Hunting Pack Frames

[Bobson]

Just wondering what some of you use for a pack frame while hunting. I don't have an ATV/horse/whatever, so I'm gonna be driving to a certain point, then hiking in and out from there. Figured something like this...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004R7L17I/ref=pd_aw_sim_200_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0D3N02ZY4068519AFQJ7

...would be very helpful for packing the meat back to camp and my vehicle.

Anyone use this one, or something like it? Just gonna be blacktail deer this year, and I think it'll be sufficient. Just wondering if maybe there's a better system? Game cart isn't really gonna work for me given the terrain where I'll be hunting.

This will be my first year hunting big game (by hook or by crook lol). Trying to get hands on a rifle, but if I can't, I'll just use my shotgun and go with slugs. Thanks in advance.

 

[sage5907]

I think you should reconsider using a cart. I've taken several deer out through some really rough terrain. The secret is to get a cart where the load is low to the ground. And, you need to plan so the path back to camp, or your vehicle, or a road is downhill. You can go down and around but it's hell to go up. When you start moving with a heavy load that is securely tied in place you need to keep it moving, dodging obstacles along the way, and if it turns over, set it back on it's wheels and go again. Most people's legs are a lot stronger than their back.

 

[X-Rap]

Are you hunting by yourself? If you have partners two of you should be able to pack out a deer with ease.
Buy some of these and I'd suggest each member of your party carry a pack of them,
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Allen-Company-Deluxe-Elk-Bags-4pk/17284201
If someone gets an animal down they should get it broken down, bagged, hung and later on the way back out the party can rally at your location and help pack out or you can start yourself with a quarter over your shoulder and return with a pack frame.
Elk are a much different proposition due to size but it happens in much the same way.
Depending on time of day you may need to leave some overnight, that is why you want bags and rope with you at all times, caring for the meat is paramount. You have no idea how many other hunting groups we've given a package of those bags to out in the field because they had no way to keep their kill clean and taken care of.

 

[Bobson]

^ Gonna be goin solo this year, X-Rap.

 

[X-Rap]

If going by yourself I'd still carry bags and rope in a fanny or day pack and probably leave the big pack frame in camp. You get the deer quartered and carry one quarter out on your way back to camp then return without the rifle and get the rest if there is still light or the next day. Leave the legs attached if you are carrying without a pack, they are great for leverage if you are carrying over your shoulder.
If it's an extreme pack due to terrain or distance then I'd probably bone it but it's a PITA keeping the meat clean without a tarp and working on your knees sucks, the bags will still be needed.

 

[Peakbagger46]

Cheap cotton pillow cases beat the heck out of game bags.

 

[Bobson]

Thanks for the tips, guys. I know the area I'm gonna be hunting fairly well. The woods are very thick and steep, but old, mostly abandoned logging roads criss-cross the mountainside pretty savagely. Even when being used, the companies are never up there from Sept thru March, so it'll be at least fairly quiet. There's a locked gate at the bottom of that first gravel road, but guys with ATVs go around it most years. I grew up in the area and hiked it routinely with my brother. I'm thinking I'll hike to a particular ridge before cutting out into a regrow area that was logged ~5 years ago, and set up along the tree line. Gonna be counting on rain, and the blacktail will be browsing along the edge of the wood. Hopefully the weather cooperates and the lazy folks don't wanna get wet Worst case, I get set up early and some other guys pressure the deer my way.

Gonna go with that pack I linked in the OP. Got some promising feedback on it elsewhere, and the miles I'll be hiking in and out, while mostly on old gravel roads, will be hell on my arms if I'm holding onto a deer leg to balance it over my shoulder.

I definitely appreciate the tips from you guys with experience.