I'll be chasing bugling bulls in the backcountry of Colorado this September with my bow. As an added bonus there was a leftover archery bear tag for my unit that was up for grabs Tuesday. I jumped on the chance and now have a bear tag as well.
Being from Missouri I don't have a lot of experience with bears (i.e. none). I've cut up enough critters in my time that I feel fairly confident I'll be able to cape out a bear except for the paws. I don't expect my elk hunt to turn into a bear hunt but in the off chance I am successful are there any tips/pointers I should be looking at when it comes to caping one out and keeping it preserved in the back country? I get that I should remove the cape and fat as soon as possible for the meat care.
Should I pack out the cape immediately and get it into a freezer as soon as possible? Would it be okay to air it out and let it hang for a few days in the shade near a creek? I'm sort of at a loss here.
Being from Missouri I don't have a lot of experience with bears (i.e. none). I've cut up enough critters in my time that I feel fairly confident I'll be able to cape out a bear except for the paws. I don't expect my elk hunt to turn into a bear hunt but in the off chance I am successful are there any tips/pointers I should be looking at when it comes to caping one out and keeping it preserved in the back country? I get that I should remove the cape and fat as soon as possible for the meat care.
Should I pack out the cape immediately and get it into a freezer as soon as possible? Would it be okay to air it out and let it hang for a few days in the shade near a creek? I'm sort of at a loss here.