Game Bags for Elk

Studs1991

FNG
Joined
Aug 29, 2018
Messages
57
Location
Chicago
Hey all,

I pretty much have all my gear acquired for a Colorado elk hunt. In doing so, I have spent more than I anticipated and cannot come to grasp spending another $70 on high-end game bags. I understand taking care of the meat should be a top priority, however, I am looking for feedback on any elk-sized game bags that won't break the bank. Thanks and good luck this season
 
Joined
Jul 28, 2019
Messages
21
Hey all,

I pretty much have all my gear acquired for a Colorado elk hunt. In doing so, I have spent more than I anticipated and cannot come to grasp spending another $70 on high-end game bags. I understand taking care of the meat should be a top priority, however, I am looking for feedback on any elk-sized game bags that won't break the bank. Thanks and good luck this season
If I were you I'd bite the bullet, or try your hand at making your own out of a synthetic
 

wytx

WKR
Joined
Feb 2, 2017
Messages
2,275
Location
Wyoming
Canvas game bags work great and if not backpacking in the weight is not a concern. We use both the synthetic ones and some canvas ones.
 
Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
1,025
Location
Colorado
Assuming you’re packing in...Spend the $70
Tag Bags or something similar are super compact and light weight.
Not to mention durable!
I’ve put 6 elk into my Tag Bags in the last 5 years and they’re still like new.

You can go cheaper, but they’ll be heavier, take up more volume, won’t be as durable and might not protect the meat as well.

You can even use pantyhose!
 

All American Boy

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 31, 2019
Messages
174
Location
Colorado
King size pillow cases are super cheap. My wife told me she saw them at the local dollar store. Not synthetic, but will still keep off the bugs and dirt like any other bag.
 
Joined
Jan 26, 2013
Messages
1,025
Location
Colorado
Just food for though, and my only experience with pillow cases....I helped out a buddy with his Elk a few years back, and he used pillow cases.

They allowed the meat to ball up which made packing out more difficult(vs cylindrical bags) and we couldn’t easily hang the bags.
In order to tie a knot at the top to keep out the flies and so they could be hung, took a lot of material which considerably lessened the available volume of each bag.
On top of all that, they were heavy and bulky.
I get saving money, but this imo isn’t the best place to do so.
Again, just my opinions.
 

mike123

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
33
Location
NM
I have used them all. Best bang for your buck is the Dickson Elk Game Bags, 4 pack on sale at sportsman warehouse for $12. Lightweight and washable/reusable, perfect for keeping flies and dirt off your meat and allowing them to cool down quickly
 
Joined
Feb 27, 2012
Messages
2,720
Location
Tijeras NM
I'll spend the extra money when I need game bags. The $70 or whatever is worth the coin to keep the flies and meat bees off. I use Hang em High bags....
 
Joined
Aug 25, 2015
Messages
537
Location
Wyoming

cnelk

WKR
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
7,397
Location
Colorado
I use a mix of pillow cases and other brand game bags.

If you make a slit in the hem of the pillow case and run some para cord thru, you can tie off around the leg.

Here is a bull and cow hung up with my assortment. But only to cool down - then the meat goes in the cooler.

79EA261C-81CB-4A7B-AE0D-E04A8CECA71D.jpeg
 

sfc2140

FNG
Joined
Jan 16, 2017
Messages
73
Location
San Diego
I purchased a pack of Caribu Game Bags the Magnum series which is suppose to fit an elk. I have yet to harvest an elk so I cant tell you for sure if that is true. I how ever used them for my mule deer and they worked out great. I love the synthetic material and kept the meat clean and cool. Best part for me was that they cleaned up super easily.
 

sndmn11

"DADDY"
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Messages
10,220
Location
Morrison, Colorado
Hey all,

I pretty much have all my gear acquired for a Colorado elk hunt. In doing so, I have spent more than I anticipated and cannot come to grasp spending another $70 on high-end game bags. I understand taking care of the meat should be a top priority, however, I am looking for feedback on any elk-sized game bags that won't break the bank. Thanks and good luck this season


I have a bunch of unused Alaska game bags. PM me your address and I will send them to you
 
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