Game Bag question for those who QUARTER your elk

[whuppinstick]

I got a lot of great feedback in my other "boned out" thread, enough to realize I should also making bags for those who like to bring the bones home.

I don't have an elk rear quarter lying around to measure, so what size bags do you like? If you don't know the dimensions offhand feel free to drop the company name and I can look them up. Do your bags enclose the whole quarter or do they cinch somewhere on the leg short of the knee joint?

[trophyhunt]

I really like my caribou gear elk bags, light, strong, reflective strips. I leave the achelis heal on the rear leg, I’m usually by myself and it’s easier to tie a knot on that, then throw the cord over a limb and tie off. The bone sometimes sticks outside the bag if it’s a big leg but most the time they cover the hind leg. Pretty tough bags, have had mine now for a few years and only a couple small tears from sharp bones. Not sure of the sizes.    https://www.caribougear.com/collections/magnum-pack-series

[KFhunter]

I got the magnum size, it covers my bone ok.
But the caribou bags are heavy

[kentrek]

I pack two large 6 am bags for the hind hams, two mediums for the front shoulders, one medium for the neck and then grawkshaws for the rest

Definitely do size specific....you know exactly what's coming out...2 hind hams...two front shoulders...backstraps...rib meat...neck



Caribous are great bags just heavy

[Magnum_Willys]

I got a lot of great feedback in my other "boned out" thread, enough to realize I should also making bags for those who like to bring the bones home.

I don't have an elk rear quarter lying around to measure, so what size bags do you like? If you don't know the dimensions offhand feel free to drop the company name and I can look them up. Do your bags enclose the whole quarter or do they cinch somewhere on the leg short of the knee joint?

want to cover holder qtr to the knee.

[whuppinstick]

Great feedback, thanks guys!

kentrek, I agree with you on the bags sized for the quarters. What do you mean by 'grawkshaws'?

[kentrek]

Grawkshaw game bags, they are bone out bags that are super light and breath extremely well...I think they have the best fabric on the market atm

 elk vary a great amount in size from location to age...so its nice to have extra bags for just incase with little weight penalty

[blackveltbowhunter]

Grakksaw. For those using the google machine. At least I assume thats what Kentrek is referring  to. Apologies if not.

[kentrek]

Grakksaw. For those using the google machine. At least I assume thats what Kentrek is referring  to. Apologies if not.

Whoops ya I missed the spelling on that

Might consider a simple name aswell 😂

[NRA4LIFE]

I have gone to quartering with the bones in and boning out everything else.  I want tough.  A pound more in the pack is worth it.  Dropping an 82 lb quarter in a bag and having it rip sucks.  Dropping a second 82 lb quarter in another bag and having it rip sucks so much more you are at the point of crazy.  Make them bullet proof.

[WapitiTalk1]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

[Magnum_Willys]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

   I can shuttle a boned elk out solo at 65.  Go 1/2 mile drop, rest going back for other half,  carry a mile, repeat. 

[dilleytech]

The large “elk” size black ovis bags are perfect IMO. Haven’t had any kind of failure of hanging from the draw strings or a elk quarter that didn’t fit yet.

[7mmfan]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

I have never boned out an elk. I have also killed a lot of spikes so their bones don't weigh as much  I prefer bone in for long term hanging and handling in general.

[vandeman17]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

I have never boned out an elk. I have also killed a lot of spikes so their bones don't weigh as much  I prefer bone in for long term hanging and handling in general.

I also leave the bone in. The extra weight is worth it to me because it helps keep the meat riding in my pack more even instead of a big ball in the bottom of the bag. I also find that it helps the meat cool better. If I had a long time to let it cool before packing I would probably take the bones out but most times as soon as I am done quartering I am headed back to camp/truck

[whuppinstick]

Grakksaw. For those using the google machine. At least I assume thats what Kentrek is referring  to. Apologies if not.

Whoops ya I missed the spelling on that

Might consider a simple name aswell 😂

Hahaha. I think we're going to go with "Orange Aglow".

Thanks for the spelling clarification, blackveltbowhunter.

[teanawayslayer]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

I have never boned out an elk. I have also killed a lot of spikes so their bones don't weigh as much  I prefer bone in for long term hanging and handling in general.

