pigs and planes???

joe ashton · February 10, 2015, 08:37:00 PM

Hi all. I am headed to the Solana ranch, in TX, to bow hunt pigs.. I've been hog hunting a few times before and I've always donated the meat to the local food banks. But this trip I'd like to bring some home. How do you fly with meat? I'm thinking, run over to Wal-mart and buy a cheap cooler, ice and duck tape?? I just don't know..
Thanks for any suggestions.
Joe
PS. I'll be using: 55# prong horn long bow, G/T with 100gr brass inserts and Grizzlies, woodsman, Magnus 2 blade.. ?

Florida lime · February 10, 2015, 08:44:00 PM

I've never done it, but I'd say pack the meat in HD waterproof bags, and box the meat up with dry ice. Then ship it to yourself.

That's how some of the online places do it.

Jake Scott · February 10, 2015, 08:46:00 PM

Joe,
When I was working in Alaska I used to bring home a ton of fish at the end of each season. I always went up with whatever I could carry in a frame pack and that's it. When it came time to come home I did just what you said, bought the cheapest coolers I could find and just paid extra to fly with it on ice. USE LOTS OF DUCT TAPE and you should be fine.

Jake

beaunaro · February 10, 2015, 08:47:00 PM

I would check with your airline first, but we have had guys do what you mentioned.
Also had guys put it into a soft-sided cooler and carry it on.

Most airlines don't want any liquids dripping out of your cooler, so either way you do it, I would try to get the meat into ice and keep draining the water/blood till the meat is washed clean, if possible.

Get it chilled or partially frozen if possible, and triple bag it to prevent leaks.

You can add newspaper over the top of the bags to fill the cooler, and help insulate it.

I have brought home Lobster from Belize, Caribou from Northern Quebec, Fish from Canada.

The airlines may want to look, so carry some duct tape with you.

Your TX outfitter may have some ideas too.

SAM E. STEPHENS · February 10, 2015, 09:21:00 PM

When you going to be here , I hunt across the road maybe we could go get lunch. If your going to be around a while we could go check out a few spots I have....

,,,Sam,,,

Guru · February 10, 2015, 09:31:00 PM

Joe, That's exactly how I've done it several times....walmart cooler, ice, duct tape....check as extra bag.

February 10, 2015, 10:12:00 PM

I think you should freeze the meat and then pack tightly in a cooler and seal with duct tape. I don't think you want to use ice because if any leaks out, your whole cooler will get trashed!

I live about 30 minutes from Solana. I would love to come out and meet you one evening!

Bisch

Fireman2019 · February 10, 2015, 11:34:00 PM

I killed a decent size whitetail in Pennsylvania in Nov. I put most of the frozen solid, packaged meat in a cooler and duct taped it shut. The airline had a 50# limit per bag. So I packed my carry on suit case with the remaining meat. I lined it with some sweatshirts. The carry on had to be close to 50#'s. When I got back to AZ and home way later the meat in the carry on was still solid and frosted over. I have done that twice. Have never had any issues with thawing meat or had the airlines give me any grief about the meat in my carry on. I flew Southwest and was allowed 2 checked bags, a carry on and personal size pack.

McDave · February 11, 2015, 01:03:00 AM

I used to always fly home with a freezer full of elk meat, frozen and well secured against leakage as was mentioned, when I would hunt with my brother-in-law. That was before the days of the airlines surcharging for everything. Just check the weight limits and item limits before you commit yourself, or that could be some mighty expensive pork!

David Mitchell · February 11, 2015, 07:25:00 AM

I hog hunt every year in Florida and we just drive down--pretty far haul from West Virginia but worth it as we can bring home as much meat as we kill (which is a lot--and so delicious) with no issues about airlines and such. Don't know about flying with dry ice as far as regulations go on that as it gives off carbon dioxide as it dissolves and that may be a no-no in cargo compartments now. Doesn't seem too far to drive from Colorado to Texas which is sure what I would do. I hate dealing with airlines any more, but I'm sure you may have your reasons for flying.

Kip · February 11, 2015, 07:39:00 AM

I brought bear meat from Canada.Use the blue ice and gallon hd. ziplock to pack meat use two per package.Cube ice chest worked for me.I use two friction straps around ice chest after it was inspected at airport.I duct taped the friction straps in case they got abused with the handlers.

britt · February 11, 2015, 07:42:00 AM

Joe, have a safe and fun trip. We are heading down to Mason, TX on the 18th to Poke a Pig.

Izzy · February 11, 2015, 08:00:00 AM

Say hi to my buddy Mr. Robert Mitchum, class A dude. Be sure to discuss your meat intentions with the boys on the ranch ahead of time. Some of those fellas don't even want to load hogs in their trucks.

Mint · February 11, 2015, 09:07:00 AM

On my annual hog hunt to florida I always have the meat chilled and then placed into a cooler. I don't duck tape until after the airlines inspect and sometimes the TSA will open anyway. I've never used ice since the airlines frown on it and I've never had a problem and the meat is still cold when I land. I don't even freeze the meat anymore since there is no need to.

joe ashton · February 11, 2015, 10:21:00 AM

thanks... I knew you I could get help here..

huronhunter · February 11, 2015, 06:07:00 PM

I have had refrigerated trucking company transport my hogs from Texas to Michagan but that was 15 years ago .

tracker12 · February 11, 2015, 07:38:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Florida lime:
I've never done it, but I'd say pack the meat in HD waterproof bags, and box the meat up with dry ice. Then ship it to yourself.

That's how some of the online places do it.

I have always been told No dry ice permitted on aircraft. I just freeze the meat and pack it in a cooler. Never a problem.

Florida lime · February 11, 2015, 09:52:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by tracker12:

I have always been told No dry ice permitted on aircraft. I just freeze the meet and pack it in a cooler. Never a problem.

Makes sense, but how do the online places do it ?

A quote from the first place I checked:
"We make sure your order arrives in perfect condition! A custom Styrofoam container is packed inside a sturdy cardboard box. Dry ice keeps your order frozen while FedEx 2nd Day delivery gets your order to you with time to spare."

I would think 2 day delivery across the country must use planes, but maybe FedEx is different. :confused:

Terry Green · February 11, 2015, 09:55:00 PM

Cool Joe....you will have a blast!!!

Tell all the guys I said hi!!!

Red Beastmaster · February 11, 2015, 10:35:00 PM

I've heard dry ice suggested so many times over the years.

So just where do you find dry ice on a Sunday morning when you are packing to leave?

I've only seen it one time in my life and that was in chemistry class 38 years ago.