Haven’t read through all the replies so I’m repeating a lot no doubt but..
Even if you have a tree it isn’t realistic to think you’re going to butcher an elk and hang it by yourself. Doing that solo sounds cool, but it ain’t happening..
Get the quarters cut off, skinned and off the ground, it doesn’t have to be hanging just make sure air can get all the way around it. The spoilage will come from the hips and neck area first,so get the quarters cut off and the hide and windpipe off the neck at minimum. Make sure you get to it first thing in the morning or the birds and bugs will be all over it. Pepper does help keep flies off, I think they even make some special concoction of pepper slurry you can carry in your pack.
As for coyotes or other predators getting to it that’s the chance we take sometimes, do the best you can it usually isn’t an issue.
