Game Bags By Species: Which Caribou Gear Game Bags to Use
Among the most frequently asked questions we receive, are questions about which game bags to use for specific big game species. Here is a simple guide to our Caribou Gear game bags by species:
Moose
The go-to game bag set for moose hunting is our Large Magnum Pack. This pack is designed to hold even a mature Alaska-Yukon bull moose. The set contains four 28”x60” quarter bags, one 12”x21” camp meat bag, one 28”x48” cape bag, one 28”x60” rib bag, and one 30”x23” meat parts bag.
Knowing that moose hunters in many parts of Alaska are required to take the ribs, that’s why the Large Magnum Pack includes an extra game bag for the ribs.
Looking for single quarter bags? You can purchase additional 28”x60” moose-sized quarter bags here.
Bison
For big game animals like bison, we recommend the Large Magnum Pack. It works great for moose and it’s also a great solution for bison. With four quarter bags, a rib bag, a cape bag, a meat parts bag for backstraps and other loose meat, plus a camp meat bag for that night’s campfire dinner, the Large Magnum Pack has what you need for taking bison meat from the field and home safely.
Caribou
Caribou hunters have a few different options, depending on the specific requirements of the hunt.
Our top choice for caribou is of course the Caribou Pack. This pack contains four 20”x38” quarter bags, plus an extra 20”x38” bag for ribs. Again, since many places in Alaska require hunters to take the ribs, this is an important addition. The Caribou Pack also contains one 16”x21” meat parts bag for the loins and other loose meat.
Alternatively, caribou hunters might consider the Medium Magnum Pack. This pack contains four 28”x48” quarter bags, one 23”x30” meat parts bag and one 23”x30” cape bag. You’ll notice that the quarter bags in the Magnum Pack are cut slightly larger, which allows additional airflow. The tradeoff is that the Magnum Pack is slightly heavier.
And as a final option, Caribou hunters could also use our Carnivore Pack, which is designed to hold boned-out meat. In situations where staying ultralight is important and where it’s legal to transport boned-out caribou, this would be a good solution.
Elk
Elk hunters also have a few different options, depending on the specific hunting situation.
Our most robust option is the Medium Magnum Pack, which contains four 28”x48” quarter bags, one 23”x30” meat parts bag, one 23”x30” cape bag and one 12”x21” camp meat bag. Again, the game bags in the Magnum Packs are cut larger for increased airflow. And the addition of a cape bag and a camp meat bag provides ultimate versatility.
As a lighter weight option, backcountry elk hunters might want to consider the Wapiti Pack. The Wapiti contains four 23”x40” quarter bags, and one 16”x30” meat parts bag for loins and other loose meat. The four quarter bags are still large enough to hold a mature bull elk with bone-in quarters. But they’ve been slimmed down from the Magnum Pack to save weight. And by skipping the cape bag and camp meat bag, it provides just the essentials. This makes it a great lightweight set for elk hunters who venture a long ways from their vehicle.
Finally, the lightest weight option for elk hunters is our Carnivore Pack, which is designed to hold a boned-out bull elk. The Carnivore game bags are designed with a long, tubular shape that makes it easier to pack boned out meat. The set contains five 16"x30" game bags. This is the go-to set for those ultralight, deep backcountry missions.
Looking for a full carcass bag? If you’re lucky enough to get a whole elk carcass out of the field, check out our Large Full Carcass Bag. At 46”x110” this bag will allow you to hang a full bull elk carcass.
Mule Deer
Trophy mule deer hunters should consider our Small Magnum Pack, which is sized to hold a mature mule deer buck with bone-in quarters. This pack contains four 20”x34” quarter bags, one 16”x21” meat parts bag, one 21”x24” cape bag and one 12”x21” camp meat bag. Like our other Magnum Packs, the Small Magnum Pack offers lots of space for airflow around the meat and lots of versatility with an extra bag for the cape and a camp meat bag for that night’s meal around the campfire.
If hunters are looking for a more lightweight and streamlined option for mule deer, then we would recommend the Muley Pack. The Muley can also hold a mature mule deer buck with bone-in quarters. It contains four 18”x34” quarter bags, and one 16”x21” meat parts bag for loose meat like backstraps.
Hunters who intend to bone-out their mule deer and travel ultralight should consider the Carnivore Pack. While the carnivore is designed to hold an entire boned-out elk, it will also work for a large mule deer. Containing five 16”x30” bags, the long, narrow shape of these bags is ideal for carrying boned out meat.
Need a full carcass bag for mule deer? Check out our Medium Full Carcass Bag. This 40”x86” bag allows you to hang a full mule deer carcass.
Black Bear
When it comes to black bear meat, we offer the same recommendation as a mule deer. These similarly sized animals will also fit nicely in the Small Magnum Pack.
While a black bear would also fit in the Muley Pack, we would still recommend the Small Magnum Pack in most situations for bear hunting. That’s because the Magnum Pack includes a cape bag. Assuming bear hunters will be packing the hide off the mountain, this is an important addition.
Sheep and Mountain Goat
Sheep hunters and mountain goat hunters should also consider carrying the Small Magnum Pack. These bags will hold a mature bighorn sheep ram with bone-in quarters or a mature billy mountain goat.
As a lighter-weight alternative, sheep and goat hunters could use a Muley Pack. However, the addition of a cape bag in the Magnum Pack is an important difference – especially on a hunt where you’ll almost certainly be packing out the hide and horns.
Whitetail Deer
Our most popular game bag for whitetail deer is the Small Full Carcass Bag. At 32”x72” this is the perfect bag for hanging and aging a whole whitetail carcass. Since most whitetail hunting situations allow taking a whole carcass from the field, this is a great solution.
Of course there are situations where whitetail hunters require a backcountry-friendly solution. On these hunts, we would recommend the Small Magnum Pack or the Muley Pack.
Pronghorn
Like whitetail deer, many antelope hunters are able to bring a whole carcass out of the field. With that in mind, the Small Full Carcass Bag is a perfect fit.
If you plan to quarter your antelope in the field, we recommend the Small Magnum Pack. With four quarter bags, one meat parts bag, one cape bag and a camp meat bag, it has everything you need to move your trophy – both the meat and the hide.
If you don’t plan to take your pronghorn cape or if you need a lighter-weight solution, then the Muley Pack will be a great option. This pack contains four quarter bags and one meat parts bag.
Contact Us with Questions
If you have questions or need help picking out the right game bags for your next hunt, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to help you feel prepared for the next big adventure!
