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Looking for ways to get some moose meat back from Alberta if successful, planning on flying.United says we can check as luggage but No liquid from ice at time of checking or it will be refused.
I’d think if it was frozen and filled to brim in the freezer when you left for home, it should still be mostly frozen by the time you get back home.
we are flying,It is proving to be a hassle but 34 hour drive each way is 4 days added on at least
Just be sure the frozen meat is sealed. You don't need any ice as long as the meat is frozen.
Does the outfitter have freezer space for animals that big? Flying meat frozen solid is extremely easy. Flying meat that has just been hung to cool can become tricky and a gamble.
I'm planning on driving in 2026 myself but I googled this info. I have not checked with these companies but it's a starting point. Good luck! Here are some shipping companies that can transport meat from Alberta, Canada to Indiana: ET Transport Specializes in frozen goods and offers climate-controlled trailers for transporting meat and other perishable foods R+L Global Logistics Offers shipping services for beef and other items from Canada, including to Indiana ShipCanada Offers daily service to and from most North American cities, including Indiana Bouvry Exports Offers premium, tamper-proof packaging and shipping timelines for meat and other products
Randy, I drove solo from Wichita, Ks to Ft. St. John B.C., right at 2200 miles in 2008. I took 3 days up, and 3 days back. I took a 11 or 12cu.ft chest freezer in the back of my truck. Was able to bring back 350# of frozen boned out moose meat home. Maybe the best tasting meat I have ever had bar none. By driving I did not have to worry about the airlines losing or damaging any of my baggage or equipment. I wouldn’t do it any other way, other than maybe having another hunter along with me. Made a similar trip to Northern Saskatchewan 2 years ago on a bear hunt. Had a friend along with me that time. Had some company and split the cost.
Bent, If it was me a couple other guys I probably would but my daughter is the hunter so it will be me and her.Moose meat is probably only 2nd to Oryx for sure.We also don't have 6 extra days for driving.I know you have to fill out a donation form or something for someone else to transport meat.
In theory you can pay for extra checked bags/coolers to fly the frozen meat home. But it can be expensive and the coolers can easily get delayed and thaw out, maybe just ruining the paper wrapping, maybe spoiling the meat.
In the smaller cities like Grande Prairie, Alberta they usually have smaller planes and they are weight conscious. Your heavy coolers may be put aside until they have the weight allowance. Westjet sometimes flys small planes out of Grande Prairie and we’ve had them not allow extra bags even if you are willing to pay. We tell our hunters to not try to fly more than one 50 lb/48 qt cooler of meat home.
You’ll have less risk if you can drive to Edmonton International airport and do a direct flight to the states on a US based airline, not Air Canada or Westjet. You are way less likely for lost coolers, and they sometimes have weight limits up to 100 lbs a cooler. Of course you’ll have to buy the coolers, and get them loaded up from the butcher, weigh them before, maybe find a hotel before hand that will store them one night before the flight. Nisku Inn is the most hunter friendly hotel near the airport. A good outfitter will have all of these logistics figured out for you. Good luck on your hunt!
