Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: RayPenGame on September 04, 2014, 02:20:08 PM

Title: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: RayPenGame on September 04, 2014, 02:20:08 PM: So I shot my first elk this year and had help packing it out from a buddy of mine, I had to leave camp to go back to work, so I wasn't able to return the favor. How much elk is a fair salary for a pack mule?
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 04, 2014, 02:22:32 PM: Few packages if it wasnt a hard pack. Depends if he gets an elk this year.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: h20hunter on September 04, 2014, 02:23:33 PM: Last year I packed out one trip for a buddy. I was given two 2lb packs of ground and 4 or 5 packs of steaks. Was happy to put in the work just fine with what was provided. I'd suggest that if he was happy to do it he will be just fine with whatever you offer. Maybe throw out that if he goes through it to fast to let you know and maybe you will have an extra pack later on that can be shared.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: 206 on September 04, 2014, 02:29:08 PM: Been wondering about this myself. There's alot of factors to consider. A front quarter for 2 days work isn't going to cut it.

When or if my time comes, I will be generous with cash and meat and make the offer up front.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 04, 2014, 02:30:45 PM: If I helped someone I would not expect any but if he appreciated the help I would think he would give me something .. whatever you want to give him . I would think he would take it .
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: 100 grain on September 04, 2014, 02:32:10 PM: A real friend would be happy to help. A couple packages of meat will be a cherry on top-imo
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: kirkl on September 04, 2014, 02:34:15 PM: :yeah: i wouldnt expect anything. Just part of hunting.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Woodchuck on September 04, 2014, 02:44:30 PM: I helped another member here pack his bull out. It was an easy pack going my way, his way would have been a 2 day deal. I was happy to have made a new friend and enjoy the hard earned moment. He did bring us a case of beer or maybe 2, I don't remember for sure. He also plastered my ugly mug in a magazine. lol. I hope to get the chance to do it again this year as he has drawn the permit again. :tup: Like kirk said, just part of the joys of hunting.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Hunterman on September 04, 2014, 02:45:27 PM: Back in the day (my day) if we are in an elk camp, and split everything,(if its just he and me) and the end of the season we would split the elk ( including basic butchering). If we both get an elk we keep what we killed.

Hunterman(Tony)
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: washingtonmuley on September 04, 2014, 02:48:26 PM: Quote from: Hunterman on September 04, 2014, 02:45:27 PM
Back in the day (my day) if we are in an elk camp, and split everything,(if its just he and me) and the end of the season we would split the elk ( including basic butchering). If we both get an elk we keep what we killed.

Hunterman(Tony)
:yeah:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: elk247 on September 04, 2014, 02:54:04 PM: Quote from: kirkl on September 04, 2014, 02:34:15 PM
:yeah: i wouldnt expect anything. Just part of hunting.
Agreed but the flip side is he lost his hunting partner. If you make the effort to help him get an elk on your days off it will go a long way. If he fills a tag and your there for him. :tup: if not you have a few hundred lbs. of meat depending on the size of the elk. Why not establish a tradition where you guys split everything 50/50 :dunno: it depends on the relationship between you and your hunting partner I suppose. Take care of him and congratulations on the elk!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 04, 2014, 03:03:16 PM: A fifth of whiskey for a helper and 1/2 for my hunting partner.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Mike450r on September 04, 2014, 03:19:02 PM: I don't expect anything and neither do my friends/partners. Just glad to help and be part of the hunt. Same with any other kind of help whether it be helping a friend move, swap an engine, build a house etc..

