Hauling an elk out of the woods?

[damien1988]

the butcer

just thought i would add my 2cents do u have a local butcher ??? if soo go to him and aks him to show u explane what you are doing why oyu want to learn and see his response thats what i did and the butcher was more then happy to show me and he didnt mind the free labour and the good thing about once u have lernt from him u can then get casual work with him

and if u have a slaughter house and ask if u can get showen how to gut and cape a beast i am lucky in the fact my mate works at a slaughter house so he showed me how to do it all it was quite interesting aslong as ur not squrmish

cheers damo

 

[Madpipe]

tackling an elk

when I shot my first bull elk I was by myself and it was one hell of a problem before some other hunters came by and gave me a hand hauling it out and into their truck, there is no one I know that can do it by their self. Good luck

 

[jdscholer]

Many years ago, when I was younger and dumber, I went with a friend who had a cow tag in a unit that was a late season (fer sure) hunt.

We got to our spot before light, settled in a short distance from the pick-up, and waited for the action to start; and it did. Shots began to ring out at first light, and soon a huge herd of elk began filtering up through the clear-cut valley that we were watching. The elk weren't going to come as close as we might have wished, but a small group of them stopped at what we later paced at 300+ yards. John made a beautiful shot, and a nice cow slumped down where she stood stone dead. We walked out to her and she was neck shot about three vertebrae from the head. I told John that it was pretty risky trying a neck shot from that far, and he said he had done nothing of the sort.

We went back to the truck, chained up all four tires and managed to drive down through the clear-cut (in about a foot of snow), all the way to our elk. We gutted her out, and with a chain hoist and a sheet of plywood, managed to winch the unskinned intact carcass into the back of the truck, and were pretty proud of ourselves. We had a little tougher time driving back up to the road, but we finally made it.

We had heard some shots a little further up the valley from us and John thought he might know who it was and they could probably use our help. We drove up that way and sure enough we found the guys sitting on the tailgate having a cup of coffee. The younger of the two was pushing eighty, and they looked happy as a couple of kids. John mentioned the shots we had heard and asked if they had killed anything.

"Right over there." they pointed, and we could see the blood and meat at the end of a short trail in the snow. We all walked out to it, and here is where it gets good.

They had shot the cow less than fifty yards from their truck -dead. The hide had been beautifully skinned and spread out in the snow, and on top of it was the meat which had been cut into pieces that even these two old coots could handle. They had done all of this in the time that we had spent loading up our elk, (unskinned) and when we asked if we could help them load up the meat, they said, "Nah, we're gonna let it cool a little longer." They told us we'd better get going and get the hide off of ours, and they were right.

God only knows how many elk these old guys had handled over the years, but it was easy to see that they were good at it, and they had gotten smarter as they got older.

I have killed, or been involved in killing several elk since that time, and have concluded that handling a whole carcass is just plain dumb. I'm still stout enough to carry a hind quarter on my pack, and when I can't I'll lop it at the knee and make two trips out of it. I can only hope that when I'm as old as those old boys I'll still be able to make it look as easy as they did. jd

 

[skydiver3346]

Bringing out Elk meat:

This is exactly why you hunt with a guide. They will help you do that. If not, then you MUST have a few friends to help. No way can you do this yourself without help of some kind.

 

[Atroxus]

A lot of people seem to be ignoring the parts of my posts where I have mentioned that I have been trying to find a hunting partner, and that I am on a limited budget. If I could afford a guide I would absolutely go that route. Thats not an option for me though, unless you guys know someone that would be willing to donate the time to take a newby out on his first big game hunt for free.

You bought that rifle somewhere....there's bound to be other hunters coming and going at that place. You've got all summer to meet somebody to mentor you. Not all hunters are old coots and hermits. Start with deer as your large game. Learn the field dressing steps ( I would not want to do this w/o some type of clue) and tricks to skinning and quartering, and making meat. A useful skill and fading art. MANY guys around here have no idea, and drop their deer at a processor. Guys make a living at cutting up deer in the fall/winter!!!

