Game Bags for Elk

Brady

Member
Jun 13, 2012
128
0
What game bags do you guys recommend for elk? I'll be doing a second rifle season hunt on foot in the Weminuche wilderness in CO. How many bags do you need for all the meat on a bull?

Thanks
Brady
 

tdub24

Veteran member
Dec 15, 2011
1,330
557
Carlin, NV
I use Remington game bags that I have picked up at Walmart, $7.00. I have washed an reused them which is nice, but paying $7 every now and again is to painful. Only other game bags I have used were the Alaska Outfitter ones you can get at Cabela's. I didn't care for these, they got torn up pretty easily.

They way I have figured it, you need 4 bags for each quarter, 1 for backstraps and tenderloins, 1 maybe 2 for miscellaneous meat. Of course, if you plan on boning the animal out, you could probably get away with putting both front shoulders in one bag. Some folks use 1 bag for the cape as well, but I haven't done this.
 

birdhunter

Active Member
May 8, 2011
226
0
Black Hills, Wy
I use the cabelas game bags. I haven't had any trouble with them tearing but haven't gotten too crazy with them either. I have also used the Alaskan game bags which are way more durable but cost a lot more as well. I use at least 5 bags for an elk. One for each quarter and one for the back straps and tenderloins, etc. I would say to start with looking at a reasonably cheap set and then go up from there and pick the one you think will work the best. If you don't like them, change it up next time.
 

CoHiCntry

Veteran member
Mar 31, 2011
1,390
21
Colorado Mountains
The Alaskan game bags are light weight and a lot less bulky. But like was mentioned above they do tend to snag and run (like panty hose) and get small holes in them. I keep using them even with the snags and runs. I've used them on several animals. The beauty is less bulkiness in your pack. If I wasn't packing them around in the field I'd go with a heavier weight type. I use 5 as well. 1 for each quarter and 1 for misc.
 

Old Hunter

Banned
Dec 28, 2011
1,104
0
Buena Vista, Co.
I have a different outlook on game bags. To me it's like changing the oil in your truck. I chalk up the expense to maintenance. I use whatever is easiest for me to buy, and then throw them away after one use.
 

tttoadman

Very Active Member
Nov 16, 2012
629
1
Oregon
I take 8 of the Alaskan guide bags. The small ones that are 48". You can buy 2 packages of 4 and cram all 8 into one ziplock bag. I am assuming with boned out animals, I should get a few years out of these.
 

hardstalk

Veteran member
Sep 13, 2011
1,550
43
vegas
Tag bags released a line of game bags just for a boned out elk. I was lucky enough to receive a set free and there a sweet package. Its called the b.o.m.b bag. Boned out meat bag. Reusable lightweight and super tough. I think there is 5 bags total of assorted sizes in the pack.
 

Brady

Member
Jun 13, 2012
128
0
Great info guys, thanks so much. I'll do some research on the ones y'all mentioned.

Brady
 

tttoadman

Very Active Member
Nov 16, 2012
629
1
Oregon
Tag bags released a line of game bags just for a boned out elk. I was lucky enough to receive a set free and there a sweet package. Its called the b.o.m.b bag. Boned out meat bag. Reusable lightweight and super tough. I think there is 5 bags total of assorted sizes in the pack.
This looks great. We have only been boning for the last couple years. We have been packing with the big cotton bags, and it is defenitely time for a change. Seeing what the package is for the BOMB pack, I may just shed 2 of the alaskan bags for this year. When they wear out, I will be looking at these. Thanks for sharing!!
 

HiMtnHnter

Active Member
Sep 28, 2012
445
4
Wyoming
The Remington bags you can get at walmart work well. They are cheap and they are strong enough to withstand several washings. They will pay for themselves in a short time.
 

tttoadman

Very Active Member
Nov 16, 2012
629
1
Oregon
They can also be used for toiletries, fish nets, bank robber hood, prison escape rope, etc. Just a few of the many services these fine bags can provide.
 

trophyhill

Member
Feb 24, 2011
143
0
Tijeras, NM
I bought 2 sets this year. Alaska Game Bags and HS Game Bags. I used the HS on my first hunt because of the light weight. they held up just fine and I would use them again.