This got a lot more action than I expected, thanks guys.... added some details below. Appreciate your feedback, experience and 'best guesses'. This will bug me for a long time.
Uphill shot, 25 yards, ranged with "HCD" at 30. Held for 30.
Elk broadside, uphill of me - exact spot I ranged. Aimed...
Fairly basic question, based on elk anatomy and everyone's experience, can you get a clean passthrough on an elk (behind the shoulder, in the crease) but shoot under the vitals completely?
I had a heartbreak last year and wasn't able to recover a bull. Took at 30 yard uphill shot, clean...
I upgraded to a meat shelf a few years ago and really like it... some good points made above, contractor bags are convenient and you don't have to fiddle with straps. Having the weight closer to your back and leaving stuff as-is in the bag has been preferable for me.
I think you'll be happy with just about all of those, worth looking at Kifaru too (give them a call). I'm similar height/weight and have had great luck with their hunting frame.
Great article and writing, thanks for this... spelled out a lot of make or break traits that you often don't think about or find out about until you're out there.
Backpack hunt, everything except the last list comes along - pack weight somewhere in the mid-40 lbs range... first camp a few miles in, then day hiked out from there.