Can't hunt anymore due to a twice-broken kneecap (75+ years) & arthritis but when I did elk or mule deer hunting each fall, I started by long walks carrying a pack filled with water jugs (walk one way, empty/drink water, and then return). Checked gear early in the summer. Late summer (mid-summer if hunting Zone A in Cali), I would load several boxes with factory equivalent loads for my 300 Win Mag or 338 Win mag. and shoot at least 60 rounds at the range @ 100 yards, sighted 2.75" high. Then buy 2 boxes of factory rounds (Federal Premium with Noslers) and shoot 20 and pack 20 to go with me (same lot #). If I was hunting locally, scout each weekend at dawn.
