What would you do?

[300rum]

In that Brackish water, things are going to get nasty.  I would strip the backstraps as is, knock off it's head, then get the guts out and cut it in half just back of the ribs..  Once cut in half, you might have a fighting chance to get it on dry ground with the hide on.  Pretty good chance your Elk burger is going to taste like Puddle Duck though.   

[HikerHunter]

Since this is in the backcountry section, I'm assuming most won't be carrying a dog auger, but a tent stake or two per leg with some cordage might help you get it above the water line for butchering.

[Crunchy]

Well you are going to get wet either way.  I would go gutless but leave the hide on, and hack the upside front shoulder and hind quarter.  Flip it over and do the same.  Then it would be light enough to pull out.

[stigalla]

Since this is in the backcountry section, I'm assuming most won't be carrying a dog auger, but a tent stake or two per leg with some cordage might help you get it above the water line for butchering.

see thats the thing... if youre in the back country thats exactly what you should have on you..an 8oz piece of steel that literally has a hundred uses in the field and in this case would save the meat youve tried so hard to obtain 

[ctwiggs1]

Well you are going to get wet either way.  I would go gutless but leave the hide on, and hack the upside front shoulder and hind quarter.  Flip it over and do the same.  Then it would be light enough to pull out.

I don’t mind getting wet.  I was a waterfowler and steelheader before I was a big game hunter.  I just don’t want that tasty elk meat getting nasty

[jackelope]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

[KNOPHISH]

Is there any dry dirt behind him? looks like not but a little higher/drier ground. I'm gonna tie head off then roll the back end over. Tie back legs off and try to roll head and front over. Keep secure so it doesn't roll back in and to just get it up and not be standing knee deep in muddy hole. Next option is cutting pieces off until you can move him. Option 3 go for help. I've shot a couple in nasty spots and it all works out.

[dilleytech]

If you can get the head tied off to something it seems you could pivot it out eventually. Specially if you can get a good stick for leverage.

[Stein]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

Not with one guy.  Flipping an elk over on flat ground is a chore with one guy if you don't have something to tie off to.  Getting it up out of the water onto a higher bank would be impossible if you are talking about grabbing a leg and pulling.  It's like a 700 pound sandbag half filled with jello.

[rtspring]

Use a fulcrum, pretty simple task.  Enough to get him into butchering shape.   Little by little he gets lighter and lighter.

[ctwiggs1]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

Additional scenario condition:  I'm not as strong as @jackelope 

Thanks for the responses guys.  I'm going to have to do some more reading on 3 point tie-ups and consider carrying a carabiner or two

[jackelope]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

Additional scenario condition:  I'm not as strong as @jackelope 

Thanks for the responses guys.  I'm going to have to do some more reading on 3 point tie-ups and consider carrying a carabiner or two

Oh you probably are.

[JKEEN33]

I’ve never killed an elk so take this with a grain of salt, but is it really not possible to wrestle that thing out of there? I feel like, albeit a little at a time, I could eventually get it out of the swamp water. Call me crazy.

Additional scenario condition:  I'm not as strong as @jackelope 

Thanks for the responses guys.  I'm going to have to do some more reading on 3 point tie-ups and consider carrying a carabiner or two

Look up  “Truckers Hitch”. It’s a crude version of a block and tackle with nothing more than your rope. Throw a couple of these in on opposite sides and you will be amazed at what you can move.

[Moose Master]

All good ideas for moving a animal.  Might want to consider finding a hunting partner down the road if you're continuing to hunt the back country.

[LDennis24]

DR Powerwagon...