mounted receiver tube sold separately, which turns it into a hitch cargo carrier for camp gear.
The 4.3 rating comes from consistent praise on the practical points: quick pin assembly, smooth rolling on gravel two-tracks, and low weight. The negative reviews repeat three things, and none of them are about the frame failing. The handle is short as shipped and owners reverse it. No assembly instructions are included. And the cart runs smaller than the product photographs suggest.
Those are all things you can solve in an afternoon, but the sizing one matters. If you are buying this to lay a full-size deer across, read the stated dimensions rather than judging from the listing photos, and measure the animal you expect to haul before you commit.
Who the Moccha 500 suits
It suits solo hunters who want big wheels and a real load rating without a two-person lift, and anyone who wants one cart to cover deer, firewood and camp cargo. The 20 inch wheels and low weight make it a good choice for long flat approaches and gravel access roads where you would rather not fight a heavy frame.
Where it falls short
It is not built for elk or moose, and owners say so directly. The light frame that makes it easy to carry also feels underbuilt for very large game, and the short handle means taller pullers will immediately want to reverse or replace it. Budget ten minutes for setup because the instructions are not in the box.
9. Rivers Edge Tri-Fold Game Cart
Rivers Edge® Game Cart, Haul Large Game, Tri-Fold Design, from Folded to Full Use, Durable, 300 lb. Hauling Capacity, RE790 Black
300 lb capacity
Tri-fold frame needs no tools
Solid rubber tires on steel wheels
29 lb empty
Pros
- Tri-fold frame opens from folded to full use with no tools
- Steel wheels feel solid and do not flex under heavy game
- Easy to carry folded on a long walk to the stand
- Backed by a 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- 300 lb rating limits it to average size deer
- Wheel pins and wing nuts loosen or fall off
- Folding needs unscrewed fasteners so quick-release pins help
The tri-fold frame is the reason to look at this cart. It opens from fully folded to fully set up without tools, which none of the other carts in this roundup are described as matching. At 56 inches long by 27 wide and 32 high, it is compact enough to carry folded to a stand or a campsite, which makes it a genuine carry-in cart rather than a truck-only tool.
Another detail that is easy to miss: the wheels are steel with solid rubber tires, not plastic spoked wheels. Owners describe them as feeling durable and not flexing under heavy game, and the solid rubber tires will not go flat, so there is no pressure to check.
This cart also carries a 1-year limited warranty, and the reviews mention responsive parts service with replacement hardware being sent out. For a tool that lives in a truck bed and takes abuse, that support history matters.
Who the Rivers Edge suits
It suits walk-in and public-land hunters who need a cart that fits in a backpack-friendly package and can be carried a long way folded, plus anyone who wants a no-tool setup. The steel wheels also make it a good choice for a hunter with a small ATV for firewood and gear runs around camp.
Where it falls short
The 300 lb rating is the same ceiling as the Guide Gear Deluxe, and it means an average-size deer is the realistic maximum. The folding process also needs fasteners unscrewed, and the wheel pins and wing nuts are reported to loosen or come off in use. Owners who swap in quick-release pins report that the problem disappears.
10. Kill Shot 750 lb Game Cart with Tow Bar
Kill Shot Deer, Game Cart with Tow Bar, Heavy-Duty, 750 lb Capacity
750 lb capacity
Tow bar fits 2 inch hitch balls
20 inch solid rubber wheels
53 lb empty
Pros
- Owners rate it 4.6 out of 5 with no one-star reviews
- Tow bar lets an ATV or golf cart pull the load instead
- 20 inch solid tires clear rough ground
- Adjustable handle heights suit different pullers
Cons
- Heaviest unit here at 53 lb
- difficult to load solo
- Tow bar is rated below the cart's own 750 lb
- Screws are used where bolts would hold better
This is the only cart in the roundup that comes with a tow bar, and that single feature changes the use case completely. The bar fits hitch balls up to 2 inches, so a loaded 750 lb cart can be pulled behind an ATV, UTV or golf cart instead of hand-pulled. If you have a machine, you are not hauling at all, and that removes most of the weight and balance argument.
