Help with Packing Out Meat - What is Fair?

[Finn16]

Thought I would solicit opinions on what you would consider fair on the scenario below.

A solo hunter draws a moose tag in a unit unfamiliar to him and not close to his home. He gets an offer for packing help via a hunting forum from someone who will aslo be in that area. The packer just wants some meat for helping and the solo hunter is more than happy to give him some. The solo hunter kills an animal and contacts the guy that made the packing help offer and they end up carrying out 3 loads each to the truck - 1/4 mile carry each time and fairly flat. What do you consider fair "meat compensation" to give the guy that helped pack out?

 

[hodgeman]

You're going to get a variety of answers...depends, is the packer hunting the same species and giving up opportunity to help the solo guy?

Between me and my hunting partners- it's an even split. Everybody gets a share that helps recover the animal, of course we are hunting together for the same species year after year.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Whatever the amount we settled on before hand.

 

[wseidel]

Interesting dilemma. My hunting partners and I always evenly divide up meat from any game we harvest - so everyone pitches in to safely transport and process the meat (field to freezer). In your scenario, to avoid uncomfortable feelings on both sides, it's probably best to discuss what would be fair compensation BEFORE the event happens. That way you can make a determination if you want to go that route and/or if the packing conditions are especially difficult you can "tip" him with additional meat if you feel it is called for. Always best to be up front. Who knows, you may gain a new lifetime friend out of the deal! Hope this helps...

 

[dotman]

I agree discuss up front and add a bonus if warranted.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

This is next level thinking but, I'd ask him what he wanted. There is no way that he is going to ask for more than would be suitable. And, 1/4 mile flat pack is hardly worth taking someone else's time unless you intend on being very generous. God Bless

 

[elkguide]

That is my thought.... 1/4 mile, unless you're looking for someone to talk with while you pack up and walk out, that distance is not all that far.

 

[George]

1/2 a backstrap and a tenderloin. Oh, give him a hind leg.

G

 

[MattB]

That is my thought.... 1/4 mile, unless you're looking for someone to talk with while you pack up and walk out, that distance is not all that far.

This

 

[SpannerAK]

Did they help process or only pack?

 

[Burnsie]

I'd pay him for his time and keep all the meat.

 

[Finn16]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

[bcimport]

No less than a hind quarter or a front and a back strap.

 

[D_Eightch]

No less than a hind quarter or a front and a back strap.

This is exactly what I was going to say would make me happy.

 

[AlaskaEd]

I'd evenly split if we hunted together the whole time and did the same amout of work. For just help in packing out, I'd agree with the person who said rear quarter, or front and a backstrap.

 

[1signguy]

I would ask the "helper" what he would like and thinks is fair. Then I would give him a little more... A quarter and a backstop seems very fair... to both parties... If I understand the situation correctly. However, after calling the packer for help and accepting said help without an agreed upon amount, you owe them whatever/however they value their time and effort.

My whole deal is to always err in favor of others. It has served me well in all things business, family, friends...

 

[Jskaanland]

Something to consider is if you do any pepsticks/jerky or anything like that is sending some as the over and above.

 

[theleo91386]

I'd pay him for his time and keep all the meat.

Issue there is if the guy has any intelligence at all he won't take money from you unless he's a licensed guide/outfitter for the area. Once money exchanges hands, in most western states, it goes from a guy helping out to illegal guiding/outfitting.

 

[ChrisC]

For the people who said split it evenly with those they hunt with...Do you all have your own tags or are they accompanying you on the hunt and helping with the pack out? If the latter, do you split the tag cost equally as well?

 

[AlaskaEd]

For the people who said split it evenly with those they hunt with...Do you all have your own tags or are they accompanying you on the hunt and helping with the pack out? If the latter, do you split the tag cost equally as well?

Tags are free for residents here, but we usually split all the costs. Gas, camper costs (if we have one), group food, etc. Even the times the other person didn't have a tag (i.e., not enough residency time in AK) I still split the meat as long as they contribute equally (or more!).