How to roll an elk over

[navet]

I have been looking for any tips to help roll a dead elk from one side to the other. I will be solo and will quarter and debone one side. How is the easiest way to roll that big of an animal over? I know alot depends on where it dies. It would seem after the upside quarters have been removed rolling the beast over could be very difficult.

[Indian Summer]

LOL... I like a hunter who thinks of every detail ahead of time.

Well... in elk country flat ground can be hard to come by. So it's likely you'll be able to roll downhill and let gravity do some of the work. Otherwise all I can say is once you have the upper side done you'll be able to do it. I didn't say it would be easy but it's not impossible. Just make sure you tie it off to something so gravity doesn't get carried away! Good luck!!!

[mtnmutt]

This has/had me worried also. I am solo woman hunter and definitely not as strong as you guys.

Someone from grizzly country suggested getting lightweight pulleys to hang meat high. If I am blessed with an elk, I will use those pulleys to help flip an elk or move fallen logs out of the way. The pulleys offer much less friction than wrapping a line around a tree to pull things.

I also carry 2 long lightweight strong MSR Hog tent stakes with me in case there is no nearby tree. Not likely where I hunt, but I don't want to chance it.

I am starting to think I need hunting partner. Reality is starting to set in on my limitations.

[Canvsbk]

I realize this adds nothing constructive to the thread but as a whitetail hunter from Michigan when I walk up on one of these guys laying there I can never believe how big they really are....

[cnelk]

Below is a pic of the gutless method we used last week.

Just do all of one side, grab the lower back leg and roll the elk over.
Use the hide for a 'tarp' if you dont have one.

Its not too bad

[Trophyhill]

Below is a pic of the gutless method we used last week.

Just do all of one side, grab the lower back leg and roll the elk over.
Use the hide for a 'tarp' if you dont have one.

Its not too bad

that's how you do it.

[navet]

I sure hope mine dies with her hooves pointed up hill.

[Waygoner]

Be careful if you're going solo. A guy in Utah just got gored by a bull he killed. He was trying to roll it over and it stabbed him under the jaw.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=26797271&title=hunter-gores-himself-on-antler-of-elk-he-killed

[BRazz]

Be careful if you're going solo. A guy in Utah just got gored by a bull he killed. He was trying to roll it over and it stabbed him under the jaw.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=157&sid=26797271&title=hunter-gores-himself-on-antler-of-elk-he-killed

I'm glad that article has no comments allowed - the anti's out there would have a hayday with that one...

[hornart]

cnelk is right, I have sectioned up many elk by myself this way and using the hide as a tarp works great for keeping the meat as clean as possible. I always skin just past the backbone, then remove all of the meat from that side. Then rolling it over is alot easier, skin the remaining side and spread the hide out as best as possible and take the meat off the remaining side. I will usually have a meat pole up by then between 2 trees and start hanging the meat to get it up in the air and in the shade of course. If your in an area that has the camprobbers (birds) make sure that you hang loose meat in bags suspended by some cord, if you drape it over the meat pole the birds will eat alot more than you can imagine.