Conditioning is About More than Success

If you’ve read very many articles on western hunting, you’ve probably heard someone say that the better shape you’re in, the better chance of success you’ll have. And it’s true. Every hunting guide knows it. As guides, intentionally or not, we tend to size up hunters as they arrive in camp. An out-of-shape hunter can still get the job done. But we know that it’s going to require more work and more discomfort.

Being in shape for your hunt is about more than success. Sure, it means you’ll be more likely to punch a tag. But if we’re honest, that’s not what the hunt is all about. I hope that for most of us, it’s about being outside, being with friends or family and chasing incredible animals through spectacular scenery. Hunting doesn’t mean you’ll go home with a trophy or a cooler full of meat. But it should mean going home with great memories.

So toss “success” out the window for a moment and look at it differently. Perhaps there’s better motivation. When you’re in the best shape possible, a physically challenging hunt should be fun, not frustrating. Leave everything on the mountain, knowing you did your best. Being in your best condition for a hunt means you’ll have more fun. Period.

To hunt game like elk, mule deer, coues deer, sheep or other popular western species, you don’t have to be a world-class athlete. But you do have to set fitness goals for yourself that are both challenging and attainable.

For many of the hunters I’ve guided on Colorado elk hunts, it’s one of the most physically demanding hunts they have ever taken on. Last year, I had a client who was a 17-year Army National Guard veteran. On the third day of the hunt, he told me it was the hardest thing he’d done since basic training. But he had done his best to prepare and had a great time in the face of the challenge.

When it comes to conditioning, it’s important to make a plan for yourself that’s attainable. While being a marathon runner or Iron-Man triathlete would be ideal, for many people, that’s simply not realistic. Start where you are. You may want to consult with a trainer at a local gym to help you get started. Make a workout plan that fits your ability level.

Here’s where the fine line appears. While your plan needs to be realistic, you need to challenge yourself. Tailor a workout to your abilities but continually push yourself to get better. When you’re out there on that mountain, you’ll be glad you did. Be there to enjoy it, rather than cursing each incline.

If possible, develop a workout routine with a mix of cardio and strength training. In my experience, strength training is the most critical piece. While cardio is good preparation for the altitude, even the best runners will wear down after a few days of hunting if their legs aren’t strong. When planning your workout routine, make sure you adequately focus on things like squats, leg presses and lunges. Your legs must be in shape.

When it comes to cardio workouts, interval training is one of the best ways to prepare for a hunt. Interval training includes short periods of very high intensity, followed by periods of low intensity. This closely simulates common hunting situations – making fast climbs in steep terrain to get into position, and then settling quickly for a shot.

Make a commitment now to begin a challenging and realistic workout routine. When you’re sucking for air and feeling the burn in your legs while trying to get within range, you will be glad you did! Whether you go home with a trophy or not, your experience will be much more enjoyable if you’ve prepared physically. Being in shape for your hunt will bring the pain/reward scale into balance.