Cost of a horse packer

[Tony Trietch]

I bp hunt most of the time solo and deep. I have not yet had a situation where I needed to call a packer to help get an elk out, but the thought does go thru my mind.
If it's early and hot, the clock is ticking... I am not too proud to make the call and get help. I have found a local outfitter that has said no problem. He seemed like a good guy. My question is what does a typical horse packer charge? I realize the length of recovery and terrain will vary, but am just looking for a general.
Thanks

 

[Tony Trietch]

Anyone recently hire a packer to haul out an elk?

 

[LostInSpace278]

I have some buddies who get packed out. Depending on the amount of business at the time. You can expect to pay between $125-$250. This is Routt and White River National Forest in Colorado, I can not speak about other areas.

 

[PA 5-0]

I also hunt Routte in NW CO. 5 miles or less, our guy charges $275. Last time we used him was 2012. Factor in inflation and all !!

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I have never found one less than $275, can't say I have tried very hard either though.

 

[Tony Trietch]

I am not talking packing hunters in or out, just a quartered elk.
The packer was referred to me by the local forest ranger. He told me $500 to get an elk out. Its steep and rough country but that seemed high to me.

 

[Hardway]

I was qouted $450 near Beaver creek

 

[5MilesBack]

I would think that $400-500 would be about right. Think about what they charge just for horseback riding excursions.......usually about $30/hour, and that's for a leisurely ride and each horse. Throw in extreme elk country (which is why we'd want to hire one anyway), and that's a lot more work. Especially if he has to clear a bunch of deadfall just to get back in there.

 

[idahoelkhunter]

I would plan anywhere from $300.00 to $500.00 . Fuel isn't cheap , animals and tack are not cheap and taking pack animals into some of the hell holes where we kill bulls isn't easy work.

Mark

 

[Tony Trietch]

Ok. Thanks for the input. That's what i figured but was just curious. I am just happy to find a packer that knows the area and was eager to help.
Seemed very genuine.
Having his cell # will put me at ease.

 

[Rucker61]

Anybody know of one in the North Park Colorado area?

 

[Finch]

So I assume you give the would-be packer a heads up before your hunt in case you need his services? I'm going solo in 2015 and was thinking about having a packer on speeddial, just in case.

atrieteh - do you think you'd pay $500 to have your elk packed out?

 

[flyingbrass]

300-500 is fair for sure, maybe more depending on the circumstances, that is the price I had agreed to pay in montana a few years ago in case I killed one

 

[Tony Trietch]

So I assume you give the would-be packer a heads up before your hunt in case you need his services? I'm going solo in 2015 and was thinking about having a packer on speeddial, just in case.

atrieteh - do you think you'd pay $500 to have your elk packed out?

Yes to both.
We have agreed to stay in touch. I will be getting there a week before the hunt and will touch base one last time before going in. If it is warm and I happen to take a bull, or even if it is cool and the bull is 5+ miles from the truck.
If it is doable for me alone, then by all means I will get it done myself. It sure feels good to know if I need him, his services are available.

 

[Buckman]

We just reserved horses for a weeks use, cost was 550.00 each, plus feed.

 

[jljmonky]

Buckman, where are you hunting? I have done some internet searches and haven't been able to find "rentals" down near Pagosa Springs...

 

[robby denning]

300-500 is typical and worth it in the long run. Allows you to cover more country in confidence.

Just a heads up, though. I've used some outfitters in our scouting packages who agreed to pack elk out for the hunters I was scouting for. Lo and behold, elk gets killed and outfitter won't answer his phone and hunters end up packing it out (what's left of it) anyway.

My point is that these packouts are chump change for most outfitters and major PIA and you won't be high priority. If you feel good about the outfitter, then send him a deposit so he knows you're serious. You could arrange for a partial refund if you don't need him. Like good mechanics, you don't want to nickle and dime these guys cause when you need them, you really need them, (btw, I'm one of these guys so you're getting the outfitters perspective.)

 

[Buckman]

PM sent jljmonky

 

[jljmonky]

Thanks Buckman...

 

[Tony Trietch]

300-500 is typical and worth it in the long run. Allows you to cover more country in confidence.

Just a heads up, though. I've used some outfitters in our scouting packages who agreed to pack elk out for the hunters I was scouting for. Lo and behold, elk gets killed and outfitter won't answer his phone and hunters end up packing it out (what's left of it) anyway.

My point is that these packouts are chump change for most outfitters and major PIA and you won't be high priority. If you feel good about the outfitter, then send him a deposit so he knows you're serious. You could arrange for a partial refund if you don't need him. Like good mechanics, you don't want to nickle and dime these guys cause when you need them, you really need them, (btw, I'm one of these guys so you're getting the outfitters perspective.)

Thanks Robby. I feel good about him. He said the first two weeks of Sept he is just getting his camps ready and would be good to go. Hopefully if I need him he will come thru. If not, I will work my ass off to get it out. No prob either way but having his number and willingness just might make me go into that hell hole that I may other wise talk my self out of.