Call me optimistic...packers?

[nursul]

Taking a positive attitude into the season...

Planning on going a little farther and deeper and it’s basically an area that, if / when I get an animal down I will need help getting it out. As a nonresident how do you tap into the “packer” network? I go to CO, but in general where can you find this type help.
Perhaps there is a thread out there already, however, I’ve noticed a few posts from first timers and thought it’s worth asking. I’ve always thought I was prepared, but never did the real prep work here.

 

[Jbehredt]

Look for outfitters in the area. Call and talk to them. If they can’t/won’t do it they’ll know who will.

 

[mtbowhunter]

Hiring a pack string is an option, or occasionally you can find a few strong, young fellas who will help you out with a payment in beer.


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[Bulldawg]

Technically that’s illegal.

Hiring a pack string is an option, or occasionally you can find a few strong, young fellas who will help you out with a payment in beer.


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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Your only legal options are service through who has the outfitting permit(s) in the area OR you can hire pack animals that you pick up yourself to bring to the trailhead and you use them yourself.

There is a spectrum on the outfitters. The one I tried dealing with would not entertain the option of any unplanned calls during the season, you either payed to reserve his time ahead or nothing, my question as to whether he would take a call in the season IF he had the capacity was never answered.

Then I have heard other areas where the packers will grab up on call requests based on their capacity happily.

Basically it’s a gamble if the outfitters in your chosen area have interest or not.

 

[weaver]

I have found it almost impossible to find an outfitter that will guarantee that they will pack out your game ahead of time.

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[Stilpr]

I got a couple good recommendations from other members on this forum after posting a thread asking for help specifically for the unit I was in. I contacted 2 outfitting services that are offered that before my hunt to discuss the details and expectations. Even though I didn’t get the opportunity to use the service, it seemed fairly straightforward and I felt confident that one of the two outfitters would’ve been able to help in a timely manner

 

[nursul]

I got a couple good recommendations from other members on this forum after posting a thread asking for help specifically for the unit I was in. I contacted 2 outfitting services that are offered that before my hunt to discuss the details and expectations. Even though I didn’t get the opportunity to use the service, it seemed fairly straightforward and I felt confident that one of the two outfitters would’ve been able to help in a timely manner

Thanks to everyone for the guidance. I had no idea it was potentially this complex. I’m guessing I can get with CPW and find out which outfitters cover my units. Thanks again.

 

[Whip]

That's been a tough one for me. I've gone through the process of lining up packing services ahead of time. Never any guarantees, just will do it if we're available type arrangements. Sometimes I've killed in places that were easy enough to handle on our own. But in two cases I would have been more than happy to pay for a packer but in neither case were they available when called. The meat got out, but I sure would have rather had a packer to help.
Bottom line is make contacts ahead of time but have a plan in place to deal with it on your own if need be. Don't hunt so deep that you can't reasonably get an animal out without help.

 

[cnelk]

Here ya go - http://www.coloradooutfitters.org/

Select 'Find Your Outfitter' and it will prompt you some filters and regions

 

[lif]

Packers are definitely hit and miss options depending on where you are going. Some areas I’ve talked to packing outfits that were basically on call 24 hours day. And been to other areas where you literally couldn’t find anyone. Basic rule of thumb I use while hinting is : Never kill an animal that I can’t get out on my own.” Obviously exceptions when hinting with friends. Only guarantee pack out is to hire an outfitter for the hunt. Good luck!

 

[nursul]

Packers are definitely hit and miss options depending on where you are going. Some areas I’ve talked to packing outfits that were basically on call 24 hours day. And been to other areas where you literally couldn’t find anyone. Basic rule of thumb I use while hinting is : Never kill an animal that I can’t get out on my own.” Obviously exceptions when hinting with friends. Only guarantee pack out is to hire an outfitter for the hunt. Good luck!

I imagine they set price on how far they need to go, lbs, etc. Any general guidelines on cost?

