Fitness vs. Accuracy

[cnelk]

It’s that time of year that everyone is getting ready for archery elk season.

Shooting their bows and working out.

My question is this:

Is being in shape more important than being a good shot? Or is being a good shot more important than being in shape?

 

[rclouse79]

I have a two mile trail that leads up to the 3D course. I could drive straight to the parking lot, but I figure I might as well haul 50lbs of concrete the trail before I shoot and kill two birds with one stone.
If I had to pick one I would say accuracy. If you can’t shoot it doesn’t matter how many elk you get in bow range.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Easy to argue either side. If you can’t get there it doesn’t matter how fit…if you can’t shoot it doesn’t matter if you get there.


My normal workout routine starts September 1 but this year I’ve been doing cycle classes for the past couple months. It’s amazing what a difference it makes in my stamina!

 

[Elkfitness]

I think it comes down to how you hunt. You need a basic level of accuracy and accuracy under pressure. But, you don’t need to be Robin Hood. That said being a super accurate archer doesn’t hurt. The same for fitness. A certain level is needed if by yourself but if you have help and do certain things you don’t really need much fitness. That’s the beauty of elk hunting. A crack shot who is super fit can fold under pressure, an old guy (my dad) can be super accurate, not in the best shape and be smart about where he hunts and be fine, and you have me who is a decent shot and super fit but will still try to bury himself every fall for elk by going for those far drainages (even though there’s elk all along the way back there!)


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[Still Hunter]

Being a good shot and having the self discipline to wait for the correct shot. Old fat man can sit on a wallow all week. Being fit is a huge advantage and makes a hunt much easier but you have to be able to make the shot and make it under pressure.

 

[Maverick1]

It’s that time of year that everyone is getting ready for archery elk season.

Shooting their bows and working out.

My question is this:

Is being in shape more important than being a good shot? Or is being a good shot more important than being in shape?

What is your opinion?

 

[DeePow]

to add to the echo chamber. It’s the happy medium, do I need to be as fit as my partner who runs ultras? Hell no, but I definitely want to be able to hoof it when I need to charge 300 yards uphill to intersect the herd.

I integrate several aspects into my routine: kettlebell, yoga, biking, backpacking, and a variety of weighted sandbags to prep for the season. I also jump rope for 1-3 minutes before shooting to work on my breath control. I could be a world class shooter but if I am not able to situate myself due sucking wind, what good is it?

 

[Ucsdryder]

What is your opinion?

Rumor has it Brad hasn’t gotten out of eye sight of a road in 10 years!

 

[Firestone]

I am gonna go with be in better shape. Mountains are steep and the suck factor can be real.

 

[Randle]

Weapon accuracy should be top priority.

 

[Musthnt]

Accuracy is first but you better be in shape for the heavy pack out!

 

[ez_willie]

Being in shape. With current bows most WKR can probably hit a elk size vitals from 20-40 yards.

 

[LongWayAround]

I try to stay in good physical condition all year. I'm definitely less diligent about shooting all year though.

If you don't have the stamina to keep getting up and staying after it, shots are fewer and farther between than they otherwise might be.

Most of my shot opportunities on game have not been at crazy distances but there was usually some component physical ability to get there.

I think it's somewhat of a draw between the two with the edge going to physical ability. In my opinion, it's easier to be competent with a modern bow to 40ish yards than it is to stay in strong condition.

What really wins the race is your mental toughness and knowledge of the game/terrain. I've had plenty of times where my legs got me to the party but I mentally malfunctioned when I got there.

 

[sndmn11]

Good enough fitness to be somewhere the animal is, and good enough marbles to not lose those marbles in a panic when it's time to shoot.

 

[cnelk]

Rumor has it Brad hasn’t gotten out of eye sight of a road in 10 years!

Haha! Not quite but close

 

[cnelk]

What is your opinion?

Im probably a better shot that I am being in shape.

And Im in pretty good shape.

 

[Cjonesy]

Where I hunt, I can’t get a shot opportunity on elk without the fitness to get there. So for me fitness slightly outweighs accuracy. But if you can’t hit what your aiming for what’s the point of putting in the effort to get there?!?

 

[MallardSX2]

If you cant shoot you will likely come home empty handed.

If you cant hike to where the animals are at, you will likely come home empty handed.

Having said both of those if I had to choose I would rather be in shape and hope for a close shot. Besides, almost every elk my group has ever killed has been under 25 yards.......

I would say you need a 50/50 blend. Shape/Accuracy. At least that's where I like to be.

 

[HornPorn]

Statistically, for OTC areas, the vast majority of hunters don't even need to take their bow, so I'd say being in shape is more important, so they will at least not feel like a fat POS while climbing up every morning and will enjoy themselves more during their camping trip.

 

[southLA]

Bows have come a long way in regards to the average shooter being accurate. Not sure we can say the same about the average American being in better shape... I'll say fitness tips the scale.