This is the best post onelk huntingthat I have ever seen! Tons of good advice! Good job guys!

Drink plenty of water. The dry air sucks the moisture out of your body quicker than you can imagine. A camelback works well.

A good day pack. You will need to travel with necessary gear...not too much but enough to get you through a night if you have to. I tend to travel as light as possible, but even as a native of Colorado, I respect the fact that the mountains can kill you! Be prepared!

A good Gps and compass will save steps. One step may be the difference between life and death. Study your topo maps. Know the area's landmarks.

Boots, you had better love them and they should love you. Blisters are your worst nightmare! Lace up with good ankle support.

Temps drop 6-8 degrees for ever 1000 feet in altitute. The weather can be very unpredictable. Be prepared. Lightweight is better.Know where you are and where your friends are. Don't set out without letting people know where you're going. Radios help, especially if you decide to change plans. Make sure someone knows when your you're coming out...

I like ENIGMA camo. It seems to work everywhere out here. Asat and Predator work well also.

I rarely call. I let them do the talking and use that to my advantage. I listen, pursue, and kill them. In stealth mood, I seem to get closer. Wind (in your face)and very little movement is the key. If you have to go through major contortions to pull your bow, I guarantee you'll be busted. Calling does work for others...

I also avoid scent. It seems to get in the way of smelling the real deal.

I read somewhere that either sex NR tags will be $512 with the habitat stamp this year. Cow tags will be around $265. In my opinion, ANY elk with a bow is a trophy. There is no shame in taking a cow (at least not for me). An Anterless tag for the first trip might be the ticket. A bull might come later when you have some experience under your belt. It is additive...I know you will be back!

I agree with Roscoe, go and have fun! Getting an elk will be the icing! You'll be in God's country! Enjoy it!

One thing that I've noticed...most first timers pack way too much gear and wear way to much clothing. Remember, you are not sitting. You will be climbing and stalking throughout the day. You be burning calories like crazy. Excess clothing will be shed, that I promise! Pack plenty of snacks and food items to get you through the day/night.

Do you know what part of colorado you'll be hunting?