Duffle size-Bear hide in checked luggage

[tcmers]

I'm doing a spring bear hunt and will be flying out of Nashville to and from Edmonton. I plan on bringing back the hide only, little to no meat. I've seen recommendations to roll and put into a duffle bag as opposed to coolers. For anyone that has done that, what size duffle bag did you use? I'll be in a two bear area and have to consider the possibility of bringing two hides on the plane. Thanks!

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I would reconsider the cooler idea. My brother is a taxidermist and he says to roll up the hide and get it frozen as soon as possible and try to keep it that way.

 

[wyosteve]

I’ve brought a grizzly hide back that way and last year my hunting friend took his brown bear hide home. Both hides were frozen and worked just fine in contractor size ‘garbage’ bags inside a large/extra large duffel bag.

 

[go4thegusto]

Regardless of whether you use a cooler or bag, you will want to get it frozen. lay out loose in a freezer at the hunt site and gradually fold up so interior is frozen. My hunting partner is a taxidermist and has had some come in ruined in the interior of the bundle because it was rolled up warm. The heat cannot escape.
We do that and in the process get it in a roll top dry bag towards the end of cool done. Lower the dry bag into freezer with the top open to release all the heat until you depart. I have put the frozen dry bag in a banana or apple box with handle holes if cooler weather at your destination. If you are heading somewhere warmer a cooler is smart. Use an airtag/Tile in case it gets delayed. Good Luck

 

[Blind Squirrel]

I’ve flown with salted hides twice. Rolled them up and put them in my exo pack, carried it on the plane. No problems. Flying with frozen hides is fine, until you or your luggage get delayed. Your guide should salt it for you.