Have my buddies help if they are there, or if alone, and since those elk seem to live on steep slopes, carve a foot hold downhill to get leverage. If on flat ground, stand facing your straps, cross your wrists (right under left, because I am right handed) bend down and grab the straps with your palms facing up and pull it tight to chest. Then stand up and with the momentum swing the pack onto your right shoulder. Let go with left hand, reach around back and strap on.
Lay the pack straps up on the ground. Bend down and put your hands through the straps and grab the pack, pick it up and swing it over your head and let it slide down your arms. We used to hoist 70# LURP packs this way. Stop by your local National Guard Armory on drill weekend and you'll see how it's done.