I also leave the bone in. The extra weight is worth it to me because it helps keep the meat riding in my pack more even instead of a big ball in the bottom of the bag. I also find that it helps the meat cool better. If I had a long time to let it cool before packing I would probably take the bones out but most times as soon as I am done quartering I am headed back to camp/truck

[trophyhunt]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

I have never boned out an elk. I have also killed a lot of spikes so their bones don't weigh as much  I prefer bone in for long term hanging and handling in general.

I also leave the bone in. The extra weight is worth it to me because it helps keep the meat riding in my pack more even instead of a big ball in the bottom of the bag. I also find that it helps the meat cool better. If I had a long time to let it cool before packing I would probably take the bones out but most times as soon as I am done quartering I am headed back to camp/truck

And it keeps your meat waaaaayyyy cleaner!

[dilleytech]

Yikes, haven’t carried out bones for decades. If you’ve got horses I spose.

I have never boned out an elk. I have also killed a lot of spikes so their bones don't weigh as much  I prefer bone in for long term hanging and handling in general.

I also leave the bone in. The extra weight is worth it to me because it helps keep the meat riding in my pack more even instead of a big ball in the bottom of the bag. I also find that it helps the meat cool better. If I had a long time to let it cool before packing I would probably take the bones out but most times as soon as I am done quartering I am headed back to camp/truck

And it keeps your meat waaaaayyyy cleaner!

I’m bone in, unless it’s a really crappy pack out or your alone. My last 3 elk have been within 2 miles and I had the wife to put meat on. 2 trips bone in with two people is just about perfect.

[Karl Blanchard]

I'm curious, how does bone in keep the meat waaaayyyy cleaner?

[dilleytech]

I'm curious, how does bone in keep the meat waaaayyyy cleaner?

Less potential surface area to get dirty. Have you not heard the stories from butchers who receive some people’s meat, rollling a whole quarter in the dirt would be better then a bunch of smaller pieces. Guys like us don’t worry about that sort of thing 😏

[trophyhunt]

Yup, doesn’t expose the entire piece of meat to all the elements, hair, dirt, blood shot. It also leaves the meat in its groups, I don’t cut up my own meat, and I try to bring really clean pieces to my butcher. I’ve found if I de bone the meat on long hunts like in Idaho, you need to separate the deboned meat on a table to cool it off, just don’t like having a big ball of meat.

[luvmystang67]

+1 for Caribou bags.

I leave bone in, lower leg off.  We had a 10 year old bull and probably a 4 year old bull this year (Rocky Mountain Elk).  On each, the hind quarter, bone-in, but hoof cut off below achilles was 69 and 70 lbs.  The front quarter weighted 45 lbs, again hoof off below the knee.

In both quarters I believe (recalling here) but the bones were 9 lbs of each quarter.

Carrying a couple extra ounces I think is worth it for the durability.

[Karl Blanchard]

You guys have issues with deboned meat that I haven't seen before different strokes for different folks I guess.

[kentrek]

You guys have issues with deboned meat that I haven't seen before different strokes for different folks I guess.

I haven't done the "science" but I prefer less surface area being exposed...meat eater has a good podcast on meat with a meat scientist and he dives into the micro level...also I think there is definitely something to keeping on the bone until it relaxes..

I've had steaks from the hind ham be more tender then backstraps..makes zero sense other then we deboned it too fast

[trophyhunt]

You guys have issues with deboned meat that I haven't seen before different strokes for different folks I guess.

We aren't packing out tiny little deer!!   




 

[Karl Blanchard]

But how much of a difference? If its an unnoticeable amount then who cares? Ive packed hundreds of critters, most deboned but plenty with bones in and even whole and I've never had meat spoil, sour, etc due to deboning and the risk of bone sour is always greater with that big heat rod stuffed through the middle of your meat. As I said, pack em how you want to but let's not spread the notion that because one debones that their meat is somehow magically covered in hair and dirt and doesn't cool. Its simply not true.

[Karl Blanchard]

You guys have issues with deboned meat that I haven't seen before different strokes for different folks I guess.

We aren't packing out tiny little deer!!   




 

HA!!!! I've packed more bulls than most. Why do you think I like deer better 

[Jonathan_S]

I think the narrow bag is superior. For those people who won't or can't debone a quarter, they don't really need a SOTA or specific shaoe bag since they're using the natural shape of the quarter 

[Karl Blanchard]

I think the narrow bag is superior. For those people who won't or can't debone a quarter, they don't really need a SOTA or specific shaoe bag since they're using the natural shape of the quarter 

this. Big enough opening to wrestle a quarter in but not a bunch of extra material. Its an oversized pillow case that cinches ip on the end,, don't over complicate it.

