The part that is easy to underestimate is the wear and tear on your body. If doing this solo, the last trips will not be as easy as the first trips. I have not decided which is better, a couple heavy trips or a few more lighter trips. At some point, the mileage, light or heavy, takes a toll and I think I'd rather just make as few trips as possible. The real answer is one trip down, contact someone with horses! I cannot begin to describe just how hard it is to move 225-250lbs of meat, and also antlers and hide, a large distance over downfalls, steep terrain and a lack of oxygen. I vividly recall how I felt the last time I did this. Sheer exhaustion!
Packing out a elk solo.
- Thread starter jvanhoy
- Start date
MoGreen
Member
Build a fire (even if it only burns for a wfile). Hang clothes next to the meat. Turn on a small transistor radio fairly loud to get some noise out there ( if you can find a station of course).
Hunts
Member
Reading these posts brings back lot's of good memories. No longer can I pack out an elk solo. Even an antelope is a major undertaking. Soon my definition of "big game" will be cottontail rabbit : >). Get out there boys and make it count. I'll be cheering you on. Maybe we'll run into each other up in the hills. I'll be the guy chasing grouse with the bird crazy chessie. As long as I can put one foot in front of the other...
bigdonniebrasco
Active member
In ONE TRIP !?!?!!
D
Deleted member 20812
Guest
I've packed out elk where we got a spike out in one trip between two of us, to my bull last year that took me five trips.
Keep in mind that not all terrain is created equal. Heavy loads put you at risk of injury, loss of balance and falls, etc. I've done 120+ pound loads and it's not fun.
If I was doing an elk by myself, I'd try to keep loads (for me) at 75-85 pounds. A cow is very easily doable in three trips by yourself, a young bull in four.
Keep in mind that not all terrain is created equal. Heavy loads put you at risk of injury, loss of balance and falls, etc. I've done 120+ pound loads and it's not fun.
If I was doing an elk by myself, I'd try to keep loads (for me) at 75-85 pounds. A cow is very easily doable in three trips by yourself, a young bull in four.
Brittany Chukarman
Well-known member
Take it slow and think about every step you take. Don't go in so far that you can't finish the job. The citric spray seems like the way to go. I packed my last solo elk in at 59 and it was one of the best days of my life.
I did a deer in one trip at the age of 27 and it really messed my knees and back up for a good 3 months. Not worth it to take big loads... I would take 4 trips with any elk and I have done lots of backpacking of meat and gear.
Topgun 30-06
Active member
You, Sir, are a smart feller!
Ohboytimmy
New member
I am on the same boat as you brother. Going in solo in colorado as well!
Good luck buddy.
mikieb
Member
I'm going solo in Montana this year... I have got 7 elk under my belt over the years... 5 came out on my back by myself... it's doable. Just be smart about it... ibuprofen is your friend...
GISdeveloper
New member
Totally agree...
I packed my bull out last year in two heavy trips. I was anxious to get him out and get back to my family. I had almost 2 miles uphill in downed beetle kill pine back to the truck. It was slow going and realized on the second trip that I was going to be rethinking my future strategy to packing one out solo.
This year I am planning on at least three trips. I know I can pack the heavy weight but want to minimize the risk of injury and as strange as it sounds enjoy the pack out more. Because once the bull is out the hunt is over...
Ha, no! Multiple trips. But the mileage, weight, and elevation are a brutal combination.
