Youll do fine if your prepared. Elk hunting or most any hunting out west here is much different than most hunting down south. Notice I said different not harder or easier.
In 1 day of elk hunting out here you can change a couple thousand feet in elevation. Be phisicaly fit and prepared for thinner air in rough terrain.
It's also not un common to have to hurry to get to an intercept point for game you glassed that already has a mile headstart. Be prepared with your map, and know where you are, where you are going, and how to get back in the dark.
Have confidence in your firearm and your ability to pack it all over creation and make the shot with your heart pounding from physical exertion and excitement. Be prepared to get a handle on your heart rate.
And most of all, be mentaly prepared!!!!! Sometimes even the most fit people get into the vast mountainous country,and get bothered for some reason. Know your map well and have confidence in it. especialy since ''scouting'' and having 1st hand knowledge of the country youll be in will be difficult for 1st time out of state hunters. (1st time hunting in a new area). At times every ounce feels like a pound, and sometimes you have a gut check to see if you want it bad enough. Blisters and sore muscles are common not only to flatlanders. Most people even raised in the mountains come across this at some point in thier elk hunting career. Have the proper gear and dress in layers that can easily be shedded and stowed in your pack, only to be put back on 30 min later.
Be prepared for the possiblity of staying out all night and having the ability to stay warm and make a shelter in such cases as a sudden bilzzard. Dont run off half cocked in un familiar country with snow so bad you cant see 5 ft. Youll have no bearing in unfamiliar country with 0 visibility. Bring quality gear you can trust.
Be prepared and youll have a fun adventure, and hopefully successfull hunt.
Good luck