[kentrek]

I'd just do two hind hams bags....the rest of the bags can be pretty small to appeal to more people

From a business stand point I'd want to appeal to the majority of hunters...and the majority of hunters would prolly be better off only winging out a bull 

No matter what you gotta have some bone out bags...Karl just buys more then trophyhunt...either way it's a win for whuppinstick 

[MtnMuley]

I've done a couple both and never had an issue keeping meat just as clean boning vs leaving on the quarter. As for your new bags, I'd keep them as simple as possible as mentioned abovr. Make the elk quarter bags just a bit bigger to accompany moose as well. The extra material won't weigh or hurt anything. As for the boned out bags, I'd go 12"x28" with a handle sewn in on the bottom. Reinforced sticking on the bottom will go a long ways too. I've used TAG bags since the beginning and am I'm my same set and have used Kifaru meat sacks for boned out meat and they work great unless your buddys get lazy and drag them when their tired.

[trophyhunt]

I'd just do two hind hams bags....the rest of the bags can be pretty small to appeal to more people

From a business stand point I'd want to appeal to the majority of hunters...and the majority of hunters would prolly be better off only winging out a bull 

No matter what you gotta have some bone out bags...Karl just buys more then trophyhunt...either way it's a win for whuppinstick 

       

[WapitiTalk1]

OK you wild bohemians, you should really take a tip from Karl (he’s been down the road you’re traveling and has the T-Shirt, a few of them, a few really old shredded, stinky ones down in the corner of his closet I’m sure).  Sure, I used to pack out quarters, bones, etc. back in my intemperate youth.  That’s what I was taught as a pup growing up in “the” elk state.  Heck, I’ve even drug a few out whole with a few buddies, and, snow sledded a few down the mountain side on a tarp (real bright piece of thinking there)  .  OK, number one.  What can happen if you don’t get the meat off the bone quickly?  Bone sour.  What is that?  Glad you asked.
 
#1 - Bone sour is when the carcass does not cool fast enough and bacteria explodes within, rotting the meat from the bones outward. This most commonly occurs in larger animals like elk and moose, but it can happen in deer, too.  There is no way to fix or salvage the meat. 

#2 – Well, its lighter (no kidding, it really is).  I dug this up somewhere a while back. Looks like it was originally from a Wyoming Game and Fish Department study on harvest rates with bonus columns on dressed out, vs. boned out weight. Formula works as follows: determine approximate weight of field dressed bull, multiple that total weight by .50 which gives you the boneless meat weight (as seen in chart). So, if you shoot a bull that field dresses out to 500 lbs (6ish year old bull/Rocky Mountain Variety), multiple 500 X .50 which should yield 250 lbs of boned out meat. Why in the he double toothpicks would you want to carry that extra weight/bones out? 

#3 – Yes, it is cleaner when you bone out a big game animal.  Do it properly and set each chunk of boned out meat on a 5X7 piece of plastic you should all carry in your kill kit until it’s time to put it into your super cool, breathable, game bags (I do like VIAM Outdoors products).   

The only reason I can think of to not bone out an elk is if somebody doesn’t know how, we can help you with that small roadblock.

[Karl Blanchard]

Id also point out that boned out doesn't necessarily mean a million chunks of meat either. If ive got an animal down in a good workable area I'll have 2 hind quarters without leg bone, 2 straps, 2 loins, and 2 boneless front quarters with neck and brisket meat all in one piece.  Elk usually gotta have 1 split per quarter just for handling purposes.

At any rate, I'll be buying some of whuppinsticks bags regardless.  Especially since magpies put a hurting on my current bags in CO last year 

[trophyhunt]

It’s funny how many debates we can have on just about anything.    I’ve never had bone sour on any of my kills, I did once lose some meat that hung up too long. It was deboned meat in a bag, I didn’t open the bag up during the day and let it air out. Figured I was fine because I’ve hung quarters for the same amount of time with no problem. I’m not talking about sept archery hunts, I’m talking oct 10th Idaho rifle hunts.  I get the weight concern, but it’s not that much more weight really, to each his own. I’ve tried both, like the quarters myself.

[trophyhunt]

And I do agree w Karl about this, I’ll be buying wuppinsticks bags too!

[WapitiTalk1]

Ok, what are these bags thou speaketh of?  Got a link so I can give em an eyeball?   

