That hitch rack may end up along a FS road if you're not careful. A small trailer would be better choice. More room for your gear and any elk racks, they are hard to fit in a topper, big ones may be too heavy to ride on top of it.
If yall have access to a small fourhweeler trailer or lawnmower trailer that would make a huge difference. Throw all the coolers on there. Throw a spare tire and an extra spindle and roll out.
My group is planning the same OTC archery trip, everyone is getting a tag. That right place right time harvest will be well worth the $$$ v.s. The group coming home with tag soup and catching grief from the wives.
We have the understanding that anything harvested will be shared equally amongst the group.
Buy 2 tags then buy more if you fill them. With two elk down and packed out you will all be tired and close to the end if your hunt. Save you money for the following year and do it again.
If you don’t all buy tags, are there guys that are happy with just going “ camping” or being pack animals ? Because without a tag( lic.) they can’t legally hunt elk, no party hunting.
4 guys, two tag holders, 8 days in the wilderness, two travel days (~1650 miles one way) on each side...it is cramped but comfortable lol. You definitely don't bring anything that isn't necessary. Had we killed two we would have needed to rent a u-haul trailer in town and buy more coolers. Would've looked interesting going into town with all our sh*t piled sky high on top of elk racks lol