EKM, the sorting out phase is hard. I used to get the gitters real bad when the bulls would come in. it took a few years of tag soup to figure out what not to do. I found that the 50 yard pin would not work at 20 yards. I found out not to crap where you are hunting. And if you do, keep your bow handy because you might literaly get caught with your pants down. Smoking does not fit in with elk hunting. Not only because of the smell, but also the lung capacity proplem. Copenhagen is a nice trade off for the smokes if you don't mind arguing with your dentist. And if you decide to chew , make sure you don't swallow it and take a good look at breakfast after you finally do get that first bull down.(like I did)Don't fall asleep right after a calling episode, you might wake up to a bull in front of you while you are laying down.Rangfinders for me are a must. Confidence in the shot helps. 18 straight days in elkcamp could land you in the hospital. And never go elk hunting 1 week after kidney surgery and on disability. It may keep you down even longer, especially after packing one out(Mom would have killed me). With all kidding aside. I wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world. The payout is tremendous. To look back at the obstacles that you have overcome, be it with bow or rifle, and to acheive what you did. Be it cow, calf, raghorn, or bruiser is just mind boggling. I was born the day before elk season. I don't think that I was ready to miss my first chance at opening day...Great job to all that went and enjoyed chasing one of the (IMO) best animals there is to chase. This is one hunt that you will get out of it what you put into it.