My way of thinking is nothing should be expected therefore whatever you give is plenty. Invite him over for dinner and drinks featuring that fine elk and send him home with a decent roast and I think he will be plenty happy to help again next year.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Old Man Yager on September 04, 2014, 03:39:58 PM: It's nice if they offer, but no big deal if they don't. I don't really care, I just like to see those big brown SOB'S on the ground, and glad to help with them!!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Elkterd on September 04, 2014, 03:45:16 PM: I have always been glad to help and enjoy the comraderie :IBCOOL: and do not expect anything, but that is just me :brew:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Buzz2401 on September 04, 2014, 03:48:13 PM: I think anything less then a big paper bag of meat is a slap in the face. We split everything equally even if you didn't help pack out as long as you were back at camp cooking or helping skin. On the other hand it shouldn't necessarily be expexted. Its kind of like pitching in for fuel on a fishing trip. No need to make a big deal if you get stiffed just don't expect to be invited again.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 04, 2014, 03:56:19 PM: Lots of variables.
If it is a hunting partner they will get half.
If someone else took time from their hunt to help me pack out an elk I would offer a front quarter.
Shooter always gets half at a minimum but with that being said, if my brother or I get an elk we will often split it in thirds with our father who always helps with butchering.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: jason stevens on September 04, 2014, 04:08:25 PM: In our camp we split it equal no matter what everyone goes home with meat.last here I helped direct people to there elk didn't do much but gave them the spots one guy gave me four packs one guy gave me a bunch.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: TONTO on September 04, 2014, 04:32:12 PM: The whole damn thing, but then again I've packed all my elk that needed packing by myself :dunno: I have helped others get thier elk out though and don't expect anything in return, just glad to be a part of it. Have helped a friend get two elk the last couple years and he has kicked me down some sausage he had made. Appreciated, but not expected, espiecialy since I didn't get any of my own elk proscesed.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 04, 2014, 05:31:25 PM: Me and my hunting partner always go 50/50 that way we both have meat in the freezer..we all help hunt/drag/process the animals....when i got my bear I was hunting with new friends and they both helped me out with getting and packing the bear out and I offered to split it 3 ways and they both refused and said just make us lunch with it one day and were even....I'm the same way also....I just love being part of it....I helped another friend get his first deer last year and he wanted me to take some meat...it was just a little spike so I harassed him and told him if I take any meat then he won't even get a plate full of meat :chuckle: I made him keep it all.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: rb2506 on September 04, 2014, 05:40:33 PM: Some of my favorite hunting memories are the ones that take a day and a half to get the animal out and the three days to recover

One steak is nice but defiantly not mandatory
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: floatinghat on September 04, 2014, 05:41:04 PM: In my book its a reciprocal relationship. I owe a couple friends for last years elk. I picked up the hotel for a couple nights etc. I expect that because we hunt different seasons there will be payback soon. Yes, its a drop of a hat thing if you can do it and aren't there during the hunt.

But I wouldn't expect $$$.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Maverick on September 04, 2014, 05:46:21 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on September 04, 2014, 03:03:16 PM
A fifth of whiskey for a helper and 1/2 for my hunting partner.

call me when you need a helper :chuckle:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: 4fletch on September 04, 2014, 06:03:40 PM: If your bud is your hunting partner 50/50 if not and the pack was tough a hind quarter would be nice and if he harvests one he gives you some of his
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: The scout on September 04, 2014, 06:03:51 PM: always half for our hunting group
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: JamesK. on September 04, 2014, 06:15:38 PM: ^^^agree

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Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: PlateauNDN on September 04, 2014, 06:28:09 PM: Up to you. I had an older gentleman help me pack out a bull after I quartered it up and he didn't hesitate to help a stranger without asking. Half a day quartering it and then couple hours pack out. He got a hind quarter back at the truck and was surprised and happy (he was heading home that day tag unfilled) since he spent part of the day helping me and not finishing his hunt.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Biggerhammer on September 04, 2014, 06:45:19 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on September 04, 2014, 03:03:16 PM
A fifth of whiskey for a helper and 1/2 for my hunting partner.

:tup:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: addicted2hunting on September 04, 2014, 07:32:09 PM: I would help pack just for being there for a buddy. if he chooses to give me meat then hey thanks! but he needs to feed his family first. Just as I wouldn't want any expectations on me. but I am generous!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: zike on September 04, 2014, 07:45:01 PM: I killed a bull one time and it wasn't a bad pack, but my partner had a bad ticker. Four young fellows from Bellingham showed up and I offered them half if they'd show up next day and help pack. They did and I did.

