BIG-GAME HUNTING -- Seven-time world champion elk caller Corey Jacobsen and fellow Elk101.com pro staffer Cameron Haines had polished answers to a couple of questions posed recently by Roger Phillips of the Idaho Statesman.

Tip: don't wait until September to get your act together.

Read on for the Q&A.

Q: What are you doing right now to get ready for the upcoming elk season?

A: I truly believe successful elk hunting begins with confidence. Confidence in your physical conditioning, your shooting abilities, your gear, your knowledge of the area, etc.

Having a good balance in all these areas is important, so I’m trying to work as much of each into my schedule as I can.

Working out, shooting in my backyard and at local 3D shoots, organizing my gear, and scouting are all a part of my pre-season preparation right now.

It seems like elk season is coming at us at 100 mph right now. Most years it seems the season will never get here. Now I’m wishing I had two extra weeks to get ready.

Q: What’s one thing every hunter should be doing now to prepare for elk hunting, either archery or rifle?

A: One of the most important aspects of elk hunting is physical conditioning, so if there was one thing I would stress with elk season just two months away, it would be to get in shape.

You get out of elk hunting what you put into it. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll be when elk season gets here, and the more success you’re going to have.

I like to stress to other hunters the need to "elevate" their preparations and take it to the next level.

If you’re in good shape, work on getting into great shape. If you are an average shot with your bow or rifle, spend some extra time and become a better shot.

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