A hoist mechanism for raising an animal carcass off the ground includes a pair of strap assemblies. Each strap assembly includes a first ratchet portion attachable to a support member and a loop assembly for grasping a portion of the animal carcass. A handle is provided on each ratchet strap to raise a portion of the carcass off the ground. By alternately raising different portions of the carcass a given distance above ground level, the carcass can ultimately be raised to a position where it can be positioned on a support surface, for example to a rack that is provided on a vehicle.