It also has the highest average rating in the roundup at 4.6, and its 52 reviews contain no one-star ratings at all. The 20 inch solid rubber wheels clear rough ground, and the multiple adjustable handle heights let two people of different sizes share the same cart on foot for the last stretch.
Two points deserve a close read. The tow bar itself is rated at 500 lb, which is below the cart’s 750 lb rating, so a genuinely large animal is better walked than towed. And some owners report frame tubes that would not line up at assembly without pulling them together with ratchet straps, which is an assembly tolerance issue rather than a structural one.
Who the Kill Shot Tow Bar cart suits
It suits hunters with an ATV, UTV or golf cart who want to move heavy game without touching the handle, and it suits two-person teams where one person drives while the other rides. The 750 lb capacity covers elk, moose and bear, and the adjustable handles cover the walk-out to the truck.
Where it falls short
At 53 lb it is the heaviest unit we reviewed, and it arrives in a large box, so the loading step is a real job without a second person. The tow bar hardware uses screws where bolts would hold better, and wider tires would improve stability on a side slope. Check the tow bar rating against your actual load before you rely on it.
How to Load a Deer Into a Truck Bed With a Cart
Loading is the step nobody plans for and everybody underestimates. A 150 lb deer at a typical tailgate height of three feet is a genuinely awkward lift, and it is where most injuries happen during an extraction. Here is how the carts above reduce it.
Fold the cart in the field, load on the ground. Every cart in this roundup folds flat, which means you can assemble or unfold the frame next to the animal rather than at the truck. Strap the deer to the deck on the ground, then fold the handle and side braces in for the lift.
Use the tailgate as a ramp. With the cart unfolded and loaded, lower the tailgate fully and roll or slide the cart up the closed tailgate at a shallow angle. Doing it in two short stages works better than one steep push, and it is far safer than trying to lift a loaded cart bodily into the bed.
Winch it. For 750 lb carts and large animals, a winch on the front of the truck with a strap on the cart’s frame is the standard method. Attach to the frame, never to a tire or a strap you are also using to hold the animal, and keep everyone else clear of the pull line.
Plan two people for the heavy carts. The Hawk Crawler at 45 lb, the Goplus at 47.5 lb and the Kill Shot tow cart at 53 lb are not solo lifts once loaded. The lighter carts in this roundup, particularly the Guide Gear Aluminum at 23.6 lb and the Moccha at 24 lb, are the ones you can manage on your own.
Strap before you move. Two straps crossed over the animal and clipped to the frame, plus the side braces, keep the load from shifting during the lift. A load that slides during a tailgate lift is the failure that puts someone in hospital.
Which Cart Handles Mud, Snow, Hills and Long Walks
Match the cart to the ground you actually hunt, not the ground you wish you hunted.
Mud and swamp: the Hawk Crawler leads here, because four wheels and pivoting axles keep the load upright when the ground tilts and foam-filled tires never go flat in standing water. The 20 inch solid wheel models, the Goplus and the GYMAX, do well where mud is deep but the ground is flat.
Snow and ice: solid rubber tires, which most of these carts use, behave better in snow than pneumatics that can run low. Forum owners repeatedly prefer a low drag sled over any cart in deep snow and heavy blowdown, because a cart has four or two wheels to dig and a sled has one smooth runner. For moderate snow with packed ground beneath, the foam-filled tires on the Hawk Crawler and the 20 inch solid wheels on the 750 lb Kill Shot carts are the sturdiest options here.
Steep hills and downed timber: wheel diameter and pivot axles matter more than capacity. The Hawk Crawler handles off-camber ground best. The Kill Shot 500 with its 3/4 inch axle takes logs and rocks well at a lighter 32 lb empty weight. The 300 lb carts can manage on moderate hills but feel light on a steep cross-slope.
