Getting the critters back to the truck?
03-18-2005, 12:30 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
Driftrider,
Good for you and welcome in advance. You'll find Colorado is a wonderful state given it's millions of acres of beautiful public land. You'll find an investment in computer mapping software and a GPS to be a big help in efficiently exploring your new, and I might add, very different home. Compared to a lot of mountain states Colorado has a lot of roads criss-crossing the place, but even at that you are very likely to find yourself and your kill a long ways away from the road with some mean hiking between you and the truck. (In the area I hunt, ATV's are NOT allowed to leave the maintained road, Thank God.)
You know you are hunting BIG game when you can't move it once you've killed it (not more than a couple feet). A lot of game goes to waste each year because hunters come to hunt but have not come to grips with the "transport" problem you have identified, so I commend you for thinking about that in advance. The basic keys to getting them out comes in two parts: (1) being ready, willing, and able to "make little parts out of big parts." Use either the Alaskan method or the traditional field dressing method and then further reduce the animal to pieces that are managable in terms of weight and size. Quartering is a common step. Deboning the carcass completely is a common back packers route; and (2) having the raw "power" to physically haul it out in reliable fashion by one means or another.
Personally I recommend horses. Nothing says "big game hunting" like horses and wall tents (the wall tents are a seperate story). You can either rent your own horses (Sombrero Ranches, but you'll need your own panniers) and then you can either hunt with them (leave them tied up in the woods close to where you are hunting) or leave them in camp until you need them. Another worthy route, especially in your first years elk hunting, is to make arrangements with a packer/outfitter who also operates in your general area to get your kill out for you. The $200 to $400 per elk may sound steep, but it is some of the best money you can spend IMHO.
On the other hand, if you have failed to damage your knees in high school or college athletics and/or you are wanting to que up for an early heart attack or you simply want add additional pain, suffering, and exhaustion on top of what you already endured to just shoot the darned thing, then the backpack method may be best.
If you decide to use back packs, then I would recommend that you leave the backstraps for the last trip as that will make sure you actually make all the trips in and out until the task is acthally done. Some folks fail to recognize that repeated trips with a 75 pound pack in even mild terrain or pulling a sled on dry ground may or may not be physcially doable for them and then we find abandoned front shoulder quarters still hanging in the tree next to the gut pile.
In any case, I predict you're going to love it out here. Coming from Iowa, I am sure you will be able to handle the cold, but please bear in mind that it is a big, big, big place and you don't want to be needing to call 911 because help can be a long time in arriving. The big game and the scenery easily offset the downsides though. I predict that in a few years, returning to Iowa for white tail hunting, though okay for heritage and social reasons, will seem quite tame, and will likely slide waaaaay down on your list of hunting priorities. Good luck and welcome to Colorado.
Good for you and welcome in advance. You'll find Colorado is a wonderful state given it's millions of acres of beautiful public land. You'll find an investment in computer mapping software and a GPS to be a big help in efficiently exploring your new, and I might add, very different home. Compared to a lot of mountain states Colorado has a lot of roads criss-crossing the place, but even at that you are very likely to find yourself and your kill a long ways away from the road with some mean hiking between you and the truck. (In the area I hunt, ATV's are NOT allowed to leave the maintained road, Thank God.)
You know you are hunting BIG game when you can't move it once you've killed it (not more than a couple feet). A lot of game goes to waste each year because hunters come to hunt but have not come to grips with the "transport" problem you have identified, so I commend you for thinking about that in advance. The basic keys to getting them out comes in two parts: (1) being ready, willing, and able to "make little parts out of big parts." Use either the Alaskan method or the traditional field dressing method and then further reduce the animal to pieces that are managable in terms of weight and size. Quartering is a common step. Deboning the carcass completely is a common back packers route; and (2) having the raw "power" to physically haul it out in reliable fashion by one means or another.
Personally I recommend horses. Nothing says "big game hunting" like horses and wall tents (the wall tents are a seperate story). You can either rent your own horses (Sombrero Ranches, but you'll need your own panniers) and then you can either hunt with them (leave them tied up in the woods close to where you are hunting) or leave them in camp until you need them. Another worthy route, especially in your first years elk hunting, is to make arrangements with a packer/outfitter who also operates in your general area to get your kill out for you. The $200 to $400 per elk may sound steep, but it is some of the best money you can spend IMHO.
On the other hand, if you have failed to damage your knees in high school or college athletics and/or you are wanting to que up for an early heart attack or you simply want add additional pain, suffering, and exhaustion on top of what you already endured to just shoot the darned thing, then the backpack method may be best.
If you decide to use back packs, then I would recommend that you leave the backstraps for the last trip as that will make sure you actually make all the trips in and out until the task is acthally done. Some folks fail to recognize that repeated trips with a 75 pound pack in even mild terrain or pulling a sled on dry ground may or may not be physcially doable for them and then we find abandoned front shoulder quarters still hanging in the tree next to the gut pile.
