Holy crap, I met Pat Esch in August 2017 while archery antelope hunting a huge piece of property east of Pueblo he had enrolled in the big game access program. Man had all kinds of deals going, I guess.
Absolute max boned meat weight will be about 130lbs, but likely much less. I'd guess average is under 100lbs, if you get EVERYTHING. Hide and head will be another 40-60, depending on hooves and how clean you skin it.
I really appreciate your taking the time to write us a story to go along with the pictures! It gives a sense of what's going on in your head while you're on the journey that allows us to join you vicariously. It's my favorite kind of reading, and I'm looking forward to the rest!
8 year old buck from NM was probably the best tasting of any that I've had. With pronghorn, immediate and appropriate meat care takes precedence over everything else.
I'll let you know how the work. Cost $55 as is. Gotta add pack clips and pvc to the tow straps. Weight will be similar, 3-3.5lbs, but they pull from the waistbelt on a pack, and 60lbs payload is very doable.
I'm mostly in agreement with you. I did 76 miles of it in 2022. If you pick your routes to avoid the muck, ponds, and water crossings, it isn't much worse than any other soft surface. 10 miles round trip with 150lbs of animal and more gear is just a lot of effort, regardless of the terrain.
Fortymile Caribou Season in Zones 1 and 4 to Close August 16
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/applications/publicnotification/2024/releases/R3-AA-24-3220.pdf