Dressing an elk in hot weather

[Hyde]

Pepper and also white vinegar works wonders.  Sprinkle the vinegar all over the hair of the animal before you begin and rub some on your arms, hat, etc.  Not a hornet or yellow jacket will touch you.  Carrying a sloshing bottle of vinegar is another issue though.  My moose dropped VERY CLOSE to a basketball sized hornet nest.  They were everywhere once the gutting began, but not a one even came close to me. 

[fishm@n]

Pepper is also good to keep birds off in the event you need to leave meat overnight in a tree... I'm guessing it wouldn't deter a hungry black bear or cougar though!

[MtnMuley]

Pepper works good.  The key for me in hot weather is to get the hide off faster than as fast as you can. I worry about flys/bees after that.

[wapiti hunter2]

Pepper works good.  The key for me in hot weather is to get the hide off faster than as fast as you can. I worry about flys/bees after that.

    In the old days we just wrapped meat in burlap and kept it damp.  The evaporating water acts like a swamp cooler and does a great job of cooling.  If you have access to water on your pack out, occasional wetting of the game bags should do the same. I am not talking dunking here but even that for moments at a time will work.  Just let evaporation do most of the work.  If it is really hot you may want to de-bone the meat to prevent bone sour.  Packing at night will also help as it is cooler.