Pack animals for hire? Sawtooth region

Alaska321 · May 14, 2019

Hi, I'm looking for some possible help hauling out elk this Semptember and October. I have a Sawtooth archery tag as does my buddy. The dates of the hunt is all of September. My two sons also have rifle tags for the Sawtooth region, and the dates are October 15-Nov 8. I'd like to be able to contact someone relatively close by that could bring in pack animals to help with the haul out in the event we harvest elk. Let me know if you're interested or know of someone who might be. Thanks.

idhikker · May 15, 2019

Can't offer any compensation or you're violating the laws as packers have to be licensed outfitters in Idaho. Good luck finding an outfitter who isn't catering to their guided clients. And even if an outfitter commits, there known for bailing and leaving you high me dry.

Best figure out a place you don't need help for and there's plenty around or find a buddy with horses.

jetsled · May 15, 2019

Welcome. Thanks for the post. Same song and dance from a guy who clearly has no idea what he's doing, but he has a Sawtooth Tag so surely he'll kill a bull or 3. Trust me its work, and I'd consider myself successful just to see a bull in the first few years hunting up there. Sounds like you have done lots of research as well. Enjoy the scenery.

andrew12gauge · May 15, 2019

>Welcome. Thanks for the post. Same
>song and dance from a
>guy who clearly has no
>idea what he's doing, but
>he has a Sawtooth Tag
>so surely he'll kill a
>bull or 3. Trust me
>its work, and I'd consider
>myself successful just to see
>a bull in the first
>few years hunting up there.
>Sounds like you have done
>lots of research as well.
>Enjoy the scenery.

C?mon man, haven't you heard there are 300? bulls behind every tree in the sawtooth zone. Best OTC elk tag in the West lol

kimbersig · May 15, 2019

like others have said. have to be a licensed guide to do pack out services in Idaho. I looked when I had a frank church sheep tag and was unable to find anyone so I did it 100% backpack. the other option you have would be to look into stock rentals. there are several pack goat rental places, llama rentals, and some horse rentals in or very close to Idaho you could try and rent stock to do your own packing with. good luck. you're gonna need some luck and a lot of hard work in that country.

elkboy32 · May 15, 2019

Lot of work for a mediocre bulls and very difficult hunting. The trophy is the mountains you will be occupying. I would recommend never having 2 animals down at a time. A storm could roll in and you will be shut down, unless your into backcountry skiing out your elk meat. Have 2 wolf tags. Also lots of bears. If I were you I would look for a camping spot next to someone with horses and bring a case of Whiskey. If the plates are from Rexburg bring cobbler pie....

twsnow18 · May 15, 2019

>Welcome. Thanks for the post. Same
>song and dance from a
>guy who clearly has no
>idea what he's doing, but
>he has a Sawtooth Tag
>so surely he'll kill a
>bull or 3. Trust me
>its work, and I'd consider
>myself successful just to see
>a bull in the first
>few years hunting up there.
>Sounds like you have done
>lots of research as well.
>Enjoy the scenery.

Relax, a little harsh.

buckhorn · May 15, 2019

Congratulations
You?ve got Elk tags and will be hunting in some of the most fabulous country on earth.
Sure it's hard work but that's just Elk hunting.
Never mind all the political BS.
Maybe make a preseason scouting trip out to Stanley and also stop up by the Smiley Creek Lodge and ask around for some locals that may be willing to help out. I'm sure you'll find some positive results.
Even if you can't find a source for some pack animals you can always pack an elk out on your pack frames with several loads. No big deal. The main thing is that you'll be out there having a great time. Good luck to you

boise · May 15, 2019

You could contact outfitters who are licensed for area you wish to go and ask about a drop camp. If they even offer it? At least that way you're guaranteed away in and out. If someone hikes into the area I hunt I respect there right to be on public land. You have to think about what your asking for if you want someone at a trailhead to go pack out an elk. It's something we love to do for friends and family. Most of us only have so many days on the mountain and giving up one to pack out a strangers animal is not worth it. I wouldn't even try to hunt an area I couldn't get an animal out of. There?s also a lot of resentment when someone bombs in 4 or 5 miles and shoots an elk when it's 80 degrees out during archery season! We shoot elk in the backcountry we know what it takes to get one out. You can look at someone on trail and know they don't belong there. If you have partners and you are in shape go for it. You have acknowledged you possibly might need some help. Help might not be available! As was mentioned its one of the most beautiful spots in Idaho so enjoy your hunt. Hit sourdough lodge for hand scooped ice cream if you are by Lowman

Alaska321 · May 16, 2019

Thanks for the insights guys, I'll look into some of the suggestions. Lots of experience packing out meat, hence looking into pack animals... Less packing = more hunting. Super stoked, should be a great hunt.

Thanks again!