I usually have a bull and cow tag in my pocket 3rd season and manage to get one on the ground most years. Some years I'm the only one successful - I train and work harder at it then my regular hunting group. We all practice shooting and my buddies are excellent rifle shots, but the last couple of years they didnt cover ground fast enough or they would have filled tags as well. But if you can't hike at a good pace without stopping at altitude you may not get to where the elk are before they are gone. Sneaking is probably more useful but reaching the best spot for a shot fast enough is a huge part of being successful.
Writing a big check is the surest way to be successful but working hard at it and being persistent is a close 2nd.
