I need to get meat bags for an upcoming backpack hunt for elk in Idaho. I got lucky last time and shot a bull a half mile from the truck just prior to dark in 30 degrees and had him quartered and in the truck by about midnight. I didn't have bags (foolish) but didn't need them (lucky).

I'm going to be prepared for the 5 mile trek in warm daylight this time. I've visited Alaska Game Bags website and they look to have a good product. Anyone have any experience/advice?

thanks,

Tim

Tim,

I'm not sure what qualities you are looking for in a meat bag, but I have had success with bags acquired cheaply from a local bed linen store. These are made from white "polyproperlyne" (sp?) in a very fine open weave mesh. In the UK they are sold as mattress and pillow protectors. There is a similar product which is waterproof which is *not* suitable for obvious reasons. I like this fine weave polyproperlyne (sp?) because while is extremely breathable, it is fine enough to keep the smallest flies out. I also find it cleans up much better than cotton. After use, I soak mine in cold water for a day and then rinse and run through the washing machine�they come out looking brand new. They also last very well; I have used mine several times each summer for the last 3 or 4 years and they are still in good condition. The large mattress protector is essentially a bag (not just a cover) designed for a double mattress and will hold a red stag with ease. The smaller pillow and single mattress bags may be better suited for bagging up elk quarters.

Regards,

Peter

I have used the Alaska Game Bags and they work good. They are very stretchy and thin, but work good just to protect the meat. They are also expensive. One of the guys at work makes his own and I think I will give that a try this year. He buys the cloth cheap at the local fabric store and sews them together and adds a drawstring. Since they are made of a heavier duty cloth he also saves them and re-washes them for the next hunt.

Peter and Efryman:

Thanks for your responses. Sounds like their are options close to home, so to speak.

What happens when my wife wakes up in the middle of the night complaining that her pillow smells like elk (I should be so lucky)?

Tim

tarbe, To get blood out of your game bags, or any other clothing I use IVORY BAR soap. With cold water soap up any bloody areas and let soak for a couple of hours in a plastic bucket, the soapier the water the better. Rinse in fresh water a couple of times then you can wash in the washer. If you are still in the field and need to use them again, just rinse until no soap remains and dry. We also sprinkle black pepper on the meat to help keep the flies off.

IMHO the best game bags are old pillow cases, white of course. Sew in a drawstring if you want.

------------------
JD

Tim,

Hey, as long as its the pillow smelling of elk not you, she has no reason to worry!

Seriously, one thing I forgot to mention was that I take the bags down to the local laundrette to preserve the harmony at home.
Apparently you have to draw the line somewhere, and after boiling out deer skulls on the kitchen stove I now know where that "somewhere" is!

regards,

Peter

I use Cotton Flour sacks. They work great, are very durable, and you get multiple uses. I find that Pillow cases rip too easy, where as I have dropped a flour sack with a deer quater in it and it rolled down the mtn, thru brush and came out just fine.

I think you can order some from Lehi Roller Mill in Utah, USA.

I've had great luck with military surplus cotton mattress covers. They are cheap, strong, breath well, big enough for an entire deer, or half of an elk, and have a closure already built into one end.

where do you get the military surplus pillow cases and mattress covers?

Made some bags for my Oct moose trip out of cotton muslin fabric from the local Ben Franklins store. Cheaper with a little sewing skill.
One buddy infoed me on some new synthetic game bags called "TAG" bags. Supposed to work better than cotton at minimizing bacteria growth???

Anyone have any experience with these?

Their site is;
www.pristineventures.com/game-bags.html

p.e.