I have been trying for the last 4+ months at local gun shops and ranges to get conversations going with other people in the hopes of finding more shooting buddies, and/or a hunting partner. I have been able to get a handful of people to chat with me about target shooting, but no luck with finding hunters that were willing to talk with me at all.(unless you count the ones that told me I should have a friend/family member teach me how to hunt)

I plan on trying for deer first. Depending on how things go during deer season I may or may not try for an elk this year but am going to get the license just in case. I am also toying with getting bear/cougar license since it's only like $12 more than the deer+elk.(assuming the 2010 license fees are not much different than 2009) I only posted my question about elk because I figured whatever technique makes hauling an elk out easier should work for deer as well. Other than size the bone/muscle structure of the 2 are pretty similar right? I have watched a few videos on field dressing deer/elk and read even more walkthroughs of field dressing/deboning.

I am still looking for a hunting partner/mentor, and am crossing my fingers that I will have one by deer and/or elk season. I plan to use spring/summer/fall to get into shape hunting small game, and scouting potential deer/elk hunting grounds. Hopefully by deer season I will have an idea of what my limitations are in terms of how far I could haul a full pack frame, and I will hunt within those limits. I think I will take the advice about carrying a full pack though. I figure that while small game hunting it should help me to get in shape and to learn just how far I can travel with a 100Lb load. Someone in another thread/forum mentioned using dog food to bait coyotes, so I may use 50 then 100 lb bag of dog food to get used to packing. This way if I find myself unable to carry the load any farther I can just dump the dog food, and come back the next day to see if I can kill any coyotes near it.

 

[cornbush]

Dont let all the "you cant do it by yourself" get it your head.
You can , I have, know many others who have.
You just need to be prepared and ready for the work once the fun part is over.

 

[elkman06]

Some states don't allow deboning a carcass

Luckily, Wyoming does.

This is exactly why you hunt with a guide.

Yeah, okay , you pay em...

A. Be prepared and do your research. Area, license type, elk density, terrain and weather.
B. Get you butt off of the couch and excercize.
C. Plan for enough days to acclimate to the elevation.
D. Buy a good framed pack.
E. Debone and go.,or
F. Use a two wheel cart.
G. Did I say "get your butt off the couch"?

Seriously, you can do it w/ all of the caveats allready mentioned.
Kinda stupid to not do it if you really want to.
If I waited for my "buddies" to do crap, I would be a couch potato.
At 50 I still hike 12K peaks w/ 18ins of snow on them
elkman06

 

[gedenke]

Man, too bad you live up in WA....if you were closer I'd gladly welcome you into my hunting party. Having been mosty self taught myself, I know what it's like to hunt alone, and I believe me...I greatly appreciate any pointers (and help) that I got from more experienced hunters.

One thing I can say about hunting the hunters (bear/cougar) is BE CAREFUL! Especially if you don't hook up with a buddy and go alone. If you try to do any calling, cover your back and keep your head on a swivel, ears open. My personal experience is that predators, especially cats, can be VERY sneaky. More than once I've had one come in close and never heard a thing!

Other than that....be safe and prepared, have fun, and with a little common sense, you'll be fine! Oh, and make sure you tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.

 

[bcarver]

elk

your are taking on a massive task shooting an elk by yourself.
You need some gear.
knife or two. Wyoming style saw. gut hook. small block and tackle to position the elk.
I would try a few deer first and limit my distance from truck to a two hour hike.
You are gonna need coolers and ice to chill the meat depending on temps.
Freeze gallon milk jugs.

 

[HiBC]

I have done a number of backpack elk hunts in Colorado.I have lived here since 1966.
Two years ago,myself and two brothers backpacked int the Flat Tops Wilderness.
I am not going to tell you you cannot do it.I will try to give you some honest info to consider.

I built a nice gamecart using the front wheel of a 3 wheeler ATV.Sort of wheelbarrow like with rik shaw handles out front for two guys.

We abandoned it on the way in,and picked it up on the way out.If outfitters are using horses on the trails,it makes the trails pretty tough.They will be ditches filled with the muck of wars,stirred by the hooves,thawing mud and water squeezed from snow.You won't see your feet,or what you step on.Walking off trail often isn't possible,unless you go trailless bushwhaking.
Colorado rifle seasons often do not offer summer trails for mountain bikes.

