Getting meat home in 2026

[adill84]

Have a Montana big game combo tag and trying to find the easiest most economical way to get meat back if successful. I’m flying into Bozeman and built time in for a return drive home with maybe a stop or two for tourist stuff, but with one way car rentals costing about 200 a day is there a better way in the current economical climate? Is there a shipper in the area that can handle everything or someone that can ship the horns and fly back with the meat or is driving still the best option? I’d almost rather pay a few hundred more to stay in the area an extra day or two then three days driving. Appreciate any recommendations.

 

[coya]

Driving is always the preferred method.
You could look into becoming a known shipper with an airline

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Driving both ways is the economical and predictable option.

 

[7Bartman]

Being from the East Coast I have a different take. I've flown meat home for the last 9 years without any problem. There are some different logistical considerations. Warning the TSA agents in Bozeman will want to take all of your frozen meat out of your carry-on. Biggest factor is getting it frozen and vacuum sealed (ideally).

 

[mt terry d]

Wife just flew from Bzn to Seattle.
Bucket Boss carry on was just full of frozen elk. No issues.

However when possible a pickup with a chest freezer and small generator is optimal.

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

You could rent a one way uhaul for the return, might be cheaper than the standard rental car.

I don’t see how flying with meat could be cheaper these days and I’ve done it a lot. Luggage fees have gone up and allowances down. Flying back with a deboned mule deer is no big deal but an elk would probably run $800+ in luggage, plus all the hassle.