all depends on the state/regulations. Also how far from the road that elk drops.....

I think the best thing to be prepared to do is to pack it out on your back, that means having a nice pack frame/backpack.

Rather than gutting the animal, I've seen a guy kinda lay the animal on its side and cut from the top of the back down.....cutting off al lthe meat etc...from the bone......seemed like the least amount of work, I have it on video, i'm sur eyou can find it online how to cut up an elk that way.

Some states though allow you to drive to your animal, though good luck with a truck, an atv is more likely, some states require an off road sticker/license for your vehicle if you are going to be doing that. Though more and more states are banning atv's, some still allow for the retreaval of game I believe, you should be prepared to cut up your elk and put it on your back and hike it out. Also some states you can be fined/charged with crimes if you do not retrieve meat, I believe thats teh case in CO. Im sure other states probably have similar laws as well. I think they require you to remove at least the hind quarters.....

Some guys really worry about where they shoot an animal, for that hike back...etc....maybe one day that will be me, but not having harvested many animals yet, I see a shooter, he's going down, and I'll worry about the rest later.

So I def recommend a pack frame/backpack, the proper tools, ie knives/saws, and knowing how to dress an animal.....