First post/First elk hunt, could use some guidance

[backyardsniper]

  I'm brand new to this forum and to elk hunting as well.  I have a hunt coming up this Oct., I'm booked on the group hunt from longrangehunting.com.  We will be hunting around alpine wyoming.  I'm from west Ky so as you can imagine this is going to be a completely different type of hunting for me so I thought I would try to get some info from the guys that know.  We will be hunting in the bridger teton with non-typical outfitters.  Horseback high country, type hunt
  Here is what I have so far.  Rifle should not be an issue, I have a custom 300wm, as well as a custom 338 lapua, both are a bit hefty at around 12lb, so I have a browning abolt stainless stalker in 300wsm if I get there and decide that either of those aren't going to work.  I live about 10 min from the local range that I shoot at.  It provides distance out to 400yd and I've got access to much longer places.  I practice year round with my rifles, regardless of this particular hunt.  I am an avid whitetail and coyote hunter.  Pack is an eberlestock gunslinger2.  I have a leupold mark4 spotting scope, but I have not yet purchased binos, the ones I currently have won't do and I would appreciate any tips on this that yall got to offer.  Rocky peak stalker boots, as well as some redwings I bought for the hunt.  The rockys are very comfortable and I have started wearing both pairs now to get them properly broken in. 
  My biggest concern is physical fitness.  I'm not even gonna lie, I'm not in shape.  I'm an ex military guy with two tours in Iraq, so I know what it takes to get back in shape, I have been out for about 5 years and I have had way too much steak and beer.  What are the most important things to focus on besides obviously just trying to lose as much weight as possible
  Altitude is one of my biggest concerns.  We live at about 300'ASL we are gonna be camping at around 7000' and hunting up to around 11000' I believe.  What if any preparations are there to help get ready for this.
  I would appreciate any input you guys got for me, this type of hunt has always been a dream of mine and I hope to do a DIY hunt in the future but I thought this would be a great learning experience.


Thanks,
Justin

 

[Oldcarp]

So far your doing good. I would do cardio and if you have any hills start hiking and then jogging up them. If not do stairs. Im 52 and I know thats not to old, but I still go after it

 

[WileyJ]

I recently moved back to Idaho from central KY and I agree, run, hike the hills around you,  the conditioning is going to play a lot towards your sucess. 

 

[MrBowhuntAZ]

As far as a new set of glasses goes... I have learned not to go cheap on optics as you get what you pay for! Anything in the higher end of vortex is great plus they have an excellent warranty and it won't hurt the bank as much as Swarovski or lieca! Although if you have the money nothing can really compare to Swarovski! Good luck and have a blast!

 

[Simplebiology]

Welcome to the elk world,
Follow the following advice and you will be fine:
Getting off the couch and taking a semi strenous hike with your fully loaded pack several times a month will do wonders.
Consider using Wilderness Athletes Altitude Advantage, I firmly believe in the product.
Driving out a day ahead of time helps with adjusting to the altitude change
Take it easy the first day of hunting and by day 2 you will be well adjusted.
I also live on the eastern seaboard and hunt between 10,500-11,500 every year. And I am not a fitness freak. Intestinal fortitude goes a long way with a positive attitude.

 

[backyardsniper]

I was learning towards the vortex. Ihave a vortex razor and a nightforce f1 and really like both of them. I suspect iwill get a set of vortex binos.  I'll have to check out the altitude product.  I plan to drive to denver for a day then to jackson then on to camp. Trying to acclimate. Thanks for the help so far guys. What is yalls opinion on rifle weight. My rig is around 12lb. I know that is a little heavy but im hoping that eberlestock helps with that

 

[buckykm1]

Being a flatlander, it is hard to do much about the altitude, except get in the best shape that you can, and if you can ?, get there a few days early to let your body adjust to the altitude, that helps a ton, for me anyway. one other thing that I do is 3 to 4 weeks before I go out west I start taking 1 Aspirin a day, that helps a bunch with some of the symptoms from the high elevations.
For Binos I like a 10x42, buy what you can afford, there is a lot of good glass out there these day, for a halfway reasonable price. imo.

Kevin

 

[cowboystl1]

the vortex are good eyes, your rig does seem a bit heavy but lets face it this isnt an m 4 job. if your solid with the gun dont change it that being said, run run run  hike hike hike get your pack broke in like your shoes trust me that will make a difference. i must have weird blood or something i have never (knock on wood ) bn altitude sick. just get used to drinking lots of water get a good nalgene bottle drink 2-3 of those a day roughly 96 ounces  till it habit being hydrated is huge remember your desert training lol clear pee any other questions your at the right place

 

[backyardsniper]

What about boots?  I hear about allthis kenetreck and these other $400 boots but what about plain old combat boots does anybody wear those. I've done a good bit of walking in those. I also hear people talking about gaitors are these a necesity do they help?

 

[buckykm1]

More than likely you will want a Gore-Tex thinsulate insulated boot 400 to 600 grams.
My Boots are from Cabela's, I can't see putting $400.00 into a pair of boots that I only wear 2 weeks a year. if I lived out west, it would be different.
I have never used gators, the only time I think they would be useful is if your in deep snow.

Kevin

 

[cowboystl1]

Gators are great for a moister barrier if you hunt in a wet envoirnment thats rainy like north (washington Oregan Idaho) or snow in other states helps keep the socks dry. and combat boots are ok but brother military is over go get a two pair of good boots one super nice pair and one good pair rotate them on the hunt im DIY and i always have two pair a light hiker and a good hunter pair both water proof and both uninsulated i find i walk to much elk hunting to need insulation in my boots. if its cold i have a couple pair of thick socks i can wear. keeping them dry and comfortable is best for the feet