Don't scout close to roads, either. Though quality bucks can be found in these areas, chances are that someone else has already found them as well.

To start with, Kip gets at least three miles from the nearest road and said that doing this eliminates 95 percent of today's hunters. However, you better be in top shape before you even attempt to head that deep into this steep and rugged terrain.

2. KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Once you find these buck-holding areas, scout them from a distance. In fact, Kip said that when watching Superman, they tried to stay 1,000 yards or more away from him.

"Chances are, a buck like that will let you make one only mistake before he's gone. So watching him from such long distances kept that from happening."

Doing this requires good optics, so buy the best spotting scope and binoculars you can afford.

Not only should you be watching the buck's every move, but you should study the terrain to make sure it's conducive to stalking close for a shot. If it's not, you might need to find another buck.

3. BE A HOT SHOT
Speaking of getting a shot, if you can't hit the 10-ring when it counts, don't bother heading to the woods.

"Practice shooting your bow a ton before the season," insists Kip. "Especially at long distances."

Bowshots to 50 yards and more are common and extremely doable with today's high-energy compound bows. Don't just focus on long-distance shooting, either. Shooting at steep angles is standard practice in the rugged, rocky holes these bucks call home. According to Kip, practicing these types of shots is just as important as distance.

4. DON'T MAKE A STINK
Kip also attributes his success to radical scent control, an aspect of bowhunting that often goes overlooked out West. Kip suggests that hunters wipe not only down daily-- even several times, if necessary-- with wipes that eliminate human scent.

But he even goes the extra mile of packing in a propane shower. "I know, that sounds a little extreme," he said. "But if a big buck smells you, chances are he's out of there."

He packs the shower along with 8-gallon water bottles that he fills up once he's near camp. And he packs in this extra gear during his scouting trips.

Kip not only tries to keep as scent-free as possible, but once he locates the buck he's after and stalks within 150 yards, he wipes down again and changes into scent-controlling clothes before finishing the sneak. Although he always plays the wind, you never know when it will flip on you.

5. THINK 'STEALTH MODE'
In order to make the finishing shot, you need to get close. Once Kip gets within 150 yards, he changes completely into what he calls stealth mode. Once you get inside the buck's bedroom, slow, methodical and purposeful movements are a must.

Don't rush! Chances are if the buck is bedded, you'll have plenty of time to get close. However, if you get busted, don't count on getting a second bite at the apple.

Regardless of what Western big game you're after, if you combine all of Kip's sage advice, you're sure to get closer and have overall better success in the coming seasons.   

Find more about Rocky Mountain fishing and hunting at RMgameandfish.com