Years later a couple of guys stopped to talk and started telling me this story. So I said I'm the guy and the deal is the same !/2 if you help pack. :)
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Hawgdawg on September 04, 2014, 08:09:01 PM: It has always been a norm in our camps that if you hunted, got out of bed in the morning!or helped out in camp, including processing you would get an equal share. Got to drunk by the fire and slept in I will get sour grapes on the split! :twocents:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM: If it's someone your hunting with, that conversation should occur before harvest. My packers get a percentage based on how many I have and poundage.
I made mistake of packing for a guy and helping skin his elk. Didn't get a damn steak. Will never hunt with the guy again.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: JamesK. on September 04, 2014, 08:22:40 PM: I just have to say this. If you are involved in hunting whether it's the person who makes a harvest, or the packer expecting a bunch of meat.... Sell your hunting equipment and buy half a beef and save yourself a lot of stress and money. Your in it for the wrong reason.... I'm not by any means trying to change the subject of the thread because I think it's a good one but a few comments brought this to my mind is all. Trying to decide how much meat to give a helper/packer/ hunt partner is a good problem to have!!!

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Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Band on September 04, 2014, 08:34:39 PM: Quote from: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM
I made mistake of packing for a guy and helping skin his elk. Didn't get a damn steak. Will never hunt with the guy again.
Pretty unbelievable that someone would be so stingy. I would absolutely expect a sincere offer of some of that meat.

I've killed the only 2 elk in my camp in the last few years and it gets split equally among the 3 of us. I would expect my partners to do the same. It's an unwritten rule in my book.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: elk247 on September 04, 2014, 08:42:53 PM: :yeah: band hooked me up with some backstrap last year off his blacktail buck. Man was it good! :drool: thanks buddy!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: billythekidrock on September 04, 2014, 08:47:40 PM: Quote from: Band on September 04, 2014, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM
I made mistake of packing for a guy and helping skin his elk. Didn't get a damn steak. Will never hunt with the guy again.
Pretty unbelievable that someone would be so stingy. I would absolutely expect a sincere offer of some of that meat.

I've killed the only 2 elk in my camp in the last few years and it gets split equally among the 3 of us. I would expect my partners to do the same. It's an unwritten rule in my book.

I think the unwritten or unspoken rule is where it can go sideways so I try to have the conversation ahead of time.

It can be an odd conversation for some, but I like to know before hand what someone expects. I will help you with your deer or bear and not expect anything since they are not that big. But I know I will need help with an elk so I let them know upfront what the deal is. If they want to do the same, we are good.

Nothing worse than having a hunting partner walk up to your downed elk, congratulate you and walk off to continue their own hunt... unless you know before hand that it will happen.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:48:11 PM: Quote from: Band on September 04, 2014, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM
I made mistake of packing for a guy and helping skin his elk. Didn't get a damn steak. Will never hunt with the guy again.
Pretty unbelievable that someone would be so stingy. I would absolutely expect a sincere offer of some of that meat.

I've killed the only 2 elk in my camp in the last few years and it gets split equally among the 3 of us. I would expect my partners to do the same. It's an unwritten rule in my book.
What blew me away was when I found out he was handing out pepperoni to guys at work. I also gave the guy a knife set I got from RMEF. That's the deal I made with camp. First harvest got set. Bottlomline is hunt with your closest friends or family.
He wasn't and that was my bad. Trust them with your life and know they have your back. I have two as described!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: t6 on September 04, 2014, 09:00:00 PM: Partners in camp who participate in the hunt, recovery, and pack get an equal share.

I've helped other and did it without expectation of anything.

I helped an old man load an elk into his truck. He offered me some of the meat but he had done such a terrible job with the shot and gut job that I kindly declined.

