Elk Packers in Utah?

Bill_in_SD · Feb 13, 2011

How difficult would it be to hire someone to pack out an elk for me in Utah? I'm a non resident, without any connections or friends that would help me out

. I have 9 preference points for elk. I'm thinking of holding out for a Muzzy or early rifle hunt for a few more years for a 300 bull or better. I'm sure it would depend a lot on what unit I would draw, so this is a general question. I'm 48 in good shape, but realize that hauling an elk out solo is too much for me.

Thanks
Bill

kawboy · Feb 13, 2011

Depends on where you are hunting. I don't have horses but I have a frame pack. I would be willing to help you out if you get one on the wasatch. All it would cost you is a couple steaks. Pm me if you get a tag.

I'll tell you who it was . . . it was that D@MN Sasquatch!

Shummy · Feb 13, 2011

I would probably help you get one out in the southwest desert unit.

WapitiBob · Feb 13, 2011

Depending on where you hunt, you won't be more than a cpl miles from the truck.
Pack 2 bags out the first day, hang 2 bags in a good shady thicket and pack them out the next day.
4 trips on your back and the Bull is on the way to the cooler.

Blanding_Boy · Feb 13, 2011

As others have pointed out, I can't imagine there are too many places on UT's LE units (except book cliffs roadless and places on the Duton) that you wouldn't be able to get a vehicle within a couple of miles. As most have pointed out, a couple or 3 trips with a good back pack would get it all out for ya.

Finding someone with horses/mules to assist if needed I don't think would be a problem, but hiring them might be. It would be helpful if we knew what unit. If you hire someone and you harvest the bull on public lands, you need make sure they are permitted/licensed/insured on that FS or BLM district. If not, both of you are in violation of federal law which carries significant fines for trading money for services. Contacting the FS office where you would have your permit would be an easy step to find out who is permitted for such things where you will be hunting.

Good luck with the draw

Todd

Todd Black
BTO

HorseCreek · Feb 13, 2011

You might wanna call Mossback...They are going to have some time on their hands since they won't be guiding the Gov tag this year, and the fact that there aren't any elk to hunt for in Utah anymore!

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Bill_in_SD · Feb 13, 2011

Thanks all. I'm worried if it is hot, and I don't have time or it's in a deep hole. I'm not sure where I'll put in for, but it will be a couple or few more years. That is when the kids are big enough for the wife to handle and work a full time job. After my son was born it has become much harder for me spend many days from home. That's a whole other story.

tracker12 · Feb 13, 2011

I have hunted in WY, Co, NV, and UT for big game and can honestly say UT is the right place to hunt if you need a helping hand. Guys on this site and others from UT are always offering help. I drew a Muzzy tag in UT two years ago and hunted the Fishlake. I was going to do it by myself but ended up hiring an outfitter after I was given a deal that I could not pass up. After 11 years waiting for that tag I did not want to eat tag soup. But even that hunt I ended up getting a helping hand. My guides brother-in-law tagged along for the hunt and was a big help in locating my bull and helped with the pack out. I have 12 moose points and hope to draw someday. I am sure there will be help for that hunt. By the way if you cut em up small enough the pack out ain't that bad.

bggmhtr · Feb 13, 2011

If you draw the SJ or the Beaver unit, let me know and I will help you if we are there at the same time. There are also a lot of good people out there that would probably help you without a charge.

Bill_in_SD · Feb 13, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Feb-13-11 AT 06:31PM (MST)[p]Yes, I'd say Utah has the most generous hunters of any state. Honestly, I'm more nervous about boning out the elk myself and cutting myself than the actual hauling it out. I've quartered a few deer before by myself, and never had any problems. One time I was 80 miles from the nearest town in Nevada. Thanks
Bill

HorseCreek · Feb 13, 2011

What unit?

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bowhunt · Feb 13, 2011

I would love to help you out, and many others will do the same. Get that tag and then let's talk.

Utahelk1 · Feb 13, 2011

Bill I have horses and would love an excuse to ride in and pack out an elk. Let me know when and where.

Elkhunter96 · Feb 14, 2011

Depending on the unit, I may be able to help as well. Always fun to go on a LE hunt, even if it is just for a few days to be a pack mule.

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Feb 14, 2011

If I was a NR and coming to Utah to hunt I would worry about getting the animal down. In the meantime, I would make friends with some other camps in the area and without a doubt, you will find help. I think hunters are good people in general and I don't think you will find many people that won't help you out, if for no other reason than to get an up close look at your success. I really don't think you will have a hard time finding an elk packing network.

It's always an adventure!!!

PleaseDear · Feb 14, 2011

Bill---we need a reunion hunt anyways!

Let me know what ya put in for and I will pencil in the dates/unit and we can go from there!

Draw your tag and let me know.

You 'aint' spoiling the lil' fella are ya! ha

Robb

Bill_in_MI · Feb 14, 2011

Welcome back Robb, hope you're getting your feet under you again!
Bill

Bill_in_SD · Feb 15, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Feb-15-11 AT 08:27AM (MST)[p]Thanks all, I really appreciate it!!!!It really warms my heart!! I just gotta figure out what unit to apply for.

An early rifle hunt where I would have the greatest opportunity at a 300 or better bull.

Robb, I hope you are doing well. And no I am not spoiling my boy, my wife spoils the kids ;-)

I'm going to take some summer trips with the family to Utah to explore some of these units. Besides I love Utah!

Thanks all
Bill

257Tony · Feb 15, 2011

Most of us that live in Utah realize we may never draw an LE Elk tag, so we have to live vicariously through others. Just post up what tag you have when you draw and you'll have a dozen guys that will help out just for the experience of it. That and we are cool

justr_86 · Feb 15, 2011

wasatch.. kawboy and I can help you with the hunt and the pack if you want.

lots of elk with a chance at a 350 but realistically 300-320 is the average.

AWHOLELOTTABULL · Feb 15, 2011

Yah! Kawboy and Justr would be great. I met Kawboy at the expo. Strappling young dude that I'm sure would look really good with a carcass on his back.

I would hate to hike with them though, Kawboys inseam must be 40".

It's always an adventure!!!

PleaseDear · Feb 15, 2011

I would think a few bow bull tags would be yours with 9 pts maybe 1-2 units mzzy but the 9 pts and a rifle tag would be a stab in the dark and hope for type deal.....

Are you applying this year or not?
Makes a big difference.

Robb

Bill_in_SD · Feb 16, 2011

LAST EDITED ON Feb-16-11 AT 08:00AM (MST)[p]Thanks guys. Robb, I'm not hunting out of state next fall. I just bought a bonus point. I can't seem to close the deal with a bow, muzzy is a lot better, but I'm leaning rifle. In fact it is well worth it to me to wait another 3 years or so to hunt the rut with a rifle, best of both worlds. Looks like 11 or 12 points for an early rifle tag, which should work well for me.