 

[wannakillabigbull]

To weaver's point, it's pretty much impossible to find an outfitter that guarantees pack out. And regardless of whether they say they guarantee it or not, it's not like they are held to it by law. I wouldn't make any plans that absolutely require a packer to help because there are no guarantees.

 

[wind gypsy]

Picked up a packer's flier off the board at the local gas station in MT last year and ended up texting him with an inreach and getting help the next day. Worked great but I wouldn't depend on it.

 

[BCSojourner]

Thanks to everyone for the guidance. I had no idea it was potentially this complex. I’m guessing I can get with CPW and find out which outfitters cover my units. Thanks again.

Check with USFS or BLM Special Recreation Permit staff for the units that you are hunting. They will tell you which outfitters are permitted in their area. CPW manages the wildlife but not the habitat. Oufitters are licensed through the State but must be permitted under the USFS or BLM Special Recreation Permit programs. Just call the local offices of either or both if you are hunting both BLM or USFS. It is a good idea to know what outfitter/guides are operating in your area anyway and where their permitted camps are. Helps to know so you can adjust your own hunting strategies and also to report illegal or suspicious activity which we should all be doing as hunters.

 

[ElkNut1]

I'd seriously consider hunting a distance where I could get my own elk out. If your elk area is that good I sure wouldn't be sharing it with an Outfitter. My concerns would be he himself or others will be also hunting your area in short order or in years to come! Hunting areas are very sacred to me!

ElkNut/Paul

 

[nursul]

Check with USFS or BLM Special Recreation Permit staff for the units that you are hunting. They will tell you which outfitters are permitted in their area. CPW manages the wildlife but not the habitat. Oufitters are licensed through the State but must be permitted under the USFS or BLM Special Recreation Permit programs. Just call the local offices of either or both if you are hunting both BLM or USFS. It is a good idea to know what outfitter/guides are operating in your area anyway and where their permitted camps are. Helps to know so you can adjust your own hunting strategies and also to report illegal or suspicious activity which we should all be doing as hunters.

Super helpful!!

 

[Silverado]

Here ya go - http://www.coloradooutfitters.org/

Select 'Find Your Outfitter' and it will prompt you some filters and regions

This...I had the same dilemma last year...I used the link cnelk provided, type in your unit and it will give you a list of outfitters with their contact info. I just called around until I found one that said they would do this and they gave me a base price which covered up to 3 hrs I believe, then they had an additional hourly rate after that, but I'm sure they all vary on the way they charge. If you find one that will agree to this you might give them a general idea of where your going to make sure they can get animals back in there unless you're close to a well maintained trail. Be prepared for them to take a day or 2 to get to the trailhead if it's a busy time in the season.

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[idahohikker]

Don't rely on a packer, especially if the outfitter has guided clients. Paul's point is a good one also.

 

[LaGriz]

"Picked up a packer's flier off the board at the local gas station in MT last year and ended up texting him with an inreach and getting help the next day. Worked great but I wouldn't depend on it."

This was once the case in Colorado. I found a guy's advertisement on the bulletin board around 2004 at a laundry matt in Pagosa Springs. Since then the Forest Service determined that private parties could not be compensated for a pack out if it occurs on NF property. I think the Outfitters lobbied to stop local horse men from (illegally) doing un-licensed drop camps that hurt there business. This effort resulted in making a payday for any reason (such as a pack out) illegal even though they have little interest in performing the service. A pack out service can enable a DIY self hunter. Some Outfitters might not see this as in there best interest. The $250-$300 for a pack out at that time was little incentive. Have no clue what the fee would be today.

Returned to camp one evening in Wyoming I had learned a hunting partner and his 2 sons were busy packing out a bull that was shot late in the day. A local ranch guy was in camp and very critical of them putting out this effort. "For $250 I can bring my horses in there tomorrow morning and get the meat out in an hour." He was boozing it pretty good and the price continued to go up. "If they killed too far in I will need $300. If I need a chainsaw it will be $400". I don't think we could have afforded his final price, plus he might not have remembered the conversation or the terms on the next day.

Best to make you own plans incase you can't locate a packing sevice.
LaGriz