Advice for a Hunting Newbie

[Pancho Villa]

Process your own, nothing like learning how.
OTC tags will be for units not as easy to access by a hwy like I70, 285, etc. NW CO around Kremmling, Steamboat are OTC. Leftover tags will be out in July, however those that didn't get their draw and checked leftover tag will get first chance.

To be successful it usually takes hard work and dedication. Luck only comes into play when you have done your homework as far a scouting, and finding where they are.
Road hunters are rarely if ever successful. So get out and get away.

That sounds good to me. The idea of just pulling up and hunting near a road sounds kind of lame, to be honest.

(Not to denigrate anyone who does, just not my thing. I do love long hikes after all.)

This brings to mind another question, though. Say I've done my homework, all the things line up right and I get my elk.

Now I have a 500+lb carcass at my feet and a long hike back to the truck. How do you get the tasty bits back to civilization?

[henpecked]

You need to go with someone who has hunted already.
It will make your trip more enjoyable.

[djjames]

I agree with henpecked. Going with someone who has hunted before will make it a lot better. Not only from probably having a better chance at getting an animal but have you ever gutted something?

Are you planning on hunting alone? Packing that animal out is going to be a heck of a feat.

[Mtn.man]

That sounds good to me. The idea of just pulling up and hunting near a road sounds kind of lame, to be honest.

(Not to denigrate anyone who does, just not my thing. I do love long hikes after all.)

This brings to mind another question, though. Say I've done my homework, all the things line up right and I get my elk.

Now I have a 500+lb carcass at my feet and a long hike back to the truck. How do you get the tasty bits back to civilization?

Quarter it. Take the backstraps and tenderloins out first trip, ans if you can carry a front quarter good. Takes longer to bone the meat but if time allows then you won't be carrying extra weight.
Then pack out hinds, usually can only get 1 at a time. Finally if you want the hide and head take them last.
http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/quartering-elk.html
http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/quartering.html

we use the gut less method or indian method of cleaning the animal remove hide and then quarter. remove backstraps, count back about 5 ribs or so cut into carcass and remove tenderloins by fingers.

I have packed a few out alone so it is possible, hard work, and rewarding. But it is more fun if you can get a hunting buddy to go with.

[ShooterJM]

Quarter it. Take the backstraps and tenderloins out first trip, ans if you can carry a front quarter good. Takes longer to bone the meat but if time allows then you won't be carrying extra weight.
Then pack out hinds, usually can only get 1 at a time. Finally if you want the hide and head take them last.
http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/quartering-elk.html
http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/quartering.html

we use the gut less method or indian method of cleaning the animal remove hide and then quarter. remove backstraps, count back about 5 ribs or so cut into carcass and remove tenderloins by fingers.

I have packed a few out alone so it is possible, hard work, and rewarding. But it is more fun if you can get a hunting buddy to go with.

Are sleds worth it?

[Mtn.man]

Are sleds worth it?

Yup, we use those cheapo plastic sleds you get at the store for snow sledding. Add some holes and para cord to tie them in. There is also a meat sled that you can put quarters on and then tie the whole thing up that worked for a couple years when we got a moose and din't have one, they are cheap as well. But worked great.
I have a Bull Pac, had it for 18 years http://www.bullpacs.com/ for packing, and I carry plastic bags in my day pack for tenderloins, and backstraps. Army duffles with the shoulder straps work great as well.