As a matter of fact,when we got where we weregoing,and set up our tent,it began to snow.All night long it was a white out blizzard,and all night long blue lightning flashed through our tent,with instant thunder.In the morning,the snow was above my knees.
As the youngest of us was 50 yrs old,and our situation was interesting,we decided shooting anything was a bad idea,and keeping dry was a good idea.
Sometimes one storm is followed by another,and we only had what we carried in.
Partly because of wasting disease,Colorado has embraced a technique of boning an elk out,and they offer a CD on how to do it.The meat is filleted off the outsideof the carcass,the tenderloins are removed via the flanks,and traditional gutting is not done.The hide is used as a work surface.Go to the Colorado Division of Wildlife website to find this CD,but check the laws of the state where you will hunt.

Even if you shoot a modest cow,I expect you will make at least 4 or 5 trips out with meat,and one with your gear.

I strongly recommend a walking staff as an extra point of contact.I became a believer after a little foot snag sent me rolling with an 80 lb pack and I came up with a knee that was looser,and getting that wet dull feeling.

Unless you are woodpecker lips tough ,and maybe anyway,each trip will take a toll packing a heavy load in the mountains.As you fatigue,you wil be more succeptable to injury.

Have a very good radio and a gps.Know how the send military grid co-ordinates over the radio for help.Realize,if a mountain storm rolls in,your GPS will lose signal just like satelite TV.

Gosh,I'm such a bummer!!

Try contacting outfitters in the area you want to hunt.Discuss your plan,and maybe you will be able to arrange two things
1) A safety net.Those folks use radios.You might agree on a frequency and code in case you blow a knee and are on your back in a streambed.
2)Sometimes an outfitter will,for a fee,pack out your meat with horses.I would sure make arrangements before season.I would not suggest chasing down outfitters during season saying "I have this problem..."

The poem about $700 and a 30-06,there is a Jeff Cooper story behind it,and if memory serves me well,his daughter wrote it.
You did not waste your money!! A good rifle,some good boots,sox,etc,an outfit,is a good thing to have.Do a few scouting trips in summer,maybe do some fishing.
Don't measure the success of your hunt with the kill.You may spend a few seasons learning.As you gain experience,likely you will gain folks who want to go with you.
If it doesn't kill you,it will make you stronger!!Maybe wiser,too.I wish you well,pilgrim.

 

[grubbylabs]

You can come to south east Idaho this fall and follow me around during archery season and hopefully help me pack one out. I wont charge you, heck I might even feed you.

 

[crghss]

If I waited for my "buddies" to do crap, I would be a couch potato.

Absolutely right on this one. Atroxus, don't get me wrong. I think you can do this. I just think you might want to start in small increments and work your way up to it.

When younger I was very impatient. So this helped in that I tried to do almost anything. It hurt that I always learned the hard way.

 

[Atroxus]

Absolutely right on this one. Atroxus, don't get me wrong. I think you can do this. I just think you might want to start in small increments and work your way up to it.

When younger I was very impatient. So this helped in that I tried to do almost anything. It hurt that I always learned the hard way.

I absolutely plan to start small. I am actually going to start on small game that can be killed with a .22LR, then move up to deer, then to elk(using an appropriate rifle of course). I just figured the same techniques used to haul out an elk with the least amount of effort should work just as well on a deer. I am still going to get my elk license this year. If by elk season I don't have a hunting partner, or am not in good enough shape to pack an elk out alone I will wait till next year thoguh. I just posted this so that I could get an idea ahead of time what method would work best for me for hauling a deer or elk out of the woods. So far it sound like *if* I can get into good enough shape that deboning then packing out an elk solo would be doable although it would be less than ideal. Once I do get to deer or elk though I also plan on trying for doe/cow anyways simply because I couldn't afford to get a trophy mounted even if I wanted to, so I have no use for antlered deer/elk.

 

[HiBC]

It is often possible to draw a cow tag,then buy an over the counter bull tag.
Gives you an option if you see the big one.

The european mount with a bleached skull can be a do yourself low buck thing.

I hope my post wasn't too discouraging.It is fair to let you know elk country during season can be very much about weather.

Even minor annoyances like a check valve freezing in your MSR water filter can be important.Ask me how I know.

I think it is absolutely wonderful we have a man who has decided to take up hunting.I hope it is a lifelong good time for you.

