Hey, I’m giving you pearls here.

[WSU]

I find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.

“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”

This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short

Don't hunt somewhere for 4-5 that has no fresh sign.  LOL

Solid point

Doesn't apply everywhere though. Sometimes you're hunting elk that are on a 2-10 day cycle and if you're on fresh sign...you're where they were yesterday.

It was a joke more than anything.

[gaddy]

Always hunt in the same place every year if you have seen them there before.  Remember the blues 

[brew]

set real expectations for yourself.  If you want a big bull that's fine to pass cows/smaller bulls.  if you want a freezer full of delicious elk meat don't pass a legal animal. Elk cows taste way better than elk tag

[Fidelk]

Wind is everything

With respect to scent, on two occasions (one in snow) I have seen a herd approach the scent left by my boots and immediately turn and go in another direction. This can work against you or with the correct plan, for you.

[CJ1962]

When its hot, hunt near water.

[Dan-o]

Bring strong young guys.

[vandeman17]

Bring strong young guys.

Or dumb middle aged guys 

[Dan-o]

Bring strong young guys.

Or dumb middle aged guys 

Fair enough.

I am also willing to let dumb middle aged guys haul out my elk.     

[Rainier10]

There is some pretty solid stuff in this thread.

[Dan-o]

A serious one for me is remembering to properly hydrate.

I've gotten seriously dehydrated more than once (I'm a slow learner), to the point of impacting my ability to hunt.

[vandeman17]

another one I am working on, much like duck hunting, is knowing when to call and when to shut up. I don't think there is really any way to teach it but is more of just a lived experience and keeping a mental log type deal

[blackveltbowhunter]

I will take a hot bull in a good setup and poor calling options, over a poor setup and great calling. 

[bigdub257]

Carry a cow call, have it readily accessible and know how to use it.  I carry mine on a lanyard around my neck.  Has made the difference between success and failure numerous times for me. Pretty amazing the reaction you can get from elk  with one of these.

[trophyhunt]

Agree on the cow call at the ready!!  One other thing I thought about was hunting alone!  Don’t be afraid to hunt alone, guys in camp w ya is great, but actually out hunting, do it alone, less noise, smells and every decision is your own! Your buddy may not want to sit as along as you, or climb that steep hill just to check out one more spot.  I’ve killed 99% of my bulls when I was alone.  Now of course archery when the rut is on is totally different, a good partner you trust is key.

[WyatBaker]

Remember optics are important