Care of Elk Meat

[Jock Whisky]

I scored a hunt this year for Roosevelt Elk on the west (wet) coast. I'd like the benefit of others' experience on care for the meat.

I may be hunting alone for part of the hunt and if I manage to take an elk at that time I'll end up packing it out myself, probably no more than a quarter mile max but over some rugged ground and possibly uphill. Help would be a minimum of 2 hours away, more likely longer.

Weather conditions could be anything from sun to rain. Snow would be unlikely. Temperatures would be around 50 degrees but could be from 40 to 60. Overnite temps would be from 30 to 50.

How long do I have to get the meat out before it begins to spoil? Any other helpful hints would be very much appreciated as well.

JW

[Canyon]

It depends on the actual weather and when you get it down. Get the hide off quick, the meat boned or quartered. Hang it in a dry shady location preferably with a breeze in game bags and you will have plenty of time. I've taken several in AZ at temps nearly doubling yours and have never had a problem as long as I worked diligently. A cool creek can be a good place but keeping the meat dry can be a problem.

[PAPA BEAR]

canyon you lucky dog you..arizona for a playground.....pm sent whiskey

[Zbearclaw]

You will have plenty of cool creeks there if you need them.

In AK in August I kept a boned buck in a creek in doubled 2 gallon ziplocs.

Bone and cool the meat and put in the 2 gallon ziplocs, double wrap.  Place all the meat bags in a heavy duty trash bag inside a mesh diving bag and weight down in the creek with rocks.

good luck.  A big rosy on the ground is a good problem to have, just plan ahead as you are now to ensure that none of that sweet meat is wasted...

[Whip]

You should be fine with the advice from above.  I don't know if it is a problem where you will be or not, but one other thing to keep in mind is flies and bees.  I have been amazed at how fast fly eggs appear on meat, even when inside the standard mesh game bags.

If insects are a problem where you will be, use heavy cloth game bags.  (pillow cases work well)  Last year I started carrying a small spray bottle and a bottle of white vinegar.  Mix half and half water and vinegar and spray the outside of the bags.  It worked great to keep insects off.  Black pepper also works well.  Whichever you choose, you will need to have it with you when you put an animal on the ground.

[Sixby]

I like to split the hams and put everything in a cold creek. Wash the meat real good right off the bat. We always cool it down , cover it with wet cloths and get it into town to a locker. Never had a problem that way with losing any meat. Unless its really cold , ehich its not,. I would not take a chance on hanging an elk for more than a day or too even in a good shady spot. Its just too much good meat to take a chance with. God bless You and good hunting. Steve

[BigArcher]

I was lucky enough to get an elk on the Wet side a couple of years ago.  The temps were comfortable during the day so mid 60s maybe and quite a bit cooler at night.  I shot my elk about 9am. Took about 5 hours to get it all out. Hung it in good game bags overnight. Boned it out in the morning. It had a slight dried outside and smelled, appeared and tasted  great.  

Good Luck,  I'll be heading over on the 7th.

BigArcher