In any case, I predict you're going to love it out here. Coming from Iowa, I am sure you will be able to handle the cold, but please bear in mind that it is a big, big, big place and you don't want to be needing to call 911 because help can be a long time in arriving. The big game and the scenery easily offset the downsides though. I predict that in a few years, returning to Iowa for white tail hunting, though okay for heritage and social reasons, will seem quite tame, and will likely slide waaaaay down on your list of hunting priorities. Good luck and welcome to Colorado.
03-18-2005, 10:05 PM
#13
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location:
Posts: 833
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
I move from kansass to montana 7 years ago.I HATE HORSES. I now own 4 very good hunting horses.There is no way you or any one else could take them from me in hunting time.
Here is about how it comes down.
1 use the truck
2 use atv
3 USE HORSE
4 cart with no snow==sled with snow
5 back pack AND 3 FREINDS
6 Take a fork and get fat
What I am saying is, it is best not to try to pack an elk out ALONE. I did this my 3ed time.With any worm weather at all you will loose tons of meat. If you do have to pack it out alone you need to get the skin off fast and hang the meat.If you leave it lay YOU WILL LOOSE MEAT and lots of it.
I now pack out 10 to 15 elk a year.You get a lot of friends if you do not charge people to get there elk out. The horses is by far the best way to go.With houses I do not skin the elk. I ride in put the elk on my saddle then walk out.
Here is about how it comes down.
1 use the truck
2 use atv
3 USE HORSE
4 cart with no snow==sled with snow
5 back pack AND 3 FREINDS
6 Take a fork and get fat
What I am saying is, it is best not to try to pack an elk out ALONE. I did this my 3ed time.With any worm weather at all you will loose tons of meat. If you do have to pack it out alone you need to get the skin off fast and hang the meat.If you leave it lay YOU WILL LOOSE MEAT and lots of it.
I now pack out 10 to 15 elk a year.You get a lot of friends if you do not charge people to get there elk out. The horses is by far the best way to go.With houses I do not skin the elk. I ride in put the elk on my saddle then walk out.
03-19-2005, 12:17 AM
#14
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Idaho
Posts: 2,072
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
ORIGINAL: ELKINMTCWB
The horses is by far the best way to go.With houses I do not skin the elk. I ride in put the elk on my saddle then walk out.
The horses is by far the best way to go.With houses I do not skin the elk. I ride in put the elk on my saddle then walk out.
ELK, i was wondering if I don't have a house should i skin the elk? I only rent!!!!!!!!!! sorry I couldn't let it goLOL
By the way, good advice
03-19-2005, 09:12 AM
#15
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location:
Posts: 833
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
I get a ton of crap for my spelling. hehe Most of the time it is from people trying to cut me down in a balttal of wits. It is good to see some one just making fun and not telling me how dumd I am for it.Sure am glade my post dont get graded.
If you do not own the house it is best to skin the elk in the kitchen.This way when you do not get your deposit back you will not feel so bad about it.
Have a good day elkcrazy8
If you do not own the house it is best to skin the elk in the kitchen.This way when you do not get your deposit back you will not feel so bad about it.
Have a good day elkcrazy8
03-19-2005, 10:21 AM
#17
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Anchorage,Alaska
Posts: 512
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
Although I generally get my Elk behind the house a 1/4 mile or so, I like those cheap kids sleds. I find they go over deadfalls much better than anything with wheels. I also doesn't hurt to have a kid in high school with friends to give a hand.
03-19-2005, 11:44 AM
#18
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location:
Posts: 64
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
I hunt elk in unit 12 here in colorado. I have passed up many nice elk in the back country. I have seen people shoot elk in the back country and pack em out for 4 days. Before shooting an elk think about where you are at. As far as rental horses not a bad Idea but in our hunting camp every year someone goes to the hospital off a rental horse. that is something to think about. Last year a guy not only ended up in the hospital but lost his brand new browing off a rental horse be care very careful with rental horses. Maybe I will see ya in unit 12 sometime. 2nd season.
03-20-2005, 11:14 PM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
Yep, gotta be careful with rental horses, one year we didn't get any elk but the rental horses provided all the excitement, adventure, and timeless stories we needed for the year!
A few thoughts regarding getting good results from rental horses:
(1) We predominantly use our horses to pack NOT to ride. I grew up on a ranch but I am more than willing to walk the route leading the horse and the panniers full of spike camp or full of elk. If I got a real good feel for the horses after packing on them and there is an empty trip, then I will ride the horse. If you don't ride, then you are less likely to get hurt.
(2) We get what are called "cold blooded horses" (versus "hot bloods") these are essentially your draft horses: Belgians and Shiers (sp?). The may not look too stylin' but they are wonderfully tame level headed horses by nature versus quarter horses, arabians, etc, etc. Plus you can pack a LOT of weight on them versus your standard saddle horse.
(3) Learn how to take care of those horses! When the rental company picks them up they can tell if they have been abused. We buy the feed (both hay and grain) from the rental company. We could get it cheaper elsewhere but it is convenient for them to deliver it and then THEY KNOW the horses are going to get fed. Water them 3 times a day. Take excellent care of their backs and make sure that the panniers don't cut them. If you prove to the horse renter that you are a top notch client, then they will go out of their way to get you their best horses.
