[KP Texan]

I'm trying to help plan an OTC Elk hunt in Colorado with 3 other guys and was wondering if this is even doable. This would be a non-guided remote type hunting trip where we would park and then hike to set up camp, etc. FWIW, my 4Runner would just be for 2 of us and there will be another vehicle.

Have any of you done this with your 4Runner? Is it even possible without a truck or trailer? I've heard a full elk could take two 120 quart coolers (or even more) to transport, which seems like it would make things difficult. Not to mention if we need to transport antlers, etc. which would make things interesting.

I'd love to hear any of your experiences!

[N2TRKYS]

I've been thinking about the same thing with my 4Runner. Seems like it would be tough without a good roof rack.

[[email protected]]

Its doable.. having a rack or even a trailer hitch rack would help immensely. I had a hitch-mounted Gambrel hoist made. Makes field dressing so easy. If you have coolers without wheels its doable. A lot will come down to how you process your game. Are you expecting record setting bull(s)?

[ECUDrummer]

Just prop him up in the front seat. Seat belt preferred, since it's the law.

[DallasStarsFan]

It can be done but is going to require planning on all hunters parts. How much room your required gear takes and how you pack it. If your taking 2 vehicles this should not be a problem unless all 3 take an animal but with OTC.....better luck than I have. I would suggest a trailer hitch basket and a roof top cargo bag. The bag can be stowed inside and take up little room but offer storage incase you need it for the trip back. Some dry runs before hand will tell you a lot about your packing

[delloro]

Originally Posted by ECUDrummer

Just prop him up in the front seat. Seat belt preferred, since it's the law.

But then the air bag would ruin the meat....

[delloro]

Originally Posted by N2TRKYS

I've been thinking about the same thing with my 4Runner. Seems like it would be tough without a good roof rack.

That's exactly what i was thinking. The roof rack would be key.

[trapshot68]

Originally Posted by delloro

But then the air bag would ruin the meat....

No, I think you can use the Takata airbag as like a humane claymore. And bag your kill that way.....

[KP Texan]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

Its doable.. having a rack or even a trailer hitch rack would help immensely. I had a hitch-mounted Gambrel hoist made. Makes field dressing so easy. If you have coolers without wheels its doable. A lot will come down to how you process your game. Are you expecting record setting bull(s)?

I've got a hitch rack, but nothing other than standard roof rack. I'm not really expecting record setting bulls, but I suppose we need to plan for it just in case.

I always go into hunting with the mindset that it's more about being in the wilderness and the lifelong memories and experiences being gained than it is about bringing home meat and trophy. I've been on several hunts where I got nothing, but it's always made for great memories. I think a hunt like this would be a lot of work, so I'm hoping that won't take the fun and sense of accomplishment out of the adventure.

[Colorado S14]

I shot a 400lb cow elk this year and brought it all back in the 4Runner.

We had two 120qt. coolers in the back and those took up 50% of the 3 dimensional space of the hatch area. They were pressed to the sides and that left enough room between for my rifle case and a couple other items. They came up to maybe 4-5" below the rear window opening so you had all the room above them. You then also had all the room on top of the folded second row seats. We typically add a rear hitch platform/basket for stuff like wood and other camp items and have nothing on the roof. This setup has proved to be enough for 5 days of camping.

Go lean and mean and you will be fine. Western hunting is pretty much hiking with guns and if you think of it that way you will have plenty of space, lol.

[N2TRKYS]

Not trying to hijack, but what receiver hitch rack do y'all like the best?

[flyrv9]

Got a deer with a 63 Ford one time. Almost no damage at all!

[Yelkceb]

I've been able to fit a bull elk in the back of a 2dr wrangler after I broke it down. You should be completely fine in a 4runner.

[MrJux]

Originally Posted by ECUDrummer

Just prop him up in the front seat. Seat belt preferred, since it's the law.

Qualify for the HOV lanes on the ride home too.

[Colorado S14]

Originally Posted by N2TRKYS

Not trying to hijack, but what receiver hitch rack do y'all like the best?

I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Highland-1...

Cheap and certainly not the best, but it has worked out pretty well and if it ever got stolen/crashed/beat up I don't really care.