ATV accessories for hauling out Black Bear???

[YankeeBill]

Hi folks,

Seems to be quite a few veteran bear hunters here with a wealth of knowledge to share, so I thought I'd hang around and ask a few questions if y'all don't mind.

I'm new to bear hunting, but been around long enough (been chasing whitetails for the past 30+ years) to know that compared to deer, they become a huge "ball of Jello" when trying to get one out of the woods. This fall will be my first at dedicated Black Bear hunting and I want to be prepared to get one out before he hits the ground.

My first problem is I hunt alone most times, but I do have an ATV w/ winch. Second problem is a bad back .

There is an old logging road (pretty rough one) I can use the ATV on that goes up a mountain side to my hunting land.
I need something I can carry in with me to transport the animal out but a cargo type buggy is not an option as I have no way of transporting it en route to the general hunting area, as my ATV takes up all the space of my ATV hauling trailer, and the hunting terrain is too rough to use the ATV hauling trailer to haul a bear out.

I've looked at Kolpin's Tilt-n-Tote and like it because it can mount on the rear of the ATV which is great because it is ALL downhill off the mountain with a bear. The problem with this is it only has a 250 lb. load capacity which of course won't work for larger bears.

I also thought about Cabalas magnum size deer sleigher, and that would probably work great if my haul out wasn't all downhill. I imagine it would keep sliding up against the rear wheels of the ATV.

The option I'm giving the most thought is the ATV Backpacker Cart (www.atvbackpackercart.com). It seems like it would fit my needs perfectly. It is a aluminum folding cart/ trailer that attaches to and is towed by the ATV. It only weighs 80 lbs. and folds up and stores behind the rear rack of the ATV when not in use, and simply unfolds to deploy when needed. Another feature I like is it lowers to ground level so I could probably just roll or slide a larger bear onto it w/ the ATV winch when hunting alone. It also has a 800 lb. load rating.

It is a little costly at around $600.00, but after having had a prior back surgery (and the bills that come along with it) I'd consider it a good investment and money well spent if it performs as advertised. However, I haven't been able to find any "real world" reviews of the product, only those associated with its advertising.

Have any of you guys ever used one of these? How do they perform in the field?

Appreciate any info or other ideas you may have.

Thanks,

YB

[wild country]

Yankeebill..............Pick up the plastic tote sleds cabelas has they will pull out both deer and bear.  I have used them for years and they work great.  I think there about 60 bucks. But well worht every penny....

[Empty Quiver]

The load capacity on your rack was likely achieved by calling lawyers first and engineers second. It probably was rated at 250# assuming someone will mount 250# to it and never ever removing that weight. Roll stability and tire ratings were all taken into consideration.

I wouldn't worry too much about the rack or ATV health unless you get some monster of a bear. BUT, your back is another subject all together. Two of us loaded my bear onto a rack and agreed it was akin to a trash bag full of water. Bears have no handles like deer do, the wrists and ankles are too big around to get a good hold on.

One of the folding game carts seemed like a good idea to me. Modify a walking model to either attach to the rack of your atv ( this would keep the geometry similar to walking )  or buy / build one yourself to hook onto the hitch. I've heard several stories about the sled refusing to stay up right with an animal in them, folks figured it was little better than just dragging them, again just stories, I have no personal experience.

[wild country]

emtpy quiver,  Your right, you have to put the bear on his back and you can't just go for broke with it back there.  I have pulled out everything from 150-400 in a tote.  You can tip the sled up on it's side and roll the bear in, you can tie it in if you want.  The carts are nice but if your by yourself they sit up to high and the too will roll.....I've done both and a bit of common sense goes a long way.  With the cart pulling it you have to clear out all logs and objects that can get hung up on the wheel......With the sled you just pull it up over any object.  To stop the sled from rolling you can buy or make a hitch that fits the outside edge of the sled and has a hitch to fit the 4-wheeler ball.  that is the best , but for me the less I have to trip over the better, so again I just ue the rope that comes on the sled....

[YankeeBill]

Thanks for the input guys.

I may just end up riggin up one of the Cabela's sleds w/ some type of hitch as wild county suggests. Having never actually hauled a bear downdill on one behind a ATV I'm not possitive it would slide into the rear wheels if pulling the sled w/ a rope, but I suspect it would. I've used these sleds several times to pull deer out by hand, and they are purdy slick.

In all honesty, if I had the opportunity to take one much over 300 lbs., I'd probably just let it walk if I was alone for fear of not getting it out before it could spoil as it can be pretty warm still here in the fall . I hunt in VA we don't have a Spring season, and baiting isn't allowed either .

Thanks for the input fellas,

YB

[Empty Quiver]

Just as likely they will check to see the gall bladder is not being sold.

[S.E.Ak]

Got some hard use on myself also. I carry a cheap plastic paint protection tarp and get it under the bear some. I then sit down and start skinning and buchering. When done just carry out small loads to transportation. Its just time and I got nothing better to do plus you might just see some crafty critters tring to sneek in and see whats for supper

[1sourdough]

 I don't see what State/area we are talking about. The average bear is much closer to 200 lbs than 500. They also like thick & nasty cover. If you get the 180 lb'er you can probably man handle it yourself. If it's the 400 lb'er you'll need some help. While it's good to have a plan the 1st element is a successful hunt. The temps can be warm in early season too, & the recovery can run into the night. You bag a fair sized bear in the swamp you really need to call in a few chits with some contacts.