Packing an Elk out by yourself isn't that hard. Most people are overwhelmed how hard it would be. If you can skin and quarter a deer you have the knowledge to do an elk. I started hunting elk 4 years ago. It took me almost 2 hours to get it ready to be packed out by myself. Each one you kill it gets easier. This year it took about 45 minutes. When packing it out just carry what you can. It took me 5 1/2 hours to pack mine out this year. I go 1/4 mile at a time drop and go get another load. My main reason is to make sure the bears don't get a free meal. Don't be afraid to hunt by youself because you can't handle the animal after the kill.