We hunt National Forest Land also. We usually see more elk than hunters so we like it, there is a lot of land where we go. From experience we usually plan for 4 coolers per elk to be safe. I have deep freeze that I freeze 5 gallon bucket sized blocks of ice. Fill it, freeze, take the bucket out for about an hour till the sides melt and I can get the huge chunk of ice out. Then repeat until my freezer is full. I pack that in every cooler I take to use to keep meat cold. Take a hammer to break it up when needed. Any other questions you have please post and I would be happy to help. What state are you from, are you a Colorado resident?