Try planing the trip a little later then the 2 nd week. The Elk usually rut around mid to late September. It helps when they are bugling. I went this year from 9/14 to 9/19. We had elk bugling the whole time but would not come in. The first 1 I got to come in was on the 18th. Just to give you a timeline. Practice with your bow andbe profiecent out to atleat 50 yards.My only shot was at 57 yards and I missed (Broadhead failure).GET INTO SHAPE. lots of hiking.