There are always other options...horses (though owning them can be IS even more work in a lot of ways), private land hunts (though they cost more, and don't have the appeal of public land hunts), as well as other options.
If it is even still allowed, when I am too old to pack game out of the big mountains I have no intention of throwing in the towel. I'll figure something out.
I ran into a woman on the trail that does pack trips with llamas, got her card. She said they'd be happy to pack out an elk for me, very reasonable rates. That just got me to thinking I could go in a few more miles if needed........
