Another getting in shape for elk hunting thread

[centaur]

I try to stay in shape year round, but with elk season only a couple of months away, I need to pick up the pace so that I don't kill myself when (and if) I need to pack out a big bull ( hasn't been a problem for a few years, but hope springs eternal). Anyhow, my regimen is along these lines;
Weight training (pushups, pullups, rows, etc) 3 times a week.
Mountain biking at least 4 times a week; off road riding for an hour or so, road riding for 30 minutes to 1 hour. I try to keep a pace that keeps my breathing labored, and a bit of pain in the quads tells me that I am gaining. Off road riding helps with balance, and works the upper body, at least where I ride.
Hiking, 4 to 5 days a week, for at least one hour per session. I try to hike on hilly terrain. One day a week, I will do a hike up a mountainside that gives about 1500 feet of vertical in a little over a mile.
If I do my part, this training will keep me in shape for elk country.
Those of you that hunt the high country, what do you do to keep ahead of the mountains?

[FatherOfGnute]

I've tried it all.  Seems like the best for me is circuit and interval training.

One season I was really motivated - running 4-5 miles every night and lifting/swimming/biking to mix it up.

I felt "decent" that season on the mtn... but I still found myself humming the words to that old Blues Traveler song "The Mountains Win Again".  LOL!

I think most of that is just O2 deprivation.  I always feel waaaay better towards the end of the hunt.  Guess I need to take the whole season off work!  

[Outwest]

I try and get in good shape before elk season by scouting/hiking and mountain bike riding in the areas that I hunt. Usually start in July. Try and loose 10# before season starts.
I am in the best shape of the year on the last day of elk season, seems like nothing works better than chasing elk for two weeks.

John

[elkken]

When I was younger I used to downhill ski a great deal. Like Outwest says I was always in my best shape the last day of ski season and the same went with elk hunting. One year I decided to take a preseason ski conditioning class at the local community college. We did a lot of stair climbing, squats, skating in your socks along the gym floor, and upper body work like push ups and pull ups. On the first ski trip of the year I was amazed at the difference in my conditioning and had the best season ever. The class lasted six weeks I believe.

For elk hunting I took a more passive approach and preferred to get in shape by spending time in the mtns hiking and scouting. It did not work as well as the dedicated conditioning method. So spend the time with a well rounded conditioning program of cardio, weight training, and shooting your bow. Hike regularly with some weight on your back and boots on that will either be your hunting boots or equivalent in weight. As I have gotten older I spend more time on my bike than hiking and it works well if you pedal enough hills, riding long distances on the flat is not the same for me.

Good luck all in the coming season, shoot straight and be safe.

[fnshtr]

I'm an "older" easterner with some health challenges (ruptured disc in low back). I'm turkey hunting (hiking), biking and doing resistance training (bowflex).

I plan to lose about 15-20# before early August.

Anxious to get in the high country!

Good luck to all.

[PaddyMac]

Last year I lost 70 pounds and got in the best shape I've been in 30 years and mostly it's just hill hiking. I've gained back 7 but I feel great. I have now seeded my 3 mile hiking route with "woody debris" (basically sage brush but I'm adding soft old cottonwood hunks, slowly so I don't draw attention). Now I can shoot and hike at the same time. And I've changed the route to cover steeper terrain and get good up hill and down hill shots. Takes me about an hour if I don't lose any arrows.

About time to start with the pack though.

[Scbenton]

I'm not sure if you mentioned it but marching/hiking the terrain you'll be elk hunting in with at least a 50 lb ruck/pack would def help.

[Scbenton]

I'm not sure if you mentioned it but marching/hiking the terrain you'll be elk hunting in with at least a 50 lb ruck/pack would def help.

[Scbenton]

Even if your not carrying that much weight when actually out hunting your body will be conditioned to rucken around with a descent load.  Sort of like if you need to run 3 miles in a certain time you should shoot for 3.5-4miles it will make it seem like 3 miles is nothing.

[Scbenton]

Even if your not carrying that much weight when actually out hunting your body will be conditioned to rucken around with a descent load.  Sort of like if you need to run 3 miles in a certain time you should shoot for 3.5-4miles it will make it seem like 3 miles is nothing.

[Roadkill]

Your routine is sound, but adding the ruck hiking will cinch it.  I am awaiting hip and knee work and miss my daily runs.  I cannot even ride a bike now, and my cardio sucks.  I am going if i get a tag regardless. Just slower in each dinension!

[old_goat2]

I decided to chase the elusive mountain Merriam this year, not to get ready for elk season,but it's sure working out that way. Been slacking off going to the gym lately, but throwing myself at the mountain carrying a couple of avian x decoys a small blind enough food and drink for the day and the other necessities for turkey hunting. Think my pack out when I leave the car is around 35#. Had five bulls run past my turkey setup the other day, wish I was elk hunting this unit this year, know where some dandy's are right now!