Long flat walk-outs: empty weight is the number that decides this. The Guide Gear Aluminum at 23.6 lb and the Moccha at 24 lb are the two to carry a long way folded. The Rivers Edge is the best of the 300 lb carts for a carry-in because its tri-fold frame needs no tools to open.
Hitch and gear hauling: the Goplus and the Moccha both double as cargo carriers with a separately sold hitch rack or receiver tube. For a general-purpose utility angle, we cover the lighter-duty category in our garden cart buying guide.
Game Cart vs Sled vs Drag Rope vs ATV
The right extraction tool depends less on preference than on what you have available and what the ground is doing.
Drag rope: fastest to set up, no cost, no cargo. It is a drag on your back and on the animal’s hide, and on a long walk-out it is the option most likely to hurt you. Fine for short distances on firm ground with a small deer.
Game cart: the best general answer. It keeps the animal clean and off the ground, protects your back and knees, and rolls over logs instead of catching on them. It costs money, weighs something in your hands, and does not make a long rough haul fast.
Game sled or drag sled: wins in deep snow and heavy blowdown, where a low-profile runner slides over what wheels dig into. This is the consensus recommendation from hunter forums in exactly those conditions, and it pairs well with a cart if you expect both.
ATV or UTV tow: the fastest option and the easiest on your body, at the cost of access. Many public-land and backcountry zones are closed to motorized equipment, which is the entire reason the hand-pulled cart category exists. The Kill Shot tow bar cart is the bridge between the two.
Hitch-mounted carrier: useful for moving a load from a parking area to a truck bed once you are already at the vehicle, and a good camp companion for firewood and gear. It does nothing for the walk-out.
Buying Guide: What Actually Matters on a Deer Cart
Capacity against real animal weight. Do not buy the biggest rating you can find. Buy the smallest rating that comfortably exceeds what you expect to haul, and remember that your working load on rough ground is closer to half the rating than the rating itself.
Tire type. Solid rubber and foam-filled tires need no pressure and cannot be punctured, which is why almost every cart in this roundup uses them. Pneumatic tires roll smoother over hardpack but need pressure checks and carry a puncture risk at the worst possible moment. Foam-filled is the best all-round compromise for a hunting cart.
Wheel diameter. Bigger wheels clear ruts, roots and steps without loading the frame. 16 inch wheels suit moderate ground, 20 inch wheels suit anything rough, and the difference is felt every time the cart hits a log.
Empty weight. This is the number you feel on the walk-in and at the tailgate. Among the 500 lb-rated carts here, empty weight runs from 24 lb to 45 lb, which is the difference between a solo load and needing help.
Frame material. Steel is heavier and tougher, and it is the right choice for repeated heavy hauls and for the abuse of a truck bed. Aluminum saves roughly half the weight and is the right choice for long walk-ins and small game, at the cost of a lower capacity ceiling. The only aluminum cart here is rated 250 lb, and that is not a coincidence.
Axle and hardware. Axle diameter carries the load into the frame, so a 3/4 inch axle beats a thin one. Look at the retention hardware too. Spring pins, clips and wing nuts are the parts that loosen under a heavy load on rough ground, and every cart in this roundup has owners who upgraded them to bolts.
Folding and warranty. A no-tool fold is worth real money if you unfold the cart away from your vehicle. Warranties in this category run from 30-day returns to a 1-year limited warranty, which tells you how the brands themselves rate the hardware.
Balance design. The most important and least advertised feature. A cart that centres the load over the axle is dramatically easier to pull than one that does not, and it is the single biggest difference between a cart you enjoy using and one you resent.
Pre-Season Cart Inspection Checklist
Ten minutes in the garage removes most of the failure modes owners report.
Check the wheel retaining pins, clips and wing nuts, and replace any spring hardware with bolts and threadlocker. This is the single most commonly reported fix across every cart in this roundup.
