When field dressing an animal, what is the first step?

The first step in field dressing an animal is ensuring that the animal is deceased before starting the process. This is crucial for both safety and ethical considerations. If the animal is still alive, any efforts to dress it could cause unnecessary suffering and pose risks to the individual performing the field dressing. Additionally, a deceased animal will allow the process to be carried out more efficiently and safely.

Other steps, like preparing tools or finding a clean area, are important for a smooth and hygienic field dressing experience, but they cannot take place until the animal is confirmed dead. Making the first incision should also only be done after ensuring the animal has passed away, as doing so prematurely could lead to complications or additional risks.