I did a diy hunt by myself in 2003. LOVED IT. I camped on a BLM (lows were around 20 highs in mid 50's). It was still bow season in MT where I was. I heard elk every day. Saw a few cows. Saw LOTS of deer both mulies and white tails. I had never been before. Just being out in them was a great experience for me. It ain;t like tv though. They don't just pop up in any valley. Usually you are hunting one in a herd and that herd travels alot. YOu have to find where they bed and then where they eat. They usually eat at night and come back to the bedding grounds at first light. They may travel 2 miles between the two. Water when it's hot will help. That is if you can find some.

I entered the MT drawing and it was the second year before I got a tag. I started "getting in shape--- round is a shape isn't it??? When I got the notification of the win. I walked 5 miles a day with a backpack and boots etc. So by the time I got there I would be in shape... WRONG... I live in an elevation of 494' above sea level. The place I was hunting was 7K feet above sea level. I am glad I prepared but boy was I under prepared. Our Hills ain't nothing compared to them hills. I'd do it again and am planning to again next year.

Just remember... no pain no gain. Or pay me now and pay me later or don't pay me now but pay me a whole lot more later....