Capstan Winches - Are they as good as they say?

[Vegas Runner]

Has anyone ever used one of those capstan rope winches for retrieving an elk or moose? I have heard they are really great for retrieving game up steep hills and over long distances. Would really open up hunting to areas I have been afraid to hunt because it was to difficult to retrieve.

[Ghost]

My first thought is how heavy is it?

[ElkNut1]

Ed, welcome to the ElkNut Forums! Is the winch to be mounted on a ATV? Is there a reason you don't hunt areas that do not have ATV access? The norm is to pack meat out on ones back or horseback? Thanks.

ElkNut1

[Vegas Runner]

Even with an ATV or truck to get close, dragging the elk up a steep hill or across country to get it to your vehicle can be really tough. I have often exhausted myself trying to retrieve an animal after I have it down. I like to stay on the roads and trails. I don't have a horse and my back is not strong enough. With this thing connected to your hitch receiver it looks easy.

There is a video here of it being used to drag an elk: http://www.speedwinch.com/blog/

[stykbow67]

We use capstans all the time in the electric utility field to hoist a transformer up a pole to pulling conductor through pipe or smooth wall and they work great but I'm gonna side with Elknut on this one. I'm just not sure they would be real handy in the back country. But to answer your question yea they'll drag an elk up a hill as long as you've got enough rope!

Steve

[ElkNut1]

Ed, very cool device there for sure, in the right situations it looks like it would work awesome! Have you tried or considered those chainsaw winches? I hear they are heavy but do work & are more portable.

ElkNut1

[realunlucky]

Your still limited to the amount of rope you carry and how close you can drive it to.

[Vegas Runner]

It looks like 400yards of that 3/16" amsteel blue only weighs about 12 pounds and fits in a small bag. Pretty amazing stuff.