All good points here and all will work, each situation will dictate what you do to get your elk out. You are doing well by getting a game plan ahead of time. The ones that don't can face disaster.

For me, I wouldn't know what to do if I didn't bone the meat. I also use the controversial creek method at times if need be. With 5 miles to cover on foot, one needs to find the easiest most effective ways to put meat in the freezer. Not to mention the 2 hour ride to the nearest ice.

Things would be different if I had mules or was able to make a quick quarter jobs and get out, but time is usually not on my side and my feet are all I have.

I haven't seen an answer yet on here that I didn't agree with. Kudos to you and good luck on your hunt, I spotted my bull last week ;0)