Be prepared to look at 700lb of very dead elk in a very difficult place miles from the road and say 'Oh crap, what have I done.'
Yep!! Ha ha ha! The "Oh crap" sets in sometime into the cutting...before that, at least for me, is Elk Fever far worse than any Buck Fever I ever experienced.
If you know how to dress from mild to very cold by adding a few layers, you should be set for the weather. Fire is a must if you get back in a ways and find a blizzard that was not exactly expected.
Killing the elk is generally third to finding them and surviving the task of getting to them, but don't be surprised if one pops out 50 feet from a road, and you get an easy bull. I've never done it, but, by God, I have seen it too many times.
Edited to add: bringing an elk up SUCKS. Better to get into a position where you are bringing one down. Have a good walking stick, even if you think you don't need one.
