Do you have experience with a sled for hauling out game?

[wytx]

Jet Sled.
I hauled elk, deer and moose out with mine.
Don’t even need snow. Goes over grass, rocks or whatever. It even floats.

Yep.

 

[TaperPin]

I need a new strap for one of my SMC crampons and since the company stopped making them quite a while ago, even good used straps are hard to find, so if you ever try crampons make sure the straps are all there. The metal portion is made out of chrome moly heat treated to almost wood pecker lip hardness, so a hunter will never wear them out in one lifetime. My primary pair was originally a rental and has probably gone through two lifetimes of use and wear is still minimal - it’s actually nice the sharp corners have been worn down a little and are less likely to damage a pack - for hunting there’s no advantage to sharp points.

The sizing of discontinued things can be confusing, but size 12 hiking boots fit really well in SMC’s medium. There is quite a bit of adjustment in length so I’m sure they would fit size 10 to 13. If they are for more bulky winter boots I’d go with a large size to have enough width and the length can be adjusted down.

There are still some great deals to be had on eBay - yesterday I checked out of curiosity and at least 3 pairs were under $30. One pair had brand new straps so I picked them up. This should hold up to at least a few generations of use after I’m gone.

 

[Hunter26]

I need a new strap for one of my SMC crampons and since the company stopped making them quite a while ago, even good used straps are hard to find, so if you ever try crampons make sure the straps are all there. The metal portion is made out of chrome moly heat treated to almost wood pecker lip hardness, so a hunter will never wear them out in one lifetime. My primary pair was originally a rental and has probably gone through two lifetimes of use and wear is still minimal - it’s actually nice the sharp corners have been worn down a little and are less likely to damage a pack - for hunting there’s no advantage to sharp points.

The sizing of discontinued things can be confusing, but size 12 hiking boots fit really well in SMC’s medium. There is quite a bit of adjustment in length so I’m sure they would fit size 10 to 13. If they are for more bulky winter boots I’d go with a large size to have enough width and the length can be adjusted down.

There are still some great deals to be had on eBay - yesterday I checked out of curiosity and at least 3 pairs were under $30. One pair had brand new straps so I picked them up. This should hold up to at least a few generations of use after I’m gone.

Thanks, I will take a look at ebay. For $30 it could be handy to take along!

 

[TaperPin]

Thanks, I will take a look at ebay. For $30 it could be handy to take along!

If you can’t find the exact size with good straps, wait a bit and more will be listed - everyone will be going through their old winter gear in the next few months.

 

[MTHunter10]

I use a Jet Sled on probably 90% of my kills for Whitetail, Elk, and Mule Deer. If you hunt uphill (pack meat downhill) to your vehicle they're super helpful which is what I normally do. I could see them being a complete waste in canyon/break country if you park your truck at the top and hunt down into steep canyons and pack the meat uphill. I would also consider the cover, if there isn't much low level impediments such as downfall, small aspens, bushes, etc the sled will work well. Also if there is less than 6" of snow that makes the drag easier, anymore and you'll start to snowplow and makes it harder unless you have a steeper downhill drag.

As a side note, I would recommend a game cart if you're in relatively flat areas for long distances such as long trails or closed roads. A sled can help a bit in this type of scenario, but wheels makes it 10x easier to haul than the friction a sled creates with 200lbs of meat on it.

 

[wytx]

Yep, a cart can work too.

 

[markanderson12]

I've used an otter sled a bunch of times here in Wisconsin. When you are in swampy wet bogs or ground with snow cover it works great. Pulling deer on dry ground is fine but not the best. Last year I actually used a wheel barrow to get my bear back to the truck. Dragged it out to a logging road and then wheeled it back much easier than using a sled.

 

[Larry Bartlett]

LB Flex Sled

The Airframes Alaska Northern Sledworks Backcountry Flex Sled for arctic adventures and freight hauling.

alaskagearcompany.com

 

[Dust Rider]

This is what we use:

Game Sled | Victor, MT | J5 Gear

You can count on our exceptional craftsmanship to create a game sled that will make your hunting trips more productive for years to come. Contact us today to place an order for your own game sled.

www.j5gear.com