I’ve had a pair from Cabelas for about 15 years. No problems with them except a run in with a barbed wire fence. I use them all the time in the west elk hunting or whitetail in the northeast
I like military surplus knee pads. You can get them at surplus stores or gun shows. They are comfortable and the Velcro straps holds them on without a problem. My old butt even uses them for playing paintball and they stay in place without a problem
If I can get antelope in 73 anyone can😂. Look at a lot of antelope before you even load your rifle. Lots of public to hunt with easy access. If you get ANY moisture at all the roads will become a nightmare so plan for it.
A lot of good advice here. I would also suggest shooting the first legal elk you can. Also don’t tiptoe around like whitetail hunting. Cover ground and find them. And remember to have fun
I would get a cow tag and hunt during bull season before burning points. If I’m hunting in October I’m not worried about where the elk are in September. You may find that early snow blocks access into the area also