I would really appreciate tips you may have to make packing an elk out easier? My mom and I are going hunting together this year. She has usual had help packing her elk every year. At 135lbs I realy don't know how well I can wrestle a hind quarter but If she can I guess it can.. Are there any pack frames that make it a little less acward? We usualy try to shoot something close tothe road and uphill, but just in case... I would love your ideas.

THANK YOU!!!

Well if you can ride a horse then you could rent two horses for a day, that's really easy. If not then a good frame pack with very good padding and waist and chest straps. Also if you can do it w/o getting the meat dirty then de-bone it.

If there is snow on the ground, take a couple sleds, the plastic ones that are about 5 or 6 feet long, about 6" deep, with handles on the sides. Sliding them on snow is easier than packing them out on your back. There are lots of frame packs that are fully adjustable that work well too, but for the money and if there is snow, especially hard packed snow, the plastic sleds are hard to beat. Tie the rope to your belt or get a drag harness to make it easier to pull the sled. One sled can haul two hind quarters easily.

Thanks,
I will try the sled idea if there is any snow. I will check into a pak too. I appreciate it. We are going out the day after thanksgiving. I will let you know if I get an Elk.

Times short for you. Check around (internet, government, taxidermists) and at least get the name and PHONE NUMBERS for outfitters in your area and take your cell phone with you. If there is no snow and you're lucky enough to get one, especially a big one, or if your group gets two down at once then you may find yourself overwhelmed. The money you pay an outfitter or a packer to get them out for you can be some of the best you'll spend - gets the meat out fast and protects your health (heart, knees etc - don't want you taking a helicopter ride.)
EKM

Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!

Hell no, don't take no helicopter ride! We git enuff of those. State's tryin' to make us pay fer it. I say make the pink arsed mama's boys what git into trouble pay to haul their fat outta the fire! Sound advice on the outfitter. Best bet fer a greenhorn.

BJ

I don't think I would ever spend the money on having someone else pack it out for me like and out fitter when I am perfectly capable of doing it myself. (It just might be painfull he next day, and take a while) I just won't shoot it near a dead fall or down a long hill and cross my fingers. I would however spend the money on a guided fishing trip, that would be far more worth while. I have just seen too many stupid people on the guided hunting trips and I like to separate myself from idiots with guns as much as possible. Besides my mom would shoot me if I gave away her hunting spot to an outfitter. She can been muzzleloading that day after thanksgiving here for 5 years and gotten her pick of 50 elk either her first or second day every time. But thanks for the advice.

Val, if she/you has taken 5 elk in 5 years running and each time in a 2 day window from the same spot I'd suggest you use the same means this time that you've used the last 5 years - no security issues that way. Note: you might not just be sore the next day but might still packing it out the next day.

Seperately, you're lucky to have an outdoorsy mom and a who is a hunter to boot, don't take her for granted. Enjoy your time with her out in the woods! It'll be golden forever.

EKM

Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!

I am very appreciative for my mom. She was a single mother to my brother and I. We grew up fishing all over the North West and Canada. I pheasent hunt with my dog. I have just never succesfully gotten anything deer or bigger. When she gets her elk, she just picks up a quarter, lugs the game bag over her shoulder and starts walking. She is about twice as strong as I am so I have borrowed a pack frame from a friend. Hopefully that will help me keep up.

HAVE GREAT THANKS GIVING EVERYBODY!!!

Valcorie; You can get good bunch of meat in a pack frame that fits proper. I've had near half a cow on my back and hiked down off a big mountain with it, but I'm a big dope with more back than brains. You gotta be careful 'bout puttin more weight on your back than you can handle. At 135 lbs you'll be nearly doublin your weight with a big hind qtr. I've seen a partner of mine smash his kisser up good by over packin and skiddin down hill face first. Luckily the meat was in game bags and didn't get dirty!!!!! Another thing to consider is all the critters in the woods that are partial to elk meat. If you gotta make several trips, you may have to leave it over nite. Nothin worse than walkin up to where you left your elk and findin nothin but bear scat!! Good luck on your hunt!!