If you've never been elk hunting in the mtn's. Your in for a whole new hunting experience. Don't bring the whitetail mentality with you. Elk hunting is totally different. Its more like hunting eastern gobblers. Attempting to call them in, and setting up in their path. Being that your rifle hunting. Be accurate out to alot longer ranges than your used to in Missouri for whitetail. Its nothing to reach 500yds. Good optics is a must. Bino's, spotting & rifle scopes. Expect to do alot of walking, and alot of climbing as well to find them. It won't be easy. Your likely in for the hardest hunting you've ever done. Trust the word of a flat lander whose been there 3x's. The better shape your in the harder you'll be able to hunt. Thats the bottom line.