This is exactly whiy I'm asking. I have been looking at maps and trying to locate areas that I might want to try, the only problem is that I live in Wi and have no expectation as to how quickly a person on foot can cover terrain. I am very concerned about gettin the meat home in good shape, I'm not a trophy hunter and why go through the effort to let meat spoil. I just figured that most guys must have an average distance/time that works for them for finding elk and still being able to get the meat out quickly. Everyone is quick to "remind" a rookie to think about meat care and I'm just trying to figure out what the no BS range is for getting in and out in colorado during elk season. I appreciate all the info already posted.