Have always used pack frames for deer and elk. Occasionally get a deer where I drag it out in one piece, but very seldom get an elk out whole.

In the 60's and 70's all we had were military surplus packboards made from plywood and canvas. My latest pack frame is the Alaskan frame from Cabela's.

Here's a photo of my oldest brother Roger (72 yrs old)packing out the antlers & cape off his big Roosevelt bull the day before Thanksgiving. We'd already packed the meat out and the head was the last load.

QuoteOriginally posted by Tree Killer:
Have always used pack frames for deer and elk. Occasionally get a deer where I drag it out in one piece, but very seldom get an elk out whole.

In the 60's and 70's all we had were military surplus packboards made from plywood and canvas. My latest pack frame is the Alaskan frame from Cabela's.

Here's a photo of my oldest brother Roger (72 yrs old)packing out the antlers & cape off his big Roosevelt bull the day before Thanksgiving. We'd already packed the meat out and the head was the last load.

 

Someday I hope I can be like Rodger - that's just too cool.     :eek:    

Mr. Tree Killer,
Greatly admire your brother Roger being able to contribute to the pack out!
These days, if we won't be able get our Alaskan Mule up to where the animal is down, we don't shoot.  Old war wounds and age (71) have finally take their toll.  No complaints on this end.  At least we are blessed with still being able to get out and enjoy this wonderful land of ours, though we don't roam as far as we would sometimes like.
Enjoy it while you still can!!
Best Wishes

pack frame and Alaska game bags. I don't like putting meat I'm trying to keep cool inside a plastic bag or a waterproof backpack, by nature that means no air circulation and that means no cooling to any extent.

Alaska game bags keep bugs out, and allow the meat to cool.

Any good external pack frame and some bungees or poly rope to lash the game bags onto the frame and you are in business.

Agree with Whip.  I packed about 70lbs on the first load of my friends elk this year in my J104 without a problem.  

The just-one series from Eberlestock are great packs.  

The Mystery Ranch packs look awesome as well.  Those guys definitely drink their own kool-aid.

I have made a pack out of ALOT! of blacktails but like to use a frame and tie them to the frame whole or broke in half for a large one or mulie.I have used the Alaska Freighter from Cabelas for about 15 years but recently got a MOLLE frame fron %bay and it is light and seems stout (it is a U.S.military surplus pack) haven't used it on game yet as I have been lucky since I got it and every deer me and my family have gotten have been mostly downhill to a road and not much over a mile and we have dragged them to nearest road. Bill

I use a 4 wheeler

This fella - Banjo - he has a pack-a-saddle system on right there.

you put your saddle on and then the packs - you cna load him up for the trip and walk in if you don't have an extra horse and then you have a saddle while your at camp....works great...I pack him lighter but that's ok.

If I need extra stuff I just use a normal pack saddle and ride him bareback up the mountain.


Jer Bear

Bison first trip explorer for me. Great day pack and transforms into a meat pack nicely. Deer can be quartered and taken out, debone caribous size critters and it's one load out, elk, well it's a little small for them but just adds one aditional load to the overall packout but the individual loads are much more managable.
X-2 on the pillow cases, simply the best way to go.
J-Wald has the best set up though, Ha !