We really are in agreement Muley. The most important thing IMO for a successful elk hunt is to be in shape! And you are right, it helps you adjust faster to the feeling you can't get enough air and that lack of energy feeling. As well as allowing you to go farther afield, and packing the elk out!

However, what I am referring to is actual altitude sickness. That is different from the above issues. I have had trouble with altitude regardless of how good in shape I am. From what I have read, you can be in world class shape and still get altitude sickness. Luckily mine is mild (headaches, pounding heart, insomnia, etc). But I got the same symptoms when I was mid 20s and running 3 miles a day when I lived at sea level. I just felt awful for the first 3-4 days after getting to the high country. Diamox is what I used back then, but discovered that the herbal ones worked just as well. My daughter also has problems but can get by with taking 3 antacids 3 times daily and nothing else.