Nevada Bull Elk 111 Late and Cow 114 Newbie questions

bisblue

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Hey folks,
I originally posted this on Rokslide, and they suggested reposting here for better information.

I'm a really lucky guy. As a NV resident I drew the first time for a late Bull tag for 111-115 (Nov 21-Dec 4th) and a cow tag for 114 (Oct 1-20th). I was mainly just wanting to build points for the bull and gain experience first, but oh well.

I hunted obsessively in the southeast growing up and have spent the past ten years as a wildland firefighter and rock climbing guide out West, with little hunting time. I've been on a couple horse packing elk hunts with my wife's family out of Utah, old school cowboy style, although I hiked one trip while they rode since a horse got sick and I still wanted to go.

I've got a couple questions and this seems a very informed group/forum.

I'm pretty set on lightweight camping and bivy/ suffering. I love putting up new climbing routes, and often scour the West for new areas, then hump in loads of bolts, drill, fixed ropes..... I've put tons of miles in hiking in the backcountry and suffering for no apparent reason.

My goals for these hunts are to put meat in the freezer, especially with the cow and having it be my wife's first hunt, but try to not waste my opportunity with my bull tag. I'm not looking for a trophy but don't want to shoot a little guy that I'm going to regret later.

1. I'd love any specific area advice. I've got an ok on the ground knowledge from my scouting so far.

2. I've been scouting a good bit with two buddies who are experienced backcountry hunters for the weekends for my bull tag units. I'm trying to rope in a fire guy or two to be available for packing out so I can hunt the weekdays as well. So how do I continue scouting now that the season has started without screwing up people hunting now?

3. Packs - I've got tons, but I'm assuming hunting specific packs focus on strapping the awkward load of boned out meat? Any affordable recommendations? Can you just use a cheap external frame for packing out meat?

4. General advice, things to note on late season hunts, anything that I should keep in mind.

Thanks in advance for the advice,
 
That late season hunt will be COLD COLD AND COLD. Sometimes DEEEP snow too. I would not be doing much back packing. In fact, my buddy shot a 350 bull last year, in a different unit, and used snowmobiles to get around. There has been many times areas are in accessible because of the snow. SO be aware.

Pack, I use a badlands 4500. I like it, other dont. There are a bunch of different ones out there.

Sorry, thats all I can offer. Good luck.
 
Use whatever packs you have unless you want to make an investment in more serious hunting gear. You sound tough enough to be able to strap meat to any pack frame and go. Scouting now without messing up others is best by climbing or driving to a high point and glass glass glass. Dont go walking through elk areas. I dont know the area but alot of late season hunts have migratory animals show up that you will never see in the summer so dont get discouraged. Good luck and come back to post pics with updates.
 
Just an option, I've got some pack llamas that you can rent out for your hunt (or we offer game packouts). They would make packing in and out a lot easier, and it would save you a ton of work if you kill a bull. Our ranch is relatively close (2-3 hr) from area 11. Check out our website or give me a call if you're interested.

www.RentPackLlamas.com
Jason- 435.256.7882
 
That is a great bull tag to have! You should concentrate on making the most of it. We hunted it last year and had a great time. PM me if you need any help.

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Just an option, I've got some pack llamas that you can rent out for your hunt (or we offer game packouts). They would make packing in and out a lot easier, and it would save you a ton of work if you kill a bull. Our ranch is relatively close (2-3 hr) from area 11. Check out our website or give me a call if you're interested.

www.RentPackLlamas.com
Jason- 435.256.7882
Sent a PM to both you fellas, let me know if they don't go through.
Pm me if still available
 
You better be prepared for cold and snow! I've hunted Alaska, Colo, and Wyo on a regular basis and not sure I'd want to backpack hunt NV in the middle of Nov/Dec! You may be better off staying a little more mobile than limited to small areas via backpack?

I'd recommend a large volume pack (6,500+ cu in). Kifaru and Stone Glacier are about the best on the market for comfort and capable of 60+ lb loads. You can likely pick one up for around 1/2 price on the Rokslide classified section. If you are still pinched for $ I would look at an Arcteryx Bora 90 on Craigslist or Ebay. I used an abused mine for years and it worked fairly well for the price. I'm not sure how many elk, deer, and moose sized game I've packed with mine.
 

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