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.

 

[adill84]

Appreciate the response I will have another person with me that could check some bags as well would 3-4 small coolers fit a bull elk plus carryons?

 

[7Bartman]

Appreciate the response I will have another person with me that could check some bags as well would 3-4 small coolers fit a bull elk plus carryons?

Absolutely, watch my video.

 

[adill84]

Absolutely, watch my video.

Watched it lots of valuable information I’m seriously considering flying back now but I already have a few days built in at the end of the trip for tourist stuff so I would have to find a way to get the meat frozen and skull boiled or euro mounted. If I could fit all the meat in 3 coolers plus bow case. Fee for the antlers def could work.

 

[7Bartman]

Watched it lots of valuable information I’m seriously considering flying back now but I already have a few days built in at the end of the trip for tourist stuff so I would have to find a way to get the meat frozen and skull boiled or euro mounted. If I could fit all the meat in 3 coolers plus bow case. Fee for the antlers def could work.

Two carry-on coolers at 45+lbs each, one cooler at 45lbs (plus 5lb weight of cooler to stay under 50lbs), and 20 lbs divided between 2 suitcases and you should be good. Worst case scenario another 50 lb cooler and an oversize rack. That should still be less than $300, and even cheaper with some airline credit cards that have perks like free checked bags.

 

[adill84]

Any reputable places near Bozeman I could store meat in a freezer for a few days I’m hunting 1.5hrs away. Suggestions for a solid cooler that would meet carry on restrictions or if I get it frozen can I put meat in contractor bags and put it in my pack?

 

[MarkOrtiz]

This is how we did it. 50lbs each for $50 each.

 

[coya]

Don't sleep on soft coolers. Half an elk in each

 

[adill84]

Did those soft cooler meet the size and weight restrictions or was there an up charge? I’d rather invest in some soft ones for future trips that pack nice then have piles of Coleman hard coolers floating around.

 

[coya]

Did those soft cooler meet the size and weight restrictions or was there an up charge? I’d rather invest in some soft ones for future trips that pack nice then have piles of Coleman hard coolers floating around.

I shipped as air cargo via alaska Airlines. I don't believe it would work as a checked bag

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

Also you don’t need coolers. If the meat is frozen you can put in duffles or the yellow top totes. Will give you more weight allowance on the meat vs container. I typically just use duffels.

 

[adill84]

Thanks for all the help does anyone know of a reputable processor near Bozeman that may store if for a few days to get frozen?

 

[coya]

Check out Beaverhead meats in Dillon

 

[LostArra]

I shipped as air cargo via alaska Airlines. I don't believe it would work as a checked bag

I've checked soft side coolers (Polar Bear) weighing right at 50# on Alaskan Air flights. They contained frozen fish. Much better than fish boxes

 

[coya]

I've checked soft side coolers (Polar Bear) weighing right at 50# on Alaskan Air flights. They contained frozen fish. Much better than fish boxes

These coolers would be flirting with the limit as airline checked baggage. Bear in mind this was a decent size cow. You'd need a 3rd cooler for a mature bull