Elkcrazy8,

What kind of bags do you use and how do you make the seal (other than double bagging -- knots? tape? zip locs? ).
Any reason why it would NOT work with whole quarters (aside from sharp bone cuts, more waste space, and more bags)?

Depending on how many hunters show up in our camp with horses (1 two years ago, 3 last year) I sometimes worry what if we get 6 or 7 elk down opening morning and it is turning more than warm, i.e. HOT --- then what to do if it is even too warm in the shade for temporary storage and the "clock is running" on that much fine elk flesh and the ole hoss can only pack it out so fast. I haven't had that "problem" unfold for my group yet but I HAVE been burdening the pack horse (which we take with us each day) with a field dressing "kit" that also includes a dozen heavy heavy 55 gal trash can liners. The idea being that if it turns THAT warm we would quarter away, start the horse out with the first load and then move the other quarters into cold water temporarily (meat below water level and top open to the air above) until those quarters could make their trip out.

I like your idea of tight wrapping it and just getting it all under water level as it would be simpler, but would want to be sure it stays "dry". Speaking of dry, running water is NOT in great supply in my area, hence the following questions (aside from your sealing method):

How about ponds that had thin ice on them "that morning" versus flowing water?
How about if the pond is NOT in the shade but the water is very murky (yuck type stuff, but still damn cold to the touch and will lightly freeze over again that night)?
Probably not as good as running water in the shade, but perhaps for 24 hours versus 48-72 hours?

Just looking for a "safety valve" for the situation of too much good luck on a warm, warm day -- any thougts on the matter are appreciated.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM