Packing one out solo

[Wapiti1]

Longest solo was about 4 miles. No drama on that one, just a good rolling hills pack out. Shortest was 120 yards to a road I didn't know existed. It took me the rest of the day to hike that road out far enough to know where the heck I could get on it, then hike cross country to the truck.

Worst was a spike I shot in late November that rolled from the top of the ridge to the bottom of a wicked steep gulch. That little bastard managed to miss every tree on the way down. There was knee deep snow to make it more fun. Once I got to him, I realized getting out of that gulch was going to be all I could do without meat on my back. I quartered him up, tied a rope to a quarter, climbed to a spot where I had some footing, then drug the quarter up to me and wedged it so it would stay put. This process was repeated until I had all of the elk piled in a spot that was relatively flat. From there, it was a mile to the truck and I was home free. Sadly, there was a road only a couple hundred yards away, but it wasn't driveable due to the snow. That was a long day.

As much as uphill with meat sucks, the really steep downhills are the ones that wear me out. They kill my right knee and I always have the feeling that I am one tiny misstep from going for a ride.

All that said, I truly love packing game out of the mountains. It is kind of the point. If I only wanted memories, I'd just take a camera.

Jeremy

 

[TheCougar]

This is a good topic. Most new guys (myself included) underestimate what is required to get a bull on ice. Some elk were only a mile from the truck (or less). The farthest was 5 miles into a wilderness area. The most weight I have carried was probably over 150lbs, but I was only able to manage that for a mile on up and down terrain of bushwhacking in the dark. I was surprised how quickly that amount of weight really crushed my ability to move and climb. Beware the temptation to think you can pack out more than you actually can. I'm in pretty darn good shape, but I limit myself to no more than 100lbs to prevent excessive fatigue and injury, unless I am very close to the truck. I carry Prednisone and copious amounts of Mortin, Aleve, etc. I also carry a couple single servings of hydration powder (Enduro?) and backpack-hunter cocaine (I think it is called Ignite). I think because I save the drugs and the magical powders until I really need them, they are much more effective than if my body was accustomed to them. Other things I have learned: Get a pack capable of carrying quarters. Invest in synthetic bags to prevent bugs from getting to the meat. Carry 550 cord and small sheep tarp or something to shade the meat and protect it while it waits for your multiple return trips. I'll also carry a bit of citric acid powder and a small spray bottle in buggy areas. I've heard black pepper powder also works well. Understand "micro-climates" and how/where to stash your meat so it doesn't spoil and think about where is shade is and where it will be later! Larry Bartlett has a moose float hunt book where he discusses this in depth and Snyder talked about this on a few Gritty Bowmen podcasts. Bottomline, have the right gear and be prepared physically and mentally so you can protect yourself and the meat! Good luck.

 

[Sam's dad]

Most of my elk hunting is solo, so I consider myself lucky if I have a buddy along to help carry.

I plan on four trips, carrying the first hind quarter out with back straps in the first load. Works out to be about 80 to 100 pounds a load, which can be heavy but manageable. I’m pretty fit but I don’t want to mess up a knee carrying too much weight- especially when I’m by myself.

It’s nice to have trekking poles.

 

[TheCougar]

+1 on trekking poles

 

[Joe Schmo]

Pack on out solo and you’ll have something to hang your hat on for the rest of your life.

 

[huntsman22]

unless it's a cow. or you make a hat rack outta the feet.....

first branch-antlered hat rack bull from the '70's.

 

[Gunnersdad49]

Historically, I was also a daypack to hunt, and a frame pack to haul meat guy. I hated the idea of walking back for a pack empty handed, so depending on the critter and distance, I would usually take 1 or 2 quarters out, bone in, with the feet tied together. I would put the weight on my shoulders, and leave the feet out in front of my face to help balance the load. It sucked, but got the job done.

I now hunt with a day pack capable of hauling meat.

 

[TripleJ]

I do a lot of my hunting solo, so I've packed out a few solo. The last 2, I've had to bone out to make it a more manageable task. I've never done more than a couple miles on a solo pack out, but those were all Roosevelt elk in Roosevelt country...steep, deep, nasty brush, and no trails. It sure makes you appreciate having a buddy around to help pack one out. Carrying a hunting pack you can pack the 1st load out with is definitely one of the best tips. It will definitely save some miles of back and forth.

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

I like leaving the horse trailer hitched and calling the wife. Seems to work out pretty good!

 

[MesaHorseCo.]

And greatly extends the useful life of the knees.