[M.T. Pockets]

The years I draw an elk tag people in my hometown think I'm training for the Olympics. I think it helps to get in physical shape but after hunting elk many times in some very demanding areas I think getting in the right mental shape may be even more important. Don't get down if you don't get one, or even see one for the first couple days. Expect to work hard and enjoy the hunt. One year I shot one of the first elk of the Wyoming elk season, 3 minutes after legal shooting time. The next hunt I got one on the last day of a week long trip. I enjoyed the second hunt much more even if the thrill was the same.

It's like in the movie Cool Hand Luke "You got your mind right Luke?" Get yourself in the right mindset and the odds are in you favor.

Probably more important is getting comfortable and confident with your rifle, from field positions. Knowing you can hit an apple at 200 yards does wonders for your confidence when you have an elk standing at that distance. Shoot a few bricks of .22 ammo and a couple hundred rounds through your big gun and you'll be confident.

Wish I was going with.....