Elk hunting question.

[Jakeemt]

For you guys that are hard core elk hunters I have a question for you. If you plan a week or two week long trip, set up wilderness camp ect, the. Tag out on your first or second day what do you do with the meat? Is your hunt just over? Do you bury it? Take it somewhere then head back in or what? Just wondering. I have been planning a Colorado hunt (beginning stages) but, heck I wouldn't even want to fill my tab if I had to be done after I filled it! This assumes a wilderness camp not a road side camp btw.

[Hud]

It would be my responsibility to take care of the meat.
You might have a packer available to haul out meat. If your on a DIY don't bite off more than you can handle.
It would not bother me if I filled my tag early. Check on the available deer, or bear tags ahead of your hunt. If not there are grouse, and fish. The are lots of books that cover the things you are asking about.

[centaur]

Not that I have had the problem for a few years, but you have to get the meat out unless it is cold, and most early seasons won't be cold enough to keep meat unspoiled, so at least a trip to town to a storage locker.
As far as what to do if you tag out early (don't hold your breath, by the way), camping and enjoying the wild country is worth the price of admission in and of itself. Fish, hike, take in the scenery that you don't have at home, watch wildlife, and just take in the wild country.
I haven't killed an elk in years, but I thoroughly enjoy being in elk country and spending quality time in the back country.
This is how I spend time in elk country without having to pack out an elk....

[stykbow67]

I think Pat pretty well summed it up for ya! When you buy a non- res Colorado elk tag it comes with an annual fish license now. Enjoy the backcountry!!

Steve

[ProAlpine]

If you are lucky enough to tag out (early or late) your work is just begining! Yes, of course enjoy your time in the wilderness, but depending on how far in you got the elk and what you have for help, you're going to have to make several trips to get that animal out to your car and coolers. Once the meat is cooled and stored properly (which is your duty as a hunter) then by all means, continue to hunt deer, bear, grouse and fish!

[DarkTimber]

Take a buddy and if one of you tags out early you can help the other one fill their tag. You get to keep elk hunting and calling in a bull for someone else and watching them shoot it is just about as much fun as being the shooter. Two guys come in real handy when the packing begins too.  

If you both tag out early...go to the casino because lucks on your side.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by centaur:

This is how I spend time in elk country without having to pack out an elk....
 
   

Pat, is that a TenKara fishing rod?

[old_goat2]

Trash bags and a really cold creek will buy you some time, but yeah, pretty much get it packed out and to the butcher, then you can hike back in and enjoy all that's been mentioned! Unless you get in the really really high country, it's surprisingly warmer than most non residents think and when I say really high country, I'm talking around 10,000 feet plus in Colorado!

[centaur]

Mike, yes it is a Tenkara. Traditional fishing is almost as much fun as traditional archery.

[Matty]

All of the above!  1 downed elk in the backcountry is a 1-3 day removal. Depending on how far back you are and how many people you have with you. That considering the rest of the group decides to help you pack out or keep hunting. We spend a lot of time planning the kill but not thinking about the uh oh..! Now what? When it happens....but like the others said. If you have the time and the meat has been taken care of. Go fishing. Hunt for grouse. Hunt deer (draw only). Either way. Enjoy and be safe!

[Jakeemt]

I see so basically one way or another you guys will pack out all the meat to either a car cooler or a butcher in town, then hump/ride back to camp. That is kind of what I was thinking. I wasn't sure though. That subject is written about a lot less than the actual hunt.

[damascusdave]

I have a feeling you might change your attitude when you walk up to your first elk on the ground

DDave

[monterey]

My tactic on longer hunts is to pass on shots early so I can keep hunting.  That usually results in a good Hunt but no kill.    

Heed what Dave said!  I have passed on Gimme shots when getting the meat out was not workable.

[Mike Vines]

Originally posted by centaur:
Mike, yes it is a Tenkara. Traditional fishing is almost as much fun as traditional archery.

I'm eyeballing the Teton "Mini" that's coming out soon.  You have fine taste in equipment.