Inspect the frame welds and the folding joints for cracks, especially at the handle hinge and the axle mount. Check the tire surface for cuts and embedded debris, and confirm solid rubber tires are not cracked around the bead.
Confirm the side braces and every folding latch actually lock, and that the lock holds when you push the frame sideways hard. A latch that holds weight straight down can still open on a side slope.
Test the balance with a heavy bag or a couple of sandbags placed where a deer would sit. If the handle wants to lift or dive, move the load forward until it is over the axle, and note the position so you repeat it in the field.
Finally, do a short loaded walk before the season. A quarter mile in your own ground tells you more about the cart than any specification, and it is the only test that matches your terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best deer hauling cart?
The best deer hauling cart for most solo hunters is the Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart, because its weight sits over the axle, it folds flat and it has the deepest owner review base of any model in this roundup. On sidehills, swamp or downed timber, the four-wheel Hawk Crawler is harder to tip. For elk, moose and bear, choose a 750 lb steel frame instead.
What is the best deer cart for the money?
The best value in this roundup is the Guide Gear Deluxe at 300 lb capacity for a doe or an average buck on walkable ground. If your ground is rough or you hunt larger animals, the Kill Shot 500 lb folding cart offers a heavier axle and a proper steel frame, while the Goplus 550 gives you 20 inch wheels and an adjustable deck. Spending less usually means thinner hardware and loosening clips.
How much weight can a deer cart carry?
Carts in this category are typically rated 250 lb to 750 lb. A 250 to 300 lb rating suits a single whitetail doe or an average buck, 500 to 550 lb covers a 150 to 200 lb buck with gear, and 750 lb covers elk, moose and bear. On rough ground, treat the rating as a ceiling and plan a working load closer to half of it.
Are deer carts worth it?
For solo hunters and anyone hunting land closed to motorized access, a deer cart is usually worth it. It keeps the animal off the ground, shortens your time in the woods with the load, and replaces a drag that stresses your back and knees with a rolling load you steer. A cart does not make a long walk-out fast, and it only works if you check the hardware before the season.
Are deer carts easy to maneuver?
On level ground they are straightforward, and a two-wheel cart with the load centred over the axle can almost be steered with one hand. On a steep sidehill, a two-wheel cart is the hardest case, which is the main reason to choose a four-wheel model with pivoting axles. In mud and deep snow, a low drag sled generally beats any cart because it has no wheels to dig.
What is the best way to transport deer?
A game cart is the best general method for a hand-pulled extraction because it keeps the animal clean, protects your back and rolls over logs. In deep snow and heavy blowdown a low drag sled is better. If you have motorised access, a quad or UTV with a hitch-mounted cart or tow bar is fastest. The right answer depends on your terrain and whether you can use a machine.
Conclusion
The best game carts for hauling deer in 2026 come down to what your ground does to a loaded wheel. The Guide Gear Deluxe Deer Cart is our top pick for most people, with the load balanced over the axle, a fold that disappears into a truck bed, and 28.2 lb of weight one person can manage alone. It is rated 300 lb, so treat that as a real ceiling.
If your hunting involves sidehills, swamp or blowdown, move up to the Hawk Crawler and its four pivoting wheels. If you hunt elk or bear, the 750 lb Kill Shot carts are the only two in this roundup built for that weight, and the tow bar version is the pick if you have an ATV. If your ground is rough but your animals are deer sized, the Goplus 550 with 20 inch wheels is the strongest all-rounder of the rest.
Whichever you choose, spend ten minutes on the hardware before opening day and swap the spring pins and clips for bolts. That single modification fixes the most common complaint we found across every cart in this roundup. Then set the load over the axle, strap it twice, and take your time on the walk-out. Once it is in the bed, the rest of the evening is a matter of taste, and our guide to the best electric meat grinders for deer processing handles the next step.