I work my butt off for our camp because I'm one of the younger guys (If you call middle age young) but I remember who let me tag along and taught me to hunt. Payback as far as I'm concerned.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: n_mathews13 on September 04, 2014, 09:47:46 PM: When I was young, me and my dad was walking a old logging road . It was almost dark and a bear was 60 yds up hill. He shot it and it rolled down and disappeared. He ( having me there at the age of 5) decided to wait till am. He made a few calls for help the next morning but no answers. We woke up to my uncle and a friend at camp, got to the head of the logging rd and my other uncle was there. They helped all day and we all went home that night. That made a big impression on me and since, I've made that trip dozens of time to help pack out animals and headed home. Not expecting anything in return .. But everyone is different , out of a whole elk it wouldn't break a person to give up a few pounds
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Band on September 04, 2014, 09:56:59 PM: Quote from: elk247 on September 04, 2014, 08:42:53 PM
:yeah: band hooked me up with some backstrap last year off his blacktail buck. Man was it good! :drool: thanks buddy!
Well, you found the buck for me, packed it out, and came back to give me a piggy back ride out. I had to give you something! :chuckle:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Westside88 on September 04, 2014, 09:58:56 PM: In elk camp everyone gets an equal share provided they contribute what they can. If I offered to help someone, I wouldn't expect any but it's a nice gesture. Depending on how much help was provided to me I don't think a quarter is unreasonable.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: grade-creek-rd on September 04, 2014, 10:13:38 PM: We hunt the high country (most of the time) and always help each other on the packing without expecting anything in return....but this year I'm heading back to he Salmon River area of idaho with a deer & elk tags (& wolf)...I already told my buddies if I get an elk whatever they carry back to camp is theirs to keep! Sure fire way to get help packing it back ;) if one guy wants 100# of elk meat, more power to him!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: jtw on September 04, 2014, 10:19:25 PM: If everyone gets an elk they keep what they shot, but if one elk goes down it's divided evenly.
That's just how my elk camp does it though.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:33:00 PM: I haven't given an ounce of meat to those who have packed out game that I harvested.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: X-Force on September 04, 2014, 10:40:48 PM: Quote from: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:33:00 PM
I haven't given an ounce of meat to those who have packed out game that I harvested.

Same.

I'll help them pack out when they tagout.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:50:37 PM: Quote from: X-Force on September 04, 2014, 10:40:48 PM
Quote from: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:33:00 PM
I haven't given an ounce of meat to those who have packed out game that I harvested.

Same.

I'll help them pack out when they tagout.
I got a phone call from a buddy that interrupted me...did not mean to finish my post...I was going to add that I don't give the packers meat because they don't eat meat, they prefer hay, well actually grain is their favorite :chuckle: :chuckle:

As for the humans...I offer them whatever they want, like me, they rarely take anything. I am blessed to hunt multiple states and so I usually give away 95% of my meat every year to folks who don't/can't hunt. I have learned that what happens with the meat can be a touchy subject though...lots of hunters have different ideas of what they think is fair...so I think its one of those things that should be discussed prior to the hunt or before a guy shows up to help pack.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: addicted2hunting on September 05, 2014, 02:27:06 AM: An elk is a large amount of meat...with just my wife and I, we don't need the full elk so I would be splitting with my partner even if I packed it myself.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: addicted on September 05, 2014, 02:54:08 AM: Thats why you hunt with family, you can always screw family over and still expect them back next year lol. :chuckle:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: rasbo on September 05, 2014, 05:10:48 AM: we always agree to spilt the game as hunters,had one guy get upset about splitting the cost.He got no elk meat...I have helped many folks get game and I expect nothing,and more times than I would like to admit nothing was offered...
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: X-Force on September 05, 2014, 05:28:43 AM: Quote from: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:50:37 PM
Quote from: X-Force on September 04, 2014, 10:40:48 PM
Quote from: idahohuntr on September 04, 2014, 10:33:00 PM
I haven't given an ounce of meat to those who have packed out game that I harvested.

Same.

