Mountain hunting depending on where, can be easier, harder to extreme character building. Bike riding with the seat down low on high gear simulates the short power strokes walking up hill. Also climb stairs with weight in your pack, boots on, start light and work your way up. This also helps your balance and your core strength. Stop using all caffeine 2 weeks prior to you leaving, now on the hunt, any caffeine is like rocket fuel. Speaking of rocket fuel, chocolate covered coffee beans. Have snacks in a pocket, eat a handful and sip water every 15, 30 mins or so. Keep the fuel burning.
Your head game is what makes a trip. Things don't always go perfect, don't let something simple heat you up. Relax, its a hunt, take it all in, stop and view the world, breath, enjoy.
Your guide should have a spotting scope. No need for the client to bring one. Your guide is the one who will judge the animal. Of course, its your call too if its what you want.
Typically, binos are used to glass to locate animals. Wide field of view is what I prefer. 7x was standard, then 8x and 10x is standard now. You don't need much, just looking for movement, a glint, dark or light, etc. Tripod is not needed in my experience, just extra weight. And, it is possible to judge animals with binos.
Once an animal(s) is located by binos, you use the spotter to see if its legal and/or a good animal No use spending time and energy on a stalk to arrive and find out its not legal or whatever. No real need to have 2 spotters.
Bush flights are not what they use to be. Way more weight strict.
Your guide is the one who should answer questions.
When choosing one, ask for a full disclosure and prior clients to contact. If you get 100% awesome report from everyone on the list, I would be cautious.
Always, contact local F&G about the guides, there are many illegal guides.
