I think what Muley Hunter was saying is that elk tend to be in steep country, sometime deep dark canyons. This terrain is nasty enough in day light, but can be down right dangerous at night. Throw a little snow or rain on it and it can be slippery.
I pack out our elk with frame packs. We do the Gutless method which works well. Climbing out of a snow covered canyon in the dark with a 70lb hind quarter can be difficult at best.
Just be careful and be smart. Take your time, the elk isn't going anywhere ;^)
Last edited by Rob in VT; 04-10-2011 at 12:22 PM.