Packing out deer

[bmaziarz]

So I'm definitely new to the saddle hunting game this season, but I've gotten at least a couple hunts a week in every week since this season started and don't think I'll ever hunt from anything else. Now that I'm not lugging a 30 lb Summit Viper on my back, I find myself trekking so far into public land that there's absolutely no way it would be feasible to use a game cart anymore. Fortunately, the deer I've killed so far this season have been on private with a short drag, but what's everyone's method for packing out a deer for a long hike out of the woods? I've got an Alps Pursuit so definitely not a meat carrying pack, but if I had some good pack out sacks, I think I could definitely rig up a way to strap it onto the pack. I'm just curious to see everyone's system, especially those that go in with a minimalist system and might not be taking in a pack with a meat shelf. Thanks!

 

[Bruce G]

I’m not a minimalist but I’ll chime in. I do pack out all my deer infact I haven’t dragged a deer out of the woods in years. In the past I just used the gutless method and carried out meat in contractor bags. It sucked. Took several trips with meat and head then stand, pack and bow. I’m using the pop up 28 this year and it’s awesome. I shot a averaged sized 3 yr old and packed the entire deer out in one trip. I had the quarters and straps in contractor bags on the meat shelf and carried the head and cape in my hands. It’s was extremely heavy and I had to walk about 70 yards up hill but it got the job done. If your not hunting crazy terrain it should be easy. Lugging meat in contractor bags ripping through thorns and stopping every 20 yards for a break is horrible. Check out the pop up 28 I think that pack will suit your needs. Go with the 18 if it’s too large. Good luck.

 

[bmaziarz]

I’m not a minimalist but I’ll chime in. I do pack out all my deer infact I haven’t dragged a deer out of the woods in years. In the past I just used the gutless method and carried out meat in contractor bags. It sucked. Took several trips with meat and head then stand, pack and bow. I’m using the pop up 28 this year and it’s awesome. I shot a averaged sized 3 yr old and packed the entire deer out in one trip. I had the quarters and straps in contractor bags on the meat shelf and carried the head and cape in my hands. It’s was extremely heavy and I had to walk about 70 yards up hill but it got the job done. If your not hunting crazy terrain it should be easy. Lugging meat in contractor bags ripping through thorns and stopping every 20 yards for a break is horrible. Check out the pop up 28 I think that pack will suit your needs. Go with the 18 if it’s too large. Good luck.

That sounds great. I definitely need to check that out. I may need to reserve the Alps for private and get that Pop up 28 for my really long hikes. I've heard great things about all the Mystery Ranch stuff. Thanks!

 

[WHW]

I started quartering and packing deer out, on a regular basis, during the '82 season. This is my method.

 

[trailblazer75]

I'm running an alps hybrid X but I haven't packed out with it yet. Here's a big northern Missouri deer I shot being packed out on a frame pack I made using some hangars from harbor freight and some rope I had laying around.

Before I got the hybrid-X, I'd just do the gutless method and ratchet strap the deer in game bags to the pack frame. I also use the frame to carry sticks, my platform and a fanny pack. Once I get to the tree, the fanny pack goes on my back, the sticks and platform go up the tree and the frame sits down at the base. Its worked well so far! I haven't decided how I'll do things with the hybrid-X now that I have it.

 

[Eodbowhunter]

So I'm definitely new to the saddle hunting game this season, but I've gotten at least a couple hunts a week in every week since this season started and don't think I'll ever hunt from anything else. Now that I'm not lugging a 30 lb Summit Viper on my back, I find myself trekking so far into public land that there's absolutely no way it would be feasible to use a game cart anymore. Fortunately, the deer I've killed so far this season have been on private with a short drag, but what's everyone's method for packing out a deer for a long hike out of the woods? I've got an Alps Pursuit so definitely not a meat carrying pack, but if I had some good pack out sacks, I think I could definitely rig up a way to strap it onto the pack. I'm just curious to see everyone's system, especially those that go in with a minimalist system and might not be taking in a pack with a meat shelf. Thanks!

Take a look at the Hushin YouTube channel and check out the gutless method for packing out a deer. This is the best way to go. I have been doing it for several years now even if I would only have a short drag. Good luck,