[quote]ORIGINAL: Waterproof

I don't gut an elk if I can help it.

Me too...Goes for deer moose sheep and goat as well...
Any time I'm back packing in high country..
Saves precious time in the field, so you can be on your way before light fades and bears start roaming around..
If this is your first time Elk hunting, and your hunting in an area with high pop of bears,Do not be within more than an arms reach of you gun at any givin time..
This is the only time and I'll say it now, I personally keepmy gun loaded...
I hunt in highly pop bear areas, wheregunshots to a bear mean a free meal...
Quite frnkly, I'd rather have myself shot, than feeling canine teeth scraping into my skull..
And if your going with a partner, have him be the look out or vis vers
while the other packs, and be one the watch when packing...
If a second or third have to be made, use your bino and thouroghly scan the area for evidence of bears, and always approach your cache from above, never from below..