I would do anything needed to have horses available. Many guides will do a simple pack out for you for 2-300 buck, WELL worth it. If its warm weather you only have HOURS before an elk will start to rot. Whitetail hunting will help you out when it comes to getting an elk, but it means NOTHING when it comes to field dressing/careing for the downed animal. No offense, but if you dont know that a pack frame is needed to pack out an elk you should REALLY, I mean REALLY reconsider doing this yourself. Either get a semi-guided hunt or hook up w/ someone who has done it and has first hand knowledge and go with them a few times until you see how its done. If you get an outfitter, MAKE them show you how its done while they are doing it, many people expect the guide to do all the work because thats what he gets paid for , and they are right. most guides will expect you to sit on your a$$ while they do all the work, dont pass on the chance to learn. The other side of that is that your paying him so... if you so choose, its also his job to teach you how its done and let you help. Like I said before , dont be offended, but you really should not try this at the present time, and no amount of reading on the subject will help. Until you get out there with someone who knows how to handle a downed elk and you see FIRSTHAND a time or two you shouldnt try this, now after you have an elk or two under your belt have fun on your own terms.