I'll help them pack out when they tagout.
I got a phone call from a buddy that interrupted me...did not mean to finish my post...I was going to add that I don't give the packers meat because they don't eat meat, they prefer hay, well actually grain is their favorite :chuckle: :chuckle:

As for the humans...I offer them whatever they want, like me, they rarely take anything. I am blessed to hunt multiple states and so I usually give away 95% of my meat every year to folks who don't/can't hunt. I have learned that what happens with the meat can be a touchy subject though...lots of hunters have different ideas of what they think is fair...so I think its one of those things that should be discussed prior to the hunt or before a guy shows up to help pack.

That's funny right there.

I still don't give any away. :chuckle:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: buglebrush on September 05, 2014, 07:38:46 AM: We always show up to pack eachothers game, and the only return I want it's that they help when I get one down :twocents:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: The Weazle on September 05, 2014, 11:55:19 AM: Everyone that helps me gets something. I give a bottle of whiskey, some summer sausage, some other types of sausage (depending on what I make that year) pre made bacon burgers, and some steaks. I mostly make sausages and summer sausage from my kills, so it's easy for me to share. The experience and camaraderie is more important than my own consumption, so I'm very generous. Even my mailman gets some summer sausage (I usually make 30 lbs) at Christmas, and it's kind of expected now, as he is more interested in my success than my own family!

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Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: WSU on September 05, 2014, 12:16:02 PM: Quote from: Mike450r on September 04, 2014, 03:19:02 PM
I don't expect anything and neither do my friends/partners. Just glad to help and be part of the hunt. Same with any other kind of help whether it be helping a friend move, swap an engine, build a house etc..

My way of thinking is nothing should be expected therefore whatever you give is plenty. Invite him over for dinner and drinks featuring that fine elk and send him home with a decent roast and I think he will be plenty happy to help again next year.

Exactly. It all washes out between friends. I'm just happy that I get to partake. That said, I usually give some backstraps, sausage, etc. because I am grateful for the help and I enjoy sharing.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: washelkhunter on September 05, 2014, 09:42:20 PM: 50/50. Its not even a question. To my mind you want to share in an elk camp, you share all the hardships and the rewards as well.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Ghost Hunter on September 06, 2014, 07:21:52 AM: I've packed more out for partners with fair amount shared. Sometimes none wanted. A stranger helps on a tough packout, I give nothing less than what is on their back.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: ridgefire on September 06, 2014, 06:22:10 PM: in our camp we all help one another. when a elk hits the ground its a team effort, everyone is done hunting until every ounce of meat is back in camp. I would never expect to get meat considering its labor of love, if it was offered I would gladly accept it though. maybe consider going halfers with other hunter next time. if you shoot one he gets half and if he shoots one, you get half. win win for both hunters.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: usmc74 on September 06, 2014, 07:05:22 PM: We have done the shooter gets 1/2, the others split the other half

I saw a guy shoot a deer way the hell down a canyon. I offered to help him drag it up to the top of the ridge. He said no, go hunt. I insisted, didn't want anything, just help him get to the top of the ridge (all downhill to the truck from there). When I got back to the truck that night, he had left the backstraps at my camp. Thanks!
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Meat Truck on September 07, 2014, 10:07:28 AM: We always do equal split. It seems fair if a guy spends a day helping you, he gets a more than fair share. I'd really rather not pack out a whole elk by myself, just so I can eat it all. And if someone in my group gets one, I drop everything and help out in a second. The reward isn't why, but it helps.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: big wood on September 07, 2014, 10:17:55 AM: I GIVE MY MEAT PACKER A SHOT OF GRAIN WHEN WE GET BACK TO THE TRUCK
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: MtnMuley on September 07, 2014, 06:28:10 PM: I've helped pack out a lot of animals over the years, and never expected a thing, but a thanks. A few beers go a long ways. I can't ever remember accepting any of the meat. What goes around with my friends, comes around, I'm the first to lend a hand if needed with nothing expected in return but a simple, thanks.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: huntingfool7 on September 08, 2014, 07:03:09 AM: Quote from: billythekidrock on September 04, 2014, 08:47:40 PM
Quote from: Band on September 04, 2014, 08:34:39 PM
Quote from: BAR C3 on September 04, 2014, 08:12:58 PM
I made mistake of packing for a guy and helping skin his elk. Didn't get a damn steak. Will never hunt with the guy again.
Pretty unbelievable that someone would be so stingy. I would absolutely expect a sincere offer of some of that meat.

