Looks like you are ready as far as gun and shooting ability. You can take my advice any way you like it. I am an overweight grandfather and the thing I wish I had done differently before hunting out west was physical exercise. If you are not in shape, those mountains will eat you alive. I would suggest walking, running, jogging at least several miles a day. You will enjoy the hunt much more. I prepared that way for every trip I made after my disaster on the first one. By the morning of my second day, I could barely walk, much less hunt. I was ready for the rest of my hunts and have hunted New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. Comfortable, broken in boots, Clothing for hot and cold weather. Listen to your buddy in New Mexico. He will steer you in the right direction