One option maybe worth a look into is on your first hunt, get a reputable outfitter and do a drop camp. Your gear and chow are packed into an area and the outfitter will pack out an animal per hunter for a decided fee. It takes some of the stress and logistics out of your first hunt and puts you into good elk country, saves wear and tear on the body and you can backpack out of an established camp every day! Just another option to think of!