Hi all. I do not feel new because I have been coming to this forum for years but I have never introduced myself. I am 54 and from Georgia. I am an avid outdoors man and finally I will be hunting in the West. My son and I are planning an Idaho OTC elk and deer hunt for September. We are gearing up and training now. We are going to scout the area in June and will combine that with a bear hunt. Training is a challenge. We are hiking with full packs up and down the river bluffs. This is about a 500 ft change in elevation. I can not however replicate the altitude. So far I have lost 20 lb and have another 13 to drop in 5 weeks. Anyway, thanks to everyone for all the guidance. This forum is so packed with valuable info about hunting the West that I never even had to ask a question.