What would you do?

[ctwiggs1]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

Not with one guy.  Flipping an elk over on flat ground is a chore with one guy if you don't have something to tie off to.  Getting it up out of the water onto a higher bank would be impossible if you are talking about grabbing a leg and pulling.  It's like a 700 pound sandbag half filled with jello.

Elk processing is a lot like golf.  You typically need to play it where it lies.

I see what you did there, Shooter

[Rob]

I posted this elsewhere, but by adding a C pully setup on the haul line of a z pulley, you can convert a 3:1 to a 6:1.  (See the part labeled "B" in the photo below).  We use this in our training classes for a single person to haul a climber out of a crevasse.  While it is work, it can be done.  Two hunters using a 6:1 may be able to move a 600 to 800 pound elk with sufficient sweat, tears and cursing.

The 6:1 only requires 1 extra prussic and 1 extra pulley (you can also use a biner as the photo shows - however you lose some efficiencies.) over the 3:1 z pulley.  Remember that you need to pull 6 feet of rope to make 1 foot or progress in a 6:1 system.

Also, if you are buying climbing pulleys, spend the extra $ for ones with ball bearings.  It is amazing how much the removal of that extra friction improves the efficiency of your system.

Some people have mentioned using paracord.  Probably good enough for deer but if you are hauling out an 800Lb elk, I wonder if it is strong enough.   Perhaps if you double it?

A 6:1 would require:
-rope (length depends on how far away your anchor is from the elk.)
-3 pulleys or Biners
-3 prussics (12 inch min loops of 5mm cordage)
-4-5 Biners
-Anchor material (some webbing or cordage to wrap around a tree)

This is an EXCELLENT ball bearing prussic minding pulley:  https://www.moosejaw.com/product/petzl-partner-pulley_10093457
 
This is perhaps the coolest pulley I have seen - it has a progress capture built in - the pulley can be used with or without it.  The progress capture eliminates the need for one of the prussics, and can also be used as an ascender with a little training!  But they are very spendy! https://www.moosejaw.com/product/petzl-micro-traxion-pulley_10189962

[Rob]

I should note that the microtraction pulley I mention does have a minimum rope thickness to make it work.  All of the pulleys have rope diameter ranges.  if you are not using it in a lifesaving situation then I see no issue in using a skinnier rope than recommended - just beware of it getting off the pulley and wrapping up around the pulley axels.  I could see that happening with paracord under load - probably with bad results for your pulley.

Happy to meet up and walk anyone through building these.  They are really fun systems!  I am in the greater Everett/Monroe area.

[Rob]

Sorry - one more thing.

Here is a "zpulley in a bag"

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/petzl-rad-system_10513583

total of 3 lbs, but includes 30M of 6mm Cordage.  They use tiblocks instead of prussics which is a great idea (although I prefer a good prussic).  I would add a pulley on that middle Biner though to reduce friction...  plus one more biner/prussic and pulley for the conversion to 6:1.

Again - quite spendy but it includes one of those mirco-traction pulley and the 30M 6mm Cordage that is rated for rescue hauling and rappelling.  It is nearly a static line with only 2% elongation.

[ctwiggs1]

All of these look super useful, I just don't see myself carrying 3lbs of "what-if" gear into the backcountry. 

That said, it wouldn't hurt to learn.  I can totally see the value of having this stuff in the truck.

[Rob]

Totally get it.  if you are hunting with buddies, you can always share the load.  The main weight part of the system is the rope.  pulleys, biners and prussics probably only come in at 8 to 10 oz. 

So if you are already hauling in 50 to 100 feet of rope, then it is just an extra 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound.

If I was deer hunting I would not even consider it.  If I was elk hunting?  I probably would not bother either!  But I might think about it.

If I was using horses to set up a backcountry camp, you can bet I'd have it!

[ctwiggs1]

Totally get it.  if you are hunting with buddies, you can always share the load.  The main weight part of the system is the rope.  pulleys, biners and prussics probably only come in at 8 to 10 oz. 

So if you are already hauling in 50 to 100 feet of rope, then it is just an extra 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound.

If I was deer hunting I would not even consider it.  If I was elk hunting?  I probably would not bother either!  But I might think about it.

If I was using horses to set up a backcountry camp, you can bet I'd have it!

Well yeah, I mean shoot if I had horses chances are I'd have a wood stove and a Kirkland sized bottle of booze to come back to every night 

[Rob]

Indeed!

I have used a Z-pulley to hang heavy meat bags or a deer carcass before (you need a re-direct though).

I picked up a couple of these to make a light block and tackle rig.  They are fantastic!!

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/petzl-gemini-double-pulley_10093461

[NRA4LIFE]

Chopper.

[ctwiggs1]

Chopper.

Boom - you nailed it. 

Conversation over

[Loup Loup]

Rob: Thank you for showing me where and how I need to upgrade my systems. Great info. And I agree, this stuff is fun.

[Rob]

Anytime, ping me with questions!

[Sitka_Blacktail]

Either call your buddies to come help, or get yourself one of these chainsaw winches.

[Sitka_Blacktail]

These things are pretty impressive. Just need a good anchor point.

[Skyvalhunter]

 Yea those winches are nice my friend has one for trail work. Worth the $1200 when you get in a predicament