Cost of a horse packer

[RStarck]

Northern Colorado guys: An high school buddy and I got to talking last week. (He's a hand at one of Sombrero's ranches) I was picking his brain on pack stock and he mention their services for hunting season. He explained to me, that if you get an animal down they offer an service in which they will deliver stock to most any trailhead for your use. You walk or ride them in, pack your animal out and that's that.. For the typical guy, I understand that most would prefer someone to assist in the pack out, but if you get in a bind with the outfitter not answering this may be something to look into.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Sounds like a great service as long as you are exp with the stock and they are in the area you are hunting. How far do they deliver?

 

[RStarck]

All questions would have to go to them directly, sorry. I didn't get into the details much.

 

[switchback270]

here's a link to their rental page. http://www.sombrero.com/custompages/hunting.asp

 

[Ross]

I have been quoted $300 ish in Montana and have yet to call, but been fortunate enough to shoot a bull ahead of an outfitter one day. He rode up as I was butchering and offered to pack him out for free if at the days end they had unfilled panniers. As luck would have it they did and it was the coolest thing to see mules pull up to the meat pole and slide those quarters in for the several mile walk out. Another time there was a hunter with mules at a trailhead and I offered him $60 bucks he said sure so we walked the 3 miles that afternoon lashed them on and away we went. Saved many miles on my back on those two bulls and because of it often think about a mule as they make it so easy on the pack out.

 

[Hunt'nFish]

Yep, sure a lot easier isn't it Ross. This is the way we roll.
In our neck of the woods the going rate to get an animal packed out is more like $600 today.
Hunt'nFish

 

[njdoxie]

I have multiple packers on speed dial in case one is not available.....they are worth every dime they charge, whatever it is....if I'm successful, packer will get a generous tip in addition to whaat he charges.

 

[Finch]

I have multiple packers on speed dial in case one is not available.....they are worth every dime they charge, whatever it is....if I'm successful, packer will get a generous tip in addition to whaat he charges.

Gotcha. I'm thinking I'll have a couple different outfits on speed dial in case I need them.

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.

 

[Beendare]

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.)

Good post...I've had that happen. Not sure its anyones fault, he was busy out packing for someone else- first come first serve.