I've killed the only 2 elk in my camp in the last few years and it gets split equally among the 3 of us. I would expect my partners to do the same. It's an unwritten rule in my book.

I think the unwritten or unspoken rule is where it can go sideways so I try to have the conversation ahead of time.

It can be an odd conversation for some, but I like to know before hand what someone expects. I will help you with your deer or bear and not expect anything since they are not that big. But I know I will need help with an elk so I let them know upfront what the deal is. If they want to do the same, we are good.

Nothing worse than having a hunting partner walk up to your downed elk, congratulate you and walk off to continue their own hunt... unless you know before hand that it will happen.

I had a friend and hunting partner that started loading up his gear when he found my "cow down" note. He bugged out.
We aren't friends or partners anymore.

That said, if you pack/cut/wrap meat, you should get a full share. In my experience, partners that are willing to help forest to freezer are few and far between.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Band on September 08, 2014, 08:16:53 AM: Quote from: huntingfool7 on September 08, 2014, 07:03:09 AM
I had a friend and hunting partner that started loading up his gear when he found my "cow down" note. He bugged out.
Holy crap. :o
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: luvmystang67 on September 08, 2014, 08:22:51 AM: My old elk camp it was split evenly. Everyone kind of did their part. Some owned the cabin and paid the taxes, others of us packed more than our fair share and shot more of the animals. At the end of the day, everyone shared the butchering costs and everyone got a fair share of the meat, that way most people had some elk in their freezer every year. Hard to eat a whole elk anyway.

This was a pre-arranged deal, so everyone knew what they were getting themselves into when they came to camp. One guy got one who didn't want to share after he got it... He was never invited back.

In other scenarios or camps things are different, but I have found myself wondering what I would do without people sometimes. If you shoot one and think, "That was pretty easy and I could've done it myself with out much issue" give them a little for their help and thank them and pass on the favor. If you find yourself thinking "my GOD I have no idea how I would've done that without you", you'd better pass them a little bit more.

I tend to prefer the share evenly and share butchering costs one, but you have to get buy-in from everyone before hand. Its an nice fun easy way to do it though.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: wonder on September 08, 2014, 12:08:40 PM: I had help packing and skinning my first Elk and I gave my 2 helpers half. They were really surprised and I thought that was only fair. They caught up with me in the afternoon and helped me pack it out of the wilderness until 6am the next morning.

Personally I thought that was fair. It's up to you obviously, but I believe in sharing the wealth. Be fair and be up front. None of us are starving and can always go to Safeway and get food :twocents:
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: scottcrb on September 08, 2014, 01:08:03 PM: I don't expect anything from my hunting buddies who get animals and I pack out other than to return the favor if possible someday.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: Bean Counter on September 08, 2014, 01:29:47 PM: It's always great to help other hunters, especially friends, without expectation of reward. That said, I have four buddies lined up to help out for my elk hunt this fall, and there will be only one of them with me at a time to make sure I don't run out of helpers before my hunt is done. I'm planning to cut and wrap the whole elk myself and give each of them 15-20 pounds of cut and wrapped meat each, whether or not they were with me when I get the elk.
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: irishevox on September 08, 2014, 02:53:54 PM: My thing is this if i am helping a buddy. It's whatever if they want to give me some fine if not thats fine to. I gave my buddy 1/2 a bear I shot. b/c he helped me drag it up hill for over 3 hours. The fact is that i don't expect anything as far as meat goes or anything like that when helping pack out. Its nice to recieve it, but on the other hand some people dont have that as much as i do... ya know so for me it's either way i don;t mind
Title: Re: How much elk do you give the guy that helped pack it out?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 08, 2014, 03:14:52 PM: As long as all are in agreement, there is no right or wrong answer. I've packed a lot for others, and had others help me too.