I tried to do an elk hide several decades ago with no success. Besides being big, they're also thick along the back and especially the neck. Since I was unable to shave down the thickness of the skin, like commercial tanneries do, the tanning solution couldn't penetrate all the way through. I ended up with what amounted to a hairy sheet of plywood. I personally would rather pay someone to do it right. Freezer burn will ruin a hide but if it was wrapped in plastic, it should be good to go. Good luck.