Getting an Elk out of canyon solo

[Islandwarrior233]

I know this sounds crazy, but has anyone ever done this before? I usually bow hunt but this year I drew an awesome eastern oregon rifle bull tag. None of my friends or family can go with me because of work. I have been tracking the weather, and it seems like it will be a warmer late october. Anyone ever get a bull out solo without horses using a creative technique or tools other than a chainsaw winch? Also does anyone have any tricks for keeping the meat cool if I have to leave it there all day? I am guessing the temperature is going to be around 45-50 at mid-day. It is the Imnaha unit.

 

[Chippy Hacky]

That is some steep, steep rugged country. The meat should be just fine if you can hang it in the shade. It will get cool enough at night that if left in the shade during the day, you will be fine. I would suggest finding someone who can get horses in there to help you if it gets too bad. Don't mess with it, just bone it out to begin with, then have the phone number handy to the packer if you get in over your head.

 

[squirrelduster]

I just made the decision to not go after a bull last week due to hunting alone in horrible country but it was hot. I didn't think I could get him out before he spoiled.
Your situation should be different, the weather will be reasonably cool during the day and probably in the 30's at night. Bone it out and then spread it out to let it cool at night then put it in a cool shady spot during the day while you are packing a load to the truck. Should be fine but you will work your butt off to get him to the truck. Be in really good shape and good luck.

 

[Maxhunter]

I have taken many elk out solo by myself. Like stated bone it out get the meat of the ground and in the shade. When I lived in Utah the archery season always opens in mid August, so the weather is pretty warm. I've never had any met ever go bad. Boned out is should take you about three trips tops. Good luck!

 

[Old Hunter]

Been taking out elk alone since I was 40. That's 30 years ago. Boning it out is the only way to do it. Hang what you haven't taken in a cool spot, and just keep trucking until you have it all.

I'll be going for another bull in a month. Should be fun.

 

[jjenness]

You are definitely going to want to bone it out. If you have never boned out an elk before, then talk to someone who has to get some tips. You probably could find some sort of video's online too I would guess. Whenever I pack large loads out, I usually leap frog the loads. It helps break up the hike and gives you shorter goals each time you start hiking. Good luck.

 

[Old Hunter]

Boning out is the only way to do it.

http://vimeo.com/34615004

 

[trophyhill]

my buddy uses one of those plastic taboggens and drags his

 

[Old Hunter]

Drags the whole elk?

 

[Islandwarrior233]

Does he use a pulley system or a hand crank? I don't want to bone it out, rather quarter it and get it out that way so I can hang them when I get to a locker

 

[A3dhunter]

my buddy uses one of those plastic taboggens and drags his

using this method you can do whole quarters and it keeps the weight off your back, it can work good in some places but not so good in others.

 

[Vanish]

Does he use a pulley system or a hand crank? I don't want to bone it out, rather quarter it and get it out that way so I can hang them when I get to a locker

You want to do it solo and in a canyon but you don't want to bone it out? You can still hang meat bags in a locker.

Shoot a small one?

 

[Bitterroot Bulls]

I agree with Vanish, meat hangs just fine in game bags. Bones are tough to eat, I would rather leave them at the kill site, myself.

 

[bigshot]

The reason for boning meat besides lightening your load, is to cool the meat down. The bones put out heat for a while after the animal is taken, which can cause your meat to spoil from the inside out. If you don't want to bone the meat, it helps to make cuts into the sides of the quarter up against bone, so the heat can escape. I have learned while packing out many bear quarters, this helps cool the meat down on those warm days.

 

[Islandwarrior233]

Thanks for clarifying bigshot! I may bone it out now. Themain reason other than easy hanging for quartering it was I feel like I would be in a hurry and I would make bad cuts and ruin the roasts and steaks. I know how to package it up, but I like to take my time when doing that. I don't want to come out of te canyon with two slashed up bags of meat. I guess I will make my decision after I punch the tag. Thanks a lot!!

 

[wapiti66]

Also...to speed up the process, use a good sharp knife to bone out the elk, that will cut your time down fast as anything. This year I used a Cutco hunting knife, and I was very impressed how much easier it was to deal with the elk with a sharp knife that kept its edge for the entire process.

 

[Gperkins21]

By A Eberlestock J107 it has a mesh meat pack that help keep your meat cool!

 

[Gperkins21]

By and Eberlestock J107 it has a mesh meat pack that help keep your meat cool!

 

[Old Hunter]

Thanks for clarifying bigshot! I may bone it out now. Themain reason other than easy hanging for quartering it was I feel like I would be in a hurry and I would make bad cuts and ruin the roasts and steaks. I know how to package it up, but I like to take my time when doing that. I don't want to come out of te canyon with two slashed up bags of meat. I guess I will make my decision after I punch the tag. Thanks a lot!!

Did you watch the video I posted?

 

[dito]

Slashed up meat tastes the same as un slashed up meat!