pack/drag out question?

[farmboy]

Being a flatland deer hunter with limited experience getting an elk out I was wondering if anyone has tried a deer sleigh. I know most are now bent over laughing with their favorite beverage running down their computer screen. But I have to ask, we had one (for us) hard packout. First part was down hill half mile with 2 out of 4 of us taking a spill, nobody got hurt but could have. Was thinking next time quartering the elk up with game bags like before but then load on deer sleigh for longer downhill sections then back to packframes for level and uphill hikes, just was thinking it might be safer and easier. So if you have your screen cleaned up, any thoughts?

[Swede]

When you leave Michigan on your elk hunt, I am guessing you have limited space for all you will take on your hunt. It is possible you could run into a situation where a deer sled or game cart would work for you. Those opportunities are rare and the advantage is usually so small that I would leave them behind. Even if you are hunting in the snow the sled is rarely practical. Just my thought.
Actually your question is quite reasonable, and I am just saying what my observation has been. If you are hiking out a long road over snow, then forget what I just wrote.

[ElkNut1]

Bob, we've used sleds plenty of times in the snow but not in areas during Sept. hunts where no snow was on the ground. It's much easier to quarter up & bag them up & put on packs & haul out on our backs! We've done it this way for countless years now. It's much easier for us in rugged elk country & undulated terrain. Think pack out over drag out! (grin)

On another note where country is suitable others have used game carts so they are worth consideration in the right spots!

ElkNut1

[pointysticks]

Look at rinella's website. They Havel a blog on sleds. Looks like they work great, even with limited snow.

I say if you are only looking at 3 miles. I would do multiple trips instead.

[zpd307]

I know a fella who hunts the same area we did in Colorado. he hunts 4th season rifle and it usually has snow. he uses a sled, he showed me pics from two years ago of him hauling his cow out on a sled.

[Indian Summer]

Very rarely will they be worth the effort. I know you've thought of the pros but think of the cons. I've seen them rolled, bottoms shredded, and I've seen them get away and go sailing down the hill on their own. Safes way is up off the ground on your pack and take your time. If you wanted to add an element of safety think about getting walking sticks for support. They are great on both the uphill and down.

[Fridaythe13th]

2nd season CO we used a sled for 2 cows it was all down hill and only 3/4 of a mile off the road at one point it was so steep we tied a rope on the back of the sled and let gravity work. I thought it work well. Just be safe!

[ishy]

Never tried it, we have floated a bear down a river once though. Hooked a motorcycle strap n it and let the river do the work (in theory). Not sure it was any easier than just putting it on our backs.

[Trophyhill]

A buddy uses a plastic taboggan but honestly? I'll stick to packing on my back. It's not supposed to be easy

[Swede]

Sleds are fine if there is no side hill lean, there is no downed material to go over, not much brush, and it is not too steep. That does not sound like the elk country I hunt. That side hill transporting of a load is a killer.

[Elkduds]

I have dragged quarters (gutless method) with hide on across snow. Packing them would be easier, IMO, unless it was a steady downhill drag w no brush or log obstacles, which you will rarely encounter.

[elk-n-walleye]

I have dragged quarters (gutless method) with hide on across snow. Packing them would be easier, IMO, unless it was a steady downhill drag w no brush or log obstacles, which you will rarely encounter.

totally agree. tried it in 15" of snow. it was awful. quarters or sled loaded with quarters (tried both) in snow make for a good plow that snow just builds up in front of until the load just bogs down.

[farmboy]

Thanks to everyone for your input. I kind of forgot about walking sticks, I believe Dwight did a article in bowhunter a few years ago about how well they work.

[pointysticks]

here FARM. i like it. Otter sled...in the right situation, i bet it kicks ass!

http://themeateater.com/2014/easy-elk-r ... tter-sled/

[Indian Summer]

Sleds are fine if there is no side hill lean, That side hill transporting of a load is a killer.

Amen to that!!! Sidehill dragging anything is a killer. Nothing like trying to go one way while something is dragging you down down down to the left or right. One place a sled is ok is on gated roads. Other than that it's either a horse, a gamecart where feasible, or off the ground in a pack where you are most versatile.