How Out-of-State Hunters Get Their Game Meat Home Without Breaking the Bank
Out-of-state hunters visiting Wyoming for big game hunts face a tricky dilemma—how to transport all that precious meat back home. The solutions are diverse, yet rarely cheap.
Eric Widmaier, an avid hunter from Maryland, opts for a straightforward approach. He packs the prime cuts, such as backstraps and tenderloins, in a soft-sided cooler that he carries onto the airplane.
The rest of the meat is shipped back, which can cost up to $800, especially for larger game like elk.
Air travel poses challenges, but hunters have developed workarounds. Some pack their meat in large coolers to check in as luggage, while others prefer to have their game butchered and frozen locally, before shipping it home in Styrofoam containers packed with dry ice.
This method, though convenient, comes with a hefty price tag—shipping an elk can run between $600 to $800.
For those seeking more affordable options, some hunters get creative. A friend driving back home might transport the coolers, or, for the truly inventive, a chest freezer and generator in the back of a truck can keep the meat fresh during the long journey home.
Whether flying home with a carry-on full of tenderloins or shipping entire carcasses, Wyoming’s hunters have plenty of ways to savor their game long after the hunt ends.
Looking to bring your game meat home without the high cost? Check out our homepage for practical tips on preserving and shipping meat.
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