Now my question is bringing back the meat. I am flying so it may be a challenge. Any ideas on the least expensive way to get the meat back to Colorado?
As far as flying it back- Depends on what they do with it there. For Quebec caribou the first trip I had it processed and flash-frozen there, then flew it back in coolers as checked baggage. I'm not sure I got my own meat that time.
Second trip I just boned it, got it good and chilled, put some dry ice in the coolers, taped them up really good and checked them as baggage. Meat was just fine.
Be sure you check with the airlines first, as policies change. And the policies may change from when you bought the tickets and when you actually fly. You don't need to be surprised at an inopportune moment.
You then go pick up once the meat arrives. You have a certain number of weeks before they start charging you for storage.
It makes the entire process super easy. I recieved 6 boxes and it cost like $350 if I remember correctly. I took my antlers back but you can include it with your meat as many guys do this.
Here's the info in case your outfitter or butcher doesn't use it:
Central NL Shipping 709-651-4427
I like to process the meat myself, so bringing it back on the plane is interesting.
Do I simply take empty coolers with me - paying for empty luggage? Can I take one monster cooler, or do I need littler ones? Also, does anyone know how many coolers are needed assuming an average moose (not sure how many pounds that would be.)
Do I check it as luggage or cargo? I read somewhere cargo is cheaper. It's big trip for me, so I am not overly concerned with an extra $100 or so, to make sure I get the meat back without much hassle.
The outfitter did mention it could be shipped via semi truck, but would rather keep my own meat with me.
I am sure this has been discussed countless other times in various forums, but I have not found it. Thanks!
Honestly, if they'll ship it back via semi it may be much less hassle than trying to ship it as checked baggage. With the airline policies now, it could cost a bunch depending upon the airline (I have status with United so get a couple checked bags free). There's also a weight limitation for checked baggage so you'll need a number of coolers.
I'd ship it via semi, I think.
You can fly it home but you're never getting 300+ pounds of meat home on a plane without spending a ton of money.
It's not going to be $100 or so it's going to be about $225 per bag and you will have a min. of 6 bags of which 4 will be overweight and over sized if you bring all your meat back. So fees will easily be over $1k. Obviously the less meat you bring bak the cheaper it will be but Moose is one of the best eating.
Any other insights are appreciated. I've never flown to a hunt destination, nor moose hunted, nor hunted with a guide. So this trip is a new adventure for me.
Thanks again.
Remember you will be paying for checked bags both ways. So on the way there, pack all your clothes, bow, and a giant folded up duffle bag in the coolers. That will be 2 checked bags on the way there. Probably $60-$100.
On the way back, pack all your clothes and bow in the duffle bag, and fill the coolers with frozen meat. That's 4 checked bags coming back, probably $250-$350.
If the coolers are over size or over 50#, expect a couple hundred more.
I'll be honest - if you build this into your cost of the hunt it will just make it easier then stressing about the money. There are a lot of things in life we "waste" money on and you can't get stressed about every one.
Either way you atleast have some good options.
I had 238 lbs of boned out meat from my bull.I wouldn't leave ANY moose meat behind.
Soak it all in Newfoundland is awesome and the experience is wonderfull!!! Good Luck