ORIGINAL: Buckshot
Ive hunted in 17 with just my dad and 2years ago, and both of got elk, so Im framilier with whats needed to do with packing one out and just how vast and tough the terrian is. And I rented a sat. phone already.
I can offer you a place to stay as I will be there also. If you're hunting the Elk City side of 17 it's kind of a long ways for you to drive though.Also,snow could prevent easy travel over the top to Elk City at any time.
You'd be better off staying in Elk City. If you need help locating phone numbers or anything just let me know. I have friends there but they live on a government compound and aren't able to have people stay.