ORIGINAL: Howler

It's been my understanding that salt on a hide is your last option and only when temps. are a very real concern. It just won't be hot enough during elk season to really worry about the hide as long as you roll it up and keep it cool, clean, and dry! You don't want it to dry out, get hot, or have insects laying eggs in it/on it where you end up with maggots!
Putting the meat in a stream in plastic bags is a good idea, but it's best not to put the meat in plastic bags until after it has chilled. Get it chilled first and then in the plastic is alright.
As far as training for me, I live at about 6500', so that helps as far as the altitude adjustment. I push a mower(20" cut not self propelled)around about 2.5 acres in the summer, lite weight lifting, and stationary bike. The mowergot replaced this winter, so I'll have to find something else to do to replace that work out next summer, Thank God!