(4) Every year our camp buys the horse foreman and his family Xmas presents and thank you notes for his services. Most renters either say nothing or bitch and moan, never anything positive. We make it a point to stoke the man who decides who gets what horses. It has been many years now and the horses have been top notch for a long time --- if it is your first year, then this your opportunity to start moving up the quality list; it is never too late.
(5) If you are new then Davis Tent & Awning in Denver Colorado runs a 1 day "packing school" in May so you can learn the fundamentals of how to pack your camp in and your elk out and they sell the lashing ropes, top covers, and panniers you need to get the job done.
On a seperate note:
If you are kicking your hunting up a notch and going for a do it yourself, remote/away from home elk camp with main camp, spike camp, and lots of animals to get out, then it doesn't just happen by accident, it requires effort on the hunters part to be ready, willing, and able to "play ball." We watch a lot of amateurs each year, some that are amazingly on top of their game for first timers and others who essentially don't have a clue. Interestingly enough the non-resident folks are typically MUCH MORE prepared (time, equipment, money, and tenacity) than a huge portion of residents, probably 5 to 1 in my honest opinion. Of course this is on public land. Many of the true local residents probably have private land connections so I don't get to see most of them in the field. Of those I do see in the field, resident Colorado hunters are some of the sorriest.... $30 tag, $50 tank of gas, a box of shells, daddy's closet rifle, an unheated pup tent; show up late Friday night for just the weekend portion of the five day hujnt and then have to be back to town by Sunday night for Mondays work (and no time to pack out anything they shoot).
A few thoughts regarding getting good results from rental horses:
(1) We predominantly use our horses to pack NOT to ride. I grew up on a ranch but I am more than willing to walk the route leading the horse and the panniers full of spike camp or full of elk. If I got a real good feel for the horses after packing on them and there is an empty trip, then I will ride the horse. If you don't ride, then you are less likely to get hurt.
(2) We get what are called "cold blooded horses" (versus "hot bloods") these are essentially your draft horses: Belgians and Shiers (sp?). The may not look too stylin' but they are wonderfully tame level headed horses by nature versus quarter horses, arabians, etc, etc. Plus you can pack a LOT of weight on them versus your standard saddle horse.
(3) Learn how to take care of those horses! When the rental company picks them up they can tell if they have been abused. We buy the feed (both hay and grain) from the rental company. We could get it cheaper elsewhere but it is convenient for them to deliver it and then THEY KNOW the horses are going to get fed. Water them 3 times a day. Take excellent care of their backs and make sure that the panniers don't cut them. If you prove to the horse renter that you are a top notch client, then they will go out of their way to get you their best horses.
(4) Every year our camp buys the horse foreman and his family Xmas presents and thank you notes for his services. Most renters either say nothing or bitch and moan, never anything positive. We make it a point to stoke the man who decides who gets what horses. It has been many years now and the horses have been top notch for a long time --- if it is your first year, then this your opportunity to start moving up the quality list; it is never too late.
(5) If you are new then Davis Tent & Awning in Denver Colorado runs a 1 day "packing school" in May so you can learn the fundamentals of how to pack your camp in and your elk out and they sell the lashing ropes, top covers, and panniers you need to get the job done.
On a seperate note:
If you are kicking your hunting up a notch and going for a do it yourself, remote/away from home elk camp with main camp, spike camp, and lots of animals to get out, then it doesn't just happen by accident, it requires effort on the hunters part to be ready, willing, and able to "play ball." We watch a lot of amateurs each year, some that are amazingly on top of their game for first timers and others who essentially don't have a clue. Interestingly enough the non-resident folks are typically MUCH MORE prepared (time, equipment, money, and tenacity) than a huge portion of residents, probably 5 to 1 in my honest opinion. Of course this is on public land. Many of the true local residents probably have private land connections so I don't get to see most of them in the field. Of those I do see in the field, resident Colorado hunters are some of the sorriest.... $30 tag, $50 tank of gas, a box of shells, daddy's closet rifle, an unheated pup tent; show up late Friday night for just the weekend portion of the five day hujnt and then have to be back to town by Sunday night for Mondays work (and no time to pack out anything they shoot).
03-21-2005, 07:44 AM
#20
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,263
RE: Getting the critters back to the truck?
Here in Idaho we've got most of the animals trained to run to the rig and jump in the bed. Then we shoot them.
Where I hunt elk in Idaho the roads are gated before elk season opens. The two spots I've found elk are about a 5-6 mile walk in - one is downhill going in, the other is up mountain (this isn't a hill). We usually call a fellow in the nearby town who has some pack horses and for $50 he'll haul his horses up and help us get an animal out. If he's busy, we'll usually debone it where it is and carry the meat out in pack frames. It's a lot of work. This year I'm going to experiment with a trailer on my bicycle.
Where I hunt elk in Idaho the roads are gated before elk season opens. The two spots I've found elk are about a 5-6 mile walk in - one is downhill going in, the other is up mountain (this isn't a hill). We usually call a fellow in the nearby town who has some pack horses and for $50 he'll haul his horses up and help us get an animal out. If he's busy, we'll usually debone it where it is and carry the meat out in pack frames. It's a lot of work. This year I'm going to experiment with a trailer on my bicycle.