 

[knoxville]

take the advice you think is pertinant to you and your situation and run with it go hunt you won't find that feeling anywhere else worse that could happen is you fail but then again you may have the experience of your life just hunt lifes too short

 

[Big Bill]

After my last hunt in central Idaho's wilderness country, I made a vow that I would never go elk hunting without horses/mules again. When I was growing up, every year we hunted the big woods of central Idaho with horses and mules. That country is so rugged that we killed several horses in the process to broken legs, etc. It's almost impossible to pack out (5-15 miles) a 1500 lb. bull elk on backpack frames in warm fall weather. Motorized vehicles are banned in most of the wilderness areas like the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, etc. So, horses/mules are the best way to go. If you don't have horses and a great knowledge of the country, the best idea is to go with a guide. We used to hunt the Cougar basin area almost exclusively.

Here are some examples of the kind of country we hunted:

 

[skydiver3346]

Hauling out an elk:

Hey Big Bill,
You tell it like it really is. Thanks

Like Elkman says "he can do it all and doesn't need any help"... Yeah right. As he claims, he climbs 12K high mountains in 18" of snow! Wow, I'm impressed. You know what? I can't do that and most other folks can't either. He obviously has never been elk hunting by himself and killed a big elk and carted all of it out (all by himself, with absolutely no help). Especially in way out of the way places and steep terrain.
If he did, he would understand why people get some help. By the way, I worked out hard for 9 months getting ready for my elk hunt and it was still hard as hell climbing the mountains, etc. Not to mention hauling out the meat, antlers, etc.

Yes, I saved my money and for me, I did it the right way. I HIRED A GUIDE! Whats wrong with having a professional help you anyway? I'm an older guy and can't lug it out myself, no horses, no ATVs (not allowed). Who needs to be macho and make all those "I did it all by myself claims". Get real and tell the truth. Doing it all by yourself is way too hard and really not pratical is it... Some folks may have done it that way but from my experience, it it way to difficult to do these things "by yourself"...

 

[Big Bill]

Skydiver - I don't doubt that there are many people who elk hunt here in Idaho and elsewhere without horses and/or guides. And, I don't doubt that Elkman is one of those people. I knew a guy who was a bow hunter who would go into the wilderness area at the start of elk bow hunting season by himself (no horses or other help) and stay till he got his elk. He'd pack it out all by his lonesome. I couldn't ever decide whether he was truly brave and fearless or just a damned fool.

I have a good friend that elk hunts the soldier area north of Fairfield, Idaho. He's younger than me and has a big extended family and they always hunt together on foot. They always seem to get their elk. But, they won't ever say for sure where it is that they go either. So, it can be done, it's just a load of work and one better be prepared with the right equipment and manpower.

Most of the family I used to hunt with are long since dead or have moved away. And, I'm just not in good enough condition to go anymore (after two heart attacks). But, I do remember vividly how hard it was to get out a big bull when I was at my peak physical conditioning (right after US Army Basis Training). It was no picnic then and somehow I don't think it's much easier now.

And, for anyone over 50, I recommend your doctor checks you out (heart wise) to determine whether you/or whoever is/are fit for such a rigorous hunt in the first place. Both of my heart attacks came while I was hunting or out in the mountains. I was lucky the second time to get to the hospital before I died.

So, to all those of you who can physically go it alone, my hat is off to you. I hope you enjoy these days while you are able. But, for the rest of you/us get the help you need or stay home. If you aren’t using horses, you might need to seriously re-think your options.

BTW, at sixty years of age, I wish I could get out into the mountains and hike all day like I used to. So to you younger folks, please do everything you can to safeguard your health while you are young. Too much smoking, drinking, coffee, drugs and sitting on the couch with a bag of doughnuts in one hand and a coke in the other will cut your hunting days short - guaranteed!

Here are a few additional pictures I took (the first one is in Glacier National Park):

 

[Atroxus]

Yes, I saved my money and for me, I did it the right way. I HIRED A GUIDE!

What is the "right way" for you is not neccarily the "right way" for everyone else. As I have said several times throughout this thread and people just keep ignoring, I am learning to hunt on a very tight budget. Hiring a guide, or buying ATVs, pack mules or horses is *NOT* an option for me.

 

[skydiver3346]

HI ATROXUS

Like I said "FOR ME, hiring a guide was the right thing". I'm over 60 now and no way could I even haul an elk (800 lbs) by myself. Probably could not hauled one out even when I was younger.

Good luck to you and I am envious of you for doing that. I sure could not.
When we hauled out my elk there were four of us and it was still hard as hell to get all the meat, antlers, etc out. Had to haul it out of a valley that it ran down to. Really rough going for sure.