I carry a daypack type of pack. It's a combo fannypack daypack. The daypack will fold into the top of the fannypack when not needed. I do not carry a frame with me in the woods, it's too bulky & burdensome for most elk hunting ventures.

In my pack I'm equipped to spend the night if needed. I carry a petzel headlamp for going in, in the dark or coming out. It's also handy if you get your elk down late and need a handsfree light to take care of your animal. I also carry an extra light, a minimag. I carry 4-elk-bags, such as allen or alaskan bags. You can easily carry all 4 and they take up little room, plus they're tough enough for the job. Batteries are compatible with all units.

I carry a folding saw, several methods of getting a fire started no matter what!! A GPS. Two knives and a carbide knife sharpner. I have a leatherman, red flagging tape, a compass, camera, roll of athletic tape-(it's for all first-aid) 50' 1/4" nylon rope. A small type straw water purifier, big clear plastic garbage bag that can be used for a poncho if raining to keeping met off the ground. Plenty of food & water for the whole day. 3 HIGH-ENERGY BARS, taste like crap, but really work!! I leave them in all hunting season if not used. All this weighs about 12 pounds including pack. I do not carry a hoist & have never needed one yet. -- I keep all calls in my pockets or around my neck.

Once I get an elk down the first thing I do is take a couple of pictures. Then the head comes off. (if you're going to mount it then you need to cape it out) I quickly ring the neck with a knife and then saw it off once done. With that done you can usually begin to manuvere the animal much easier if needed. (if it's a bull) I then remove both hind legs with a saw at the joint. I then skin one half of the animal back. I never gut an animal!!

Remove hindquarter first and put into waiting elk bag. Bone out front shoulder & put into 2nd bag, also put in backstrap & tenderloin from that side. In 3rb bag I put in all the ribs rolled up like a carpet along with any misc. neck meat. I turn animal over onto the skinned out part of the elk & repeat the process. I put the other boned out shoulder, backstrap & tenderloin into 2nd bag also. Once done I have an entire elk in 4 very manageable elk bags. I do my best to keep all meat very clean.

I make sure before I leave for help & pack-frames to put meat in the shadiest spot I can & off the ground, if only a few inches. I carry the head & rack out on my shoulders along with my bow. I never carry meat with me, I wait for the Kelty packframes, they work out great!! The whole process takes less than 2hrs if you're alone.

Good Luck//ElkNut1