Lets get real, quartering an elk is the real deal most of the time. I take no bones home, except the shoulder blades. This allows you to pack out an animal with the least amont of weight. I have 2 systems. #1 the backpack, one quarter at a time. I can go through anything this way. I have had to pack elk out farther than you want to think about. #2 plastic sled, I prefer this way. Two quarters at a time, 2 trips instead of 4, no weight on my back. I have been able to get elk out of more places than you would believe this way. The sled goes over rock, trees just fine. You need to tie the quarters into the sled or they fall off. I get the sleds a Kmart end of season sale for about $9.00/ good for 1/2 elk depending upon how far and how bad the drag out. Important thing, when you quarter an elk make sure you put the quarters in game bags. Where I hunt there are no roads so these are my options.
Gselkhunter