What is your cooler set up for elk?

My favorite ice has been those half-gallon juice jugs. Choose whatever your favorite flavor may be. They lay flat so you can have block ice that covers more space (More meat on the ice). 5 of those fit perfectly in a Yeti 65, and obviously, work in the bigger coolers. In my opinion, 3-4 65-75 Quart coolers are ideal for single-person lifts vs those massive 240 qt monsters.

1672861391855.png1672861413450.png
 
Wondering what size cooler you guys use for elk, best set up for ice (dry, bags, blocks) and any tips or tricks to making sure the meat gets home safe. Hoping to pack home a single bull or cow this year.

I know Mr. Randy uses an Orion with iced milk jugs. Not sure what size he runs.

I have a 150qt Coleman which would be sufficient but couldn't retain the the temp for 10 days in Sept. I would like to invest into a Yeti or any higher quality cooler (possibly 40 or 50) to hold blocks of ice until I need to fill the Coleman with meat.
110 and 65 quart RTIC with gallon jugs of ice. My dad has a 145 that also comes along. Will keep blocks in 65 or 110 and then distribute as needed
 
I use a small chest freezer. I watch the weather and if its going to be at or below freezing at night no need for a generator. I place 8 frozen milk jugs in the bottom of the freezer and drive 20 hours west. Open up at night and let the jugs refreeze once you arrive. Hang the 1/4 meat and let it cool hanging off over night. Place in the chest freezer and shut the lid. At night open it up to cool off again and shut in the morning.

if hunting warmer temp I use a 65 yeti with frozen milk jugs gallon and 1/2 gallon. I place some ice packs in the yeti to cool it down before we leave then throw in all the ice jugs when we depart. By cooling the cooler first it makes a big difference. Once an animal is down we place the ice jugs in the bottom of the chest freezer with meat on top. Have had no problems keeping meat for 4 days with temps in 50's during the day and 30's at night.
 
Freezer in the back of the pickup with a generator

I was looking at that for our WY hunt but the Rokslide crew talked me out of it. Partner doesn’t want wet meat any longer. I ended up buying cooler shock packets but the freezer with temp control is still bouncing around in my head. Rokslide said the meat would still get wet from condensation??
 
Back
Top