deertale, its funny that you mention the mental aspect of the hunt. My hunts usually get more of a mental game after the fact. When you have 2 bulls down and are 5 miles from any road, you are not only physically wooped but also mentally wooped. Usually when I get into the elk I have already packed in camp to 3.5 miles and hike another mile and a half to get to my spot. Without confidence there is no way in heck I would put myself into that situation and go that far back in. I killed a bull one year and was all by my lonesome way back in the canyon. It was my confidence that made me go that far back in and also confidence that got me back out in one piece. As far as my hunting. Yes, lady luck does come into play, don't get me wrong. But I beleive that confidence seals the deal. Year after year my tags get filled early on in the season. Homework pays off and patience bred by confidence keeps me where I need to be. I am already tagged out this year. Bull elk, Antelope buck, Mulie buck, and a hen turkey. And I am confident that I can do it again.--If i'm Lucky---