Been quite a winter so far...

[mnbearbaiter]

I have been training for my sept elk hunt for a month now, and am already used to wearing the weighted pack, and my gym circuit 3x/wk is goin good! I used to think i was in good shape, but with a goal to work towards just makes it that much better! Kinda weird training for elk when its not even turkey season yet     At any rate, ive lost bout 7lbs, feel great! Im goin to be a force when we head to the Black Hills in april to chase merriams, itll also be a good pre requisite to what my training is doin for me!!!

[LKH]

You're going to find that training and rough country walking are far apart, but being in shape will really help you.

Your elevation change won't be to bad.  Did you know the highest point in your state is a taconite tailings pile??

If your elk hunt will be high, and you can afford the time, go about 3-4 days early to give your lungs some adaptation time.

Shoot straight.

[mnbearbaiter]

We plan on getting there 2 days early, and taking our sweet time getting into where we plan to begin glassing depending on what elevation elk are of course!!!

[centaur]

Even though the elk hate me and always disappear when it is hunting season, I try to stay in shape year round. At my age, it is easy to get out of shape and tougher to get back into shape. I hike 6 or 7 miles 5 or 6 days a week, mountain bike, and lift weights (lighter weights, higher reps), so for an old fart I can still hike the mountains. It is a bonus to now spend a few months in Arizona during the winter; the hiking and mountain biking where we are is fantastic, and the rugged country makes for some sweaty workouts.
Keep up the good work, and you will find the mountains a little less steep come September.

[Bonebuster]

Your dedication is inspiring!

I have never been at high altitudes, but I have heard that those who are unprepared are at a severe disadvantage.

Keep up the good work, and good luck with the elk!  

[Elk whisperer]

you will be burnt out by elk season or injured dont get crazy

[lpcjon2]

Try and get a pair of leg weights and do some hiking.It will help for sure.

[mnbearbaiter]

Ive actually become very used to this routine, and may need to increase pack weight or lengthen hike! In MN its a crapshoot with weather, ive done a few hikes wearing my snowshoes just to switch it up! We plan on goin deep into a SW CO wilderness area and bringin the elk hell! Goin to try our hardest to make the packer fee and sat phone rental worth our while!

[Clint B.]

Years ago, I worked on the 9th floor of a 13-story office building. If you skipped the elevator and walked up the stairway at a steady pace, it really provided a good workout.

[mnbearbaiter]

I bet it did!!! Im doin just a maintenance type routine now, and will until a month or so before! At that time ill increase resistance on bike at gym, as well as upping reps/weight accordingly! Im currently walking with a pack that weighs 48lbs, im doin squats with it on, as well as pushups with it on when i reach the rest stop benches that are spread out every 3/4mi along the trail ive been walking on until spring thaw when i can hit up the off road horse trails and get some real work done!

[Bonebuster]

Looking forward to, and preparing for a trip like this is half the fun. Like Mike Mitten says "measure your success in proportion to your effort".

The butterflies in your stomach make you feel like a kid! Good excersize for your body AND your spirit!

By the sounds of it, your elk hunt will be a success before you even leave!