[BULLBLASTER]

Id also point out that boned out doesn't necessarily mean a million chunks of meat either. If ive got an animal down in a good workable area I'll have 2 hind quarters without leg bone, 2 straps, 2 loins, and 2 boneless front quarters with neck and brisket meat all in one piece.  Elk usually gotta have 1 split per quarter just for handling purposes.

At any rate, I'll be buying some of whuppinsticks bags regardless.  Especially since magpies put a hurting on my current bags in CO last year 

But that meat was pristine in those bags when it came off the mtn! You had the A team for packers! 

[Karl Blanchard]

Id also point out that boned out doesn't necessarily mean a million chunks of meat either. If ive got an animal down in a good workable area I'll have 2 hind quarters without leg bone, 2 straps, 2 loins, and 2 boneless front quarters with neck and brisket meat all in one piece.  Elk usually gotta have 1 split per quarter just for handling purposes.

At any rate, I'll be buying some of whuppinsticks bags regardless.  Especially since magpies put a hurting on my current bags in CO last year 

But that meat was pristine in those bags when it came off the mtn! You had the A team for packers! 

it did look like a fine processing job through the spotter from truck. Though it took you guys a bit long. I ate like 5 cookies and had 2 cups of coffee in the time it took you guys to get him out

[kentrek]

There's arguments for each method...but thats not what the thread is about...the thread is about making whuppinstick some freaking coin and producing a good selling bag !!

Karl do you wash your hands while butchering or gloves ?? And when your home do you reskin all the portions? Or just eat it ?

Sometimes you don't know what you don't know 🤷

[dilleytech]

OK you wild bohemians, you should really take a tip from Karl (he’s been down the road you’re traveling and has the T-Shirt, a few of them, a few really old shredded, stinky ones down in the corner of his closet I’m sure).  Sure, I used to pack out quarters, bones, etc. back in my intemperate youth.  That’s what I was taught as a pup growing up in “the” elk state.  Heck, I’ve even drug a few out whole with a few buddies, and, snow sledded a few down the mountain side on a tarp (real bright piece of thinking there)  .  OK, number one.  What can happen if you don’t get the meat off the bone quickly?  Bone sour.  What is that?  Glad you asked.
 
#1 - Bone sour is when the carcass does not cool fast enough and bacteria explodes within, rotting the meat from the bones outward. This most commonly occurs in larger animals like elk and moose, but it can happen in deer, too.  There is no way to fix or salvage the meat. 

#2 – Well, its lighter (no kidding, it really is).  I dug this up somewhere a while back. Looks like it was originally from a Wyoming Game and Fish Department study on harvest rates with bonus columns on dressed out, vs. boned out weight. Formula works as follows: determine approximate weight of field dressed bull, multiple that total weight by .50 which gives you the boneless meat weight (as seen in chart). So, if you shoot a bull that field dresses out to 500 lbs (6ish year old bull/Rocky Mountain Variety), multiple 500 X .50 which should yield 250 lbs of boned out meat. Why in the he double toothpicks would you want to carry that extra weight/bones out? 

#3 – Yes, it is cleaner when you bone out a big game animal.  Do it properly and set each chunk of boned out meat on a 5X7 piece of plastic you should all carry in your kill kit until it’s time to put it into your super cool, breathable, game bags (I do like VIAM Outdoors products).   

The only reason I can think of to not bone out an elk is if somebody doesn’t know how, we can help you with that small roadblock.

When it comes to a bone in quarter you can easily separate the meat from the bone while the meat is still hanging from the bone for very efficient cooling. So you can’t really argue boneless cools faster depending on how you do it. And a elk rear quarter bone weighs about 7 pounds. It’s certainly weight you don’t have to carry but it’s simply not much. Your 50% weight loss boning is including ALL the bones including spine. The two quarters off my most recent mature bull bone in were 65&67#. Boning out the shoulders makes more sense as that bone weighs about the same as a rear but is a higher ratio of bone for the complete front quarter.

But theirs more then one way that to do things. I have boned lots of animals and never had a problem with it staying clean but some folks just can’t manage that for whatever reason. I would always bone a deer to make a one pack out trip easy. Elk, completely dependent on the situation. I like boning in my butcher table when possible.

[whuppinstick]

Ok, what are these bags thou speaketh of?  Got a link so I can give em an eyeball?

Still in field testing mode this year, but hopefully on the market in 2022!

Thanks everyone for your responses and tangents. I'll be reaching out to a few of you for testing.