I'm getting a lot of hiking in, pre-scouting and shed hunting in preparation for the season. Helps getting the cardio in. Also, annoying my wife and neighbors daily on the bugle.
Do good research on the area you're hunting, be patient and when you think you're far enough walk even farther. And with a bow practice, practice, practice. Shot placement is key to being successful!!! Also, network with other, more experienced hunters and ask someone to show you the ropes. Get involved with hunting forums and foundations such as RMEF, and find ways to get involved and give back to the hunting community.
Finally drew Wyoming general season as a party with my best friend and his Dad after four years of putting in. While I have been fortunate enough to draw 3 times since 2012, it will be their first hunt there and first time experiencing the Wyo backcountry wilderness. We have big plans to pack into the wilderness and be ready to hunt come 1 Oct. My Dad, who is a Wyo resident will be there to hunt with us and help act as a guide for my friends. While both my Dad and I have hunted the backcountry wilderness and are prepared for it, my buddies will be spending the summer getting ready for the trip by getting in shape, practicing their bugles and cow calls and putting some rounds through their 10mm for that worst case Griz encounter. Should be an amazing experience for everyone, especially my buddies who have only harvested one elk each in their lifetime. Few better places that I can think of to get such an amazing opportunity as the Wyo backcountry. Here are a few pics from the last couple of Wyo elk hunts. Wish us luck!