The meat packing thing could be a big problem regardless. Even if you shoot a small bull or a large cow you are in for a big surprise when you go to move it.

Even at "just" 5 miles back in, figure 1 trip for your camp, and 3 trips for your elk if you debone it makes for 4 round trips, by your lonesome, self-contained, on foot.

4 round trips times (5 miles & 2 ways) = 40 miles and we haven't talked vertical gain and loss yet, altitude issues, blisters, or tweaked knees or backs, nor warm weather problems versus your meat. GPS is good. Air tight bags is BAD. At the risk of pissing you off, the "inexperience" factor is showing pretty strong. Again, way back in and alone is no place for the un-initiated.

At a minimum a drop camp would be a good idea and you can take your backpack set up with you if you want to "range around a bit" (though I guarantee you'll find elk country plenty big enough) plus arrangements could be made for a horse "pack out" for you and your game and with the added benefit that there will be someone who knows the area wjho can give you some direction plus they will at least know your plan and know where and when to start looking (or call the authorities) for you if it becomes necessary. Doing things in the backcountry inexperienced and on a shoestring (read no outfitter and cutting corners) can prove in retrospect to be penny wise and pound foolish. See if Cherokee can help you.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM