I'm with you PJ .You do what ever you have to to keep hunting. I am still motivating but a few years ago I sold my big mules and got two smaller ones.I ride to my hunt area, get to a favorite stand a few 100yards away and wait for the elk.Seems to be working.When I get one down, I cut it into smaller pieces than I did when I was younger so I can load it.
Your method isn't too far down the road for me.