- John Garrick, Crescent, Oregon

When I shoot an elk, I usually keep the ivories, backstraps and tenderloins. Then, I split the rest with my friend. He reciprocates on deer hunts. Of course, half of my share always goes to my mother-in-law.

- Dan Johnson, Elko, Nevada

Tell your bowhunter friend to call me when he gets the next one down. I will pack elk on my back all season long for thirds (minus the best cuts). Forty pounds of elk steaks, plus some taco meat is all I need for helping. Comradeship, beautiful scenery and exercise in elk country more than compensate me for sometimes not getting my fair share.

- Steven Benson, Hot Springs, Montana

There is no reasonable “meat fee” if the hunting buddy isn’t reasonable. Archery weather is usually warm, so extra help getting the elk out of the woods is important. It would be wise to share the cuts of meat equally if others are willing to share the work of the hunt.

- Dennis Tandberg, Harlowtown, Montana

You could write a book on the subject of dividing up meat from a successful hunt. You should broach the subject and have it settled before the first shell is chambered or the first arrow is nocked. Having not settled this issue beforehand has ruined many otherwise successful hunts.

My partners and I settled this issue over 25 years ago. We all help bone out and pack each other’s deer and elk. But because of the difference in size of deer and elk, the shooter keeps his deer meat, but the elk gets split among the packers.

- Jack Gaudette, Port Orchard, Washington