Colorado OTC Archery Elk Hunt 2014

[squirrelduster]

4 miles in and hunt from there will be tough to get the bull out before he spoils.
I would be very surprised if any of your brothers buddies help you out. 4+ miles at 10k feet with 80 or so pounds is BRUTAL. It takes a really good friend to help you with that. Be careful counting on people to help you out, most people are all gung-ho till it's time to put the boots to the ground. You don't want to be packing that guy by yourself. Probably 5 trips minimum.
I hunted the Craig area a couple years ago and there isn't much public land. Nice country with quakies and oak brush.

 

[rcfireninja]

I looked up renting a pack horse to get the elk out and luckily enough my trail head is within 50 miles of a stable so no delivery fee. $550 does not seem bad for a horse to use for a couple days. Another great option you guys are giving me. Thanks.

 

[RockChucker30]

So you're going to rent the horse and pack it yourself? "Horse Packer" usually refers to someone licensed by the state who you hire to pack out your elk. They show up with several horses and go load the meat and bring it back to the trailhead for you.

I guess you could do it yourself, but I'd want to make sure you're familiar with horses in general, and had some experience with pack horses. Also make sure you're renting a tried and true pack horse, not some green saddle horse. You could wind up with a rodeo in the backcountry real quick.

 

[rcfireninja]

Yes I have experience with horses and part of the allure of a diy backcountry hunt is actually doing the work. I plan on camping at a fork in some creeks and having dry bags to put the meat in the creek to keep cool while packing everything out. Thanks.

 

[Engideer]

It sounds like a fun hunt ninja, the good thing is that you are already planning on what what you will do when you get that animal down. That will go a long way toward making the hunt a success. I have used several different methods from doing it all myself to hiring some guys with horses. Any of them can work. Good luck and I hope you get your elk!

 

[rcfireninja]

Thanks Engideer!

 

[grenhdkilr]

Me and my buddy packed in 6 miles last year and shot a bull on the first day.we had a satellite phone and a local packer already arranged prior to the hunt. We made the call and the packer was there the next morning with horses and he took all the meat to his lodge and put it in a walk on cooler. Packing in is not a problem if your prepared to succeed before heading in.