Transporting Elk Antlers

[tracker12]

I am done drive from the east coast to a western state to hunt. 2 1/2 day drive solo is just to much. How are you all getting your neat and antlers back. 12 years ago I was able to ship UPS a set of antlers but no idea if that option is still available. Also unsure if Southwest will them them ride as extra baggage.

 

[IrkedCitizen]

It's not cheap to fly meat and antlers back home

 

[Indian Summer]

Ship clothes and gear home standard ground and put meat on the plane.

Call your airline to ask about antlers. They may or may not ship them. If they do, there will be requirements such as covering all the antler points, etc.

There are pros and cons to driving. But most people would opt to drive for this and several other reasons.

 

[Laelkhunter]

It's shipped all the time, mostly successful, but shipping meat overnight is super expensive. Several dollars per pound. Contact UPS or FedEx and ask them how much it would cost you to ship 400 pounds overnight from your address to the address of the meat processor you will be using. Costs should be the same if shipping from there to you. One concern is that it gets misrouted and ends up in a warehouse somewhere for several days unnoticed until the smell attracts someone's attention. Not sure how the insurance would cover that loss. You have to make sure it gets delivered while someone is there to receive it and get it into the freezer, not left in the sun on the doorstep to sit for who knows how long.
It's a pain, but driving home with it (and the antlers) is best. It's totally under your control at all times.
I've done it every year since 1990 (except for 3 years of tag soup) to and from Chama, NM. I'm too worried about flying with rifle, ammo, hunting clothes, then getting everything back home. A leisure drive to and from (24 hours of driving) keeps more in my control than worrying about airlines (prices and connections), vehicle rental (getting a Toyota Corolla instead of "reserved" SUV). If you have the time for travel (driving) makes it easier.

 

[Weldor]

Agreed, I avoid airports like the Plague. Way easier to take care of your own stuff. Your on vacation, what's the rush. Part of the hunt is the adventure of getting there.

 

[tracker12]

I understand driving is more convenient. I have been making trips out west to elk hunt since 1982. But at 74 driving 3 days solo at interstate speeds these days is more exhausting than climbing the mountains when I get there. I drove to Colorado, WY and UT the last three years so I know how it feels from recent experience. I will most likely use two soft coolers to bring 100# meat back. Antlers is what I am most worried about.

 

[EHoffman]

Getting your meat and trophy home is always a bit of a challenge especially when you are flying. For our out of state hunters, we recommend having the meat processed locally. This allows the hunter to coordinate with the processor to get their products shipped. The processor will ensure the meat is hard frozen and they know how to pack it to get to you without damage. It will be expensive to ship. You can also choose to ship a portion of the meat (take the best cuts), donating the rest to your guide or local non-profit.

Likewise for the antlers, you can fly with them. We cut up pool noodles to cover the tips of the antlers, wrap everything in lots of bubble wrap to protect the rest. I would reach out to the airline to confirm exactly how they want to packed for them. Unfortunately, you will still be at the mercy of the airline to properly handle and not to damage. Again, we recommend using a local taxidermist to mount/do a european and then crate it up and ship it to you. Taxidermists do this all the time and know how to pack and ship without damage.

Good luck on your hunt.

 

[LongWayAround]

Check the Alaska threads on shipping meat/antlers.

It's pretty simple. Clean the skull as best you can. Pack it with something that won't leak, like blue shop towels. Wrap it with cling wrap and duct tape. Package the antlers with cardboard and duct tape.

Your probably getting your meat processed locally, so see if someone can boil the skull for you in the meantime.

If you kill a giant bull, it might not be practical, but there's no reason you couldn't easily check meat and antlers on your flight.