Planning a pack in trip for elk hunt this year

[norsepeak]

or you could just have us pack you in and out on our horses....saves your legs for the huntin part...and it's not exspensive

[SuperDave]

There you have it!  Go with norsepeak!!!

[Deep Forks]

or you could just have us pack you in and out on our horses....saves your legs for the huntin part...and it's not expensive

  This way if something unforeseen happens your still gettin out with your gear and meat, without a possible mtn. rescue

[MIKEXRAY]

I'm planning something similar this year with a hunting buddy. I decided to make it a mule deer trip before elk season simply for the fact that I didn't want to bite off to much at once. Having two guys with a mule deer down way back is a lot different than an elk. What ever you chose will be a blast, just be ready as much as you can, especially with meat handling. There are a lot of guys that I have read on here that hang there meat down by a cool stream in the back country for days without trouble. Learn how to d-bone, learn the tricks to cooling / proper storage etc and you will be fine. Have your friends lined up & maybe make another backup plan if they are busy. Have fun ! Mike

[JoeVon]

or you could just have us pack you in and out on our horses....saves your legs for the huntin part...and it's not exspensive

Sounds like a good way to learn the ropes...

[ICEMAN]

The problem I imagine is that huntergregs bud may not want someone else packing them in on horseback since his honey hole will be given away...

[colockumelk]

First of all if I was you and you plan on doing a backcountry type of thing I'd hunt the west side so you can shoot a branch bull.  If you're gonna go in 9 miles and put yourself through alot of pain then I would at least make it worth your while.  To me a spike or a cow isn't worth the effort.  (Plus cows are super smart and I suck at calling them in where bulls are dumb and much easier to call in.)  For some it may be worth the effort and that is okay as well.

2nd.  Make sure you are in the best shape of your life and then work out harder and get in better shape.  I'm in the Army and am in much better shape than your average Joe.  Still a 4 day backcountry hunt in the Alpine still had me smoked and by day 3 I was exhausted. 

3rd Buy this book "Backcountry Bowhunting" by Camron Hanes.  It will be your bible.  It is worth it's weight in gold.  Good luck I hope you do well. 

http://www.eastmans.com/shop/books/backcountry-bowhunting.html

[jackelope]

i'm not sure what the odds are of 2 guys getting an elk out on their backs 9 miles deep in september when it could be 70 degrees out without losing meat to spoilage. nevermind being in shape and being able to handle the hike...do you really think you can get a bull out 9 miles deep on your back without meat spoiling? you're talking about i bet an 8 hour round trip probably 5 trips...or 2-3 trips with 2 guys, plus your camp. i don't see it happening...i don't care if you're the incredible hulk.

[WDFW-SUX]

My neck hurts just thinking about nine miles.

[boneaddict]

Without sounding overly arrogant, I probably know where you are going as there aren't alot of 9 mile hikes in the Bumping.  I hiked it this summer in anticipation of taking my wife in there.  I thought i might be able to pull it off but no way with the Mrs.   it would be grueling, and there is probably about zero percent chance you could get the meat out in September.  I bagged the idea.  There are several horsecamps in there so that is the other thought.  You go to all the trouble and a group shows up with 7 or 8 mules and 5 guys and puts a camp up next to your tarp.

[WDFW-SUX]

There's big ones in there....

[jackelope]

There's big ones in there....

big spikes?

[WDFW-SUX]

Nah..big big ones

[WDFW-SUX]

Dont tell me your thinking of hunting spikes jack?

[boneaddict]

I decided that the fourth trip packing him out might be the one that killed me.  Having shot a moose 9+ miles in was enough for me. LOL  I'll stick to deer sized game.