Meat packer services?

[alsatian]

I'm interested in working out a "do it yourself" elk hunt, since I cannot even begin to afford to pay for an outfitted hunt. One logistical problem I have not worked out is how to get my kill down out of the mountains. I have heard that packers can be hired to go up and bring out meat. Does anyone know much about this?

How much can this be expected to cost, ballpark figures? What kind of timeliness can be expected? If you call the packer on a Saturday afternoon, when will they get about bringing out my elk? Is timeliness a big deal? Is the weather usually cool enough in mountain elk country that an extra 2 days waiting on the packer won't impact the elk meat, so long as it is hanging up in the shade, covered in a cotton bag?

Just as additional information, in case it is needed, I'm probably looking at cow elk tags and backpacking in to hunt. I have backpacked in high country -- camping over 11,000' and crossing passes around 12,500' -- and am comfortable with this part of the plan. I am not sure about the likelyhood of success for my plans, but I'm willing to take the risk that my hunt will fail due to ignorance on my part and to view the hunt as (1) a successful, fun backpack trip in beautiful mountain country, (2) an elk hunting learning experience,where my failure would direct my future efforts, and (3) a scouting trip which can provide help during a future trip.

 

[ELKMASTER101]

there are ranchers in the area, they will ride in and pack it out, typ rate i have come across is 60 bucks each elk. tis is in colorado.
preporation for the meat prior to walking out and retreaving a meat packer,
contact your local ranchers or outfitters.
if there is going to be an outfitter in the area he may be glad to help you out.
it would be great if you could use your cell phone.
but in most cases in the back country there isn't any towers.
you may want to cut up your own elk,
rap it in cheese cloth and store in in a shaded area. if you have snow, place some flat rocks on the snow then the meat on top of them.
I built a stone cooler 4 years ago, stone floor, sides, and a large piece for a lid.
then went around to all the shade spots and gathered snow.
and pilled it up around my cooler.
I took my elk the first morning of the hunt, and my buddy didn't score untill the 4th day.
we did have horses but, it was a days ride out and then a days ride back in and i didn't want to advertise to others that we were scoring in the back country.
good luck.
if you only going in a couple miles,
you can pack it out in chunks your self in a long day.

 

[Weasel]

Rifle season (depending on where you're hunting) is usually cold enough to leave meat hanging all week if need be. Use a pack frame and pack it out yourself if you can. I use an old Camp Trails frame. One of those slick break-down frames might be better.