Packaging Moose Rack for Alaska Cargo Shipment

[KShunter8080]

I was hoping someone who has recently shipped a moose rack with the skull attached (for a euro mount) via Alaska Air Cargo could give me some pointers. I am curious what exactly you used for wrapping / packaging material for the antlers and the skull. If anyone has pictures that would be greatly appreciated as well.

Also, was there anything special you had to do when dropping it off at the airport after getting it wrapped up? I am already a known shipper but have never actually shipped anything with them. Just trying to prevent any headaches this fall if I am lucky enough to get one.

 

[Robinhood21]

Waxed fish boxes for the meat. Bring extra contractor bags as the bags in the boxes are kind of short. That way you can really tie the end off good to eliminate any leakage.

For the skulls we trimmed as much meat off as possible and removed the brains.
We then wrap the skull in a microfiber towl and a cheap lightweight tarp from amazon.
Then we wrap the skull like crazy with packaging plastic wrap.
Then we use cardboard to cover the tips/antlers and duct tape it all together.
Then we use the packaging wrap and wrap the crap out of it. Then when we think we're done, we wrap it some more.
We then finish it off with more duct tape.

We brought our own duct tape and plastic wrap.
Get to the airport extra early when checking in Frozen Air Cargo... they're not very fast and there will sure to be others wanting to do the same thing.

 

[KShunter8080]

That is very helpful. Couple questions.

Did the heads have to be frozen before you dropped them off?

Do you mind sharing what it cost to ship them back? Not sure if they broke it down by item, but that would be helpful.

 

[Nontyp]

Take black pipe insulation for the antler tips. You can cut it into pieces to pack better. I stick arrows inside of it, one on my gun barrel and just about anywhere I can cram it in and a 6” wide till of shrink wrap. A black trash bag for the skull that is duct taped tightly on. Make sure your name and address is clearly visible even though they still lost mine for 6 months.

 

[Robinhood21]

That is very helpful. Couple questions.

Did the heads have to be frozen before you dropped them off?

Do you mind sharing what it cost to ship them back? Not sure if they broke it down by item, but that would be helpful.

No heads were not frozen.
Cost from small town Alaska to Kansas City was in the $550 range. #300lbs of meat and the head which weighed 70lbs. The rest of the meat was given to my cousin who lives up there.

 

[Chumsnagger]

Don’t forget to wrap an AirTag in there!

 

[Nontyp]

If I’m successful this yr I’m thinking about cutting the skull off and use a 3d printed replica. Shipping my skull back was 625.00 by it’s self and the cape was anouther $75 and it weighed about the same