Andy the thing I've noticed to make the biggest difference in endurance in the hills is tough schit on the track-like 400s and 800s. It's a bit counter-intuitive, but I saw a noticeable difference in how hard I could hike after being in shape for 400s and 800s, and I can hike pretty well (not Greenhorn or scenarshooter good, but you get my point). I'm not saying go try to set a new record 800m sprint, but it's definitely something I'd consider, in addition to timed miles and hiking with weighted packs.
You've got to take anything I say with a grain of salt, however, as I've lived here my whole life and have definitely got time and weight on my side.
I hope you have a blast and kill a nice bull!
