I flew the meat off an elk home last fall. I bought 2 coolers for around $100 total and paid $225 in fees to check them both as oversize/overweight baggage at 95 lbs each. I also had a bit of meat in a soft cooler in my duffel, and left a bit with my hunting partner.
It's a matter of weighing pros and cons, for sure. Flying doesn't make sense for every situation, and your point about bad roads is a valid concern. I'll do either, depending on what makes sense.
Depends on the number of animals, one elk will cost $150( two coolers, minus cooler weight 178lbs of processed meat)
What constitutes a shitty spare? And how many guys are carrying more than one spare?
I've read about guys putting sections of garden hose or split tennis balls on antler points, taping them up, and checking them as well. Might depend on the aircraft you're flying on?
There is always the cancelled or delayed flight possibilities.
If we get get set back an entire day we get to our destination no later than if we had driven. Every time this conversation comes up every potential issue with flying is discussed but no one seems to consider the possibility of a breakdown on your way out, your truck breaks down half way out west and you could be stranded for many days.
$3500? What fuel price are you using to get $3500 out of roughly 400gal round trip? Even at $6/gal that's only $2400. And diesel is less than $6 literally everywhere except Kalifornia.
If your flight breaks down halfway out west you're pile driven into the dirt. You can what if both scenarios all day. Flying is getting more annoying, not less. You have way more control of what you're taking with you and bringing meat back when driving is a non issue. To each their own.
Wall tent, stove, chainsaws
you sure your not doing the guided hunt?
