conditioning is the #1 factor. altitude will affect your gun because you'll panting like a dog that just ran 30 miles in august. other than that only normal bumps and bangs will put your rifle off. If your in good shape it would be to your advantage to find someone in the area who will pack one out for you if you get it far from the road. That way you can hunt to the limits of you condition w/o worrying about the pack out. Also be sure to know how to bone an animal out in case you cant find a horse. talk to any guides, outfitters, ranchers, anyone w/ horses and offer a couple hundred dollars to pack for you. Good luck