Greg,

You know I've been there done that. With that said, Every person's opinion on this subject has been spot on! Hunting elk is easy. Killing them is another matter. You need to be in the best mental and physical condition of your life! Mentally-the moment you stop thinking positively, your hunt is over! Push yourself to look over that next hill-down in that next valley. Kill them where they stand! Even if it means being four or five miles from the truck (call me, I'll help you get it out).

Get here a few day early, The altitude will kick your arse! I live here and itdestroys me (Commercial pilots fly with oxygen above 10,000' with a loss of cabin pressure). It's that serious! Go easy at first and build up. Your body will let you know if you're pushing too hard. But, be ready!

I've seen too many guys show up with crappy boots. They cannot walk beyond the first day due to blisters. Have your boots ready to go and well broken in. I like an agressive sole.

Your shotscould range from mere feet out to 60 yards (at least mine do on elk). They can be very steep uphill or down hill. Know what your bow is capable of doing under these conditions. Hunt uphill in the morning and down hill in the evening-expect constant swirling winds midday.

It's magic...welcome to the game! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

I received a nice little bonus for the upcoming elk season. I drew my second Mt. Goat tag in sixteen years. You can bet I'll be hunting above timberline.