Physical prep for season

[Mule3006Elk]

I train t/o the year not specifically for a hunt. Weights most days of the week and cardio 3-4 days a week. In addition, for hunt prep, I try to do mountain hikes with some weight, decent speed and get off trail.

I've been a road biker for a long time. Grinding out long rides, steep hills, pushing through respiratory distress, burning legs, has always served me well on the mountain. Especially the distress part of that. I can push through tough hunts just fine. Usually my hunting partners fall behind.

But....I think the mental game plays are larger part than the fit game if you are already in decent condition. Biking has prepared me well for this.

If you're in couch potato condition being mentally strong will still help but the suck factor will be magnified due to poor overall conditioning. Not to mention most in bad shape will end hunts earlier or limit themselves to road hunting.

 

[cjdewese]

I would agree that the mental toughness is probably the most important factor. Carrying out an animal is just not easy no matter how you train. You can do anything shitty for a little while if you are mentally tough enough to do so.

As far as reducing injury, try to be as flexible and strong as possible. Any injury I have had was due to a lack of mobility within that joint/body part.

Stretch every day, walk/jog to keep up your cardio and you should be fine.