The Classic Reference for Hunters,Homesteaders & Farmers
Stop Paying a Processor. Start Butchering Your Own.
$32.99
$36.99
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This book is for you if… Built for people who work with animals or want to
🎯Hunters & Field Dressers
Stop leaving money on the table at the processor. The venison chapter covers everything from field dressing through finished cuts — so every animal you harvest gets used completely.
🏡Homesteaders & Small Farmers
Raise it yourself, process it yourself. Whether you're raising pigs, chickens, lambs, or beef cattle, this book makes the processing step something you can handle on-farm without a commercial processor.
🛡️Preppers & Self-Sufficiency Minded
When the supply chain fails, the ability to raise and process your own meat isn't optional — it's essential. This is the reference that belongs in your preparedness library alongside your seed bank and canning guides.
Basic Butchering
Other Brands
Step-by-step illustrations
Written by a veterinarian
Covers 7+ animals
Field dressing included
Curing & smoking guide
One-time cost
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
"This should be a required purchase for everyone who takes to the woods in pursuit of wild game. No more wasting meat or spending big money by taking your wild game to a professional meat processor — all you need to know is right here."
"I used this book to teach myself the basics of butchering many years ago and find it is a ready resource today. I butcher on a regular basis and would recommend this book to any man who has never put the knife to his own livestock before."
"Every now and then you come across a book that is right on the spot — written by someone who is willing and capable to share their wealth of knowledge in a CLEAR way. I bought a whole lamb and butchered it. All the cuts are there."
"This is the most concise book I have ever seen on the subject of slaughtering livestock. I would recommend this book to anyone who has even a slight interest in slaughtering his or her own livestock."
"Exactly what the title claims and no less. This book takes you from stunning and slaughtering to breaking an animal into primal and sub-primal cuts. Fantastic if you're looking to learn."
"Good introduction to butchering and covers all the basics. The author definitely believes in humane treatment when you have to kill for food. A solid starting point — you'll come back to it repeatedly."
Common Questions Before you order
Everything you need to know before getting started
Do I need prior butchering experience?
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No — this is built for someone doing it for the first time, or someone who learned by watching and wants a proper reference. The 130 illustrations mean you're not left deciphering text descriptions alone. That said, no book replaces hands-on practice — as one reader put it: "no book will ever give you the skills, you have to kill and cut to learn them." This gets you started correctly.
Is this advanced enough for experienced butchers?
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It's a foundational reference, not an advanced technique manual. Experienced commercial butchers will find it too basic. It's written specifically for the do-it-yourself farmer, hunter, or homesteader who wants clean, functional cuts — not market-ready presentation cuts.
Does it cover field dressing deer and wild game?
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Yes — the venison chapter covers field dressing through finished cuts. There's also a chapter on less common meats and small game beyond the main seven animals.
What tools do I actually need?
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The book opens with a full tools and equipment chapter. For smaller animals like venison or poultry, you can start with just a good hunting knife. For larger animals like beef, you'll want a skinning knife, butcher knife, boning knife, and ideally a meat saw. The book is explicit about what's essential vs. optional.
What's the return policy?
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30-day money-back guarantee. Contact support@therootstead.com within 30 days of your order if you're not satisfied and we'll refund you in full.
How fast does it ship?
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US orders ship within 1–3 business days and arrive in 5–8 business days (tracked and insured). Free shipping on orders $31+. International orders (UK, Canada, Australia) arrive in 3–5 business days once shipped.