Been there, done that, hopefully doing it again in 2007 [&:]

The outfitter will have suggestions, ask him. I flew mine home on the plane with me as checked baggage. Check with your airline, they will have baggage restrictions and keep them in mind while packing. Typically you will be allowed 2 checked bags and 1-2 SMALL carry on bags.

Here's what I did: I shipped a bunch of clothes/boots home via UPS, along with the rack (no cape, I just kept the rack). Butcher bundled the meat in 50lb wax lined boxes. This was 4 boxes, plus a smaller one (220lbs of meat). I took the smaller box and put it in my carry on and my other checked bag. It costs for any bag over 2 and they are limited to 50lbs or there is an additional fee. I think they are limited to 100 lbs max. I think it cost me roughly $240 to fly the meat home. Had a slight panic attack while sitting in Chicago for 2+ hours watching the boxes of meat sit outside in the 75degree sunshine in the luggage trolly.

Another hunter in camp used UPS to overnight all his meat, cape and rack home next day air. Cost him around $900 but he said it was worth it to know it was safely home in the freezer.

Suggestions:

- PACK LIGHT, try to only use one checked bag, probably your bow/gun case. Use a bigger carry on.

- Think about shipping home the bow and clothes to lighten up the load on the plane.

Driving may not be an option due to vacation time, but it seems a better optoin for meat care, pack big coolers with frozen meat and off you go.