How do you physically prepare for an elk hunt?

[Slick8]

Same here but I did a light cardio and leg workout today.

I'm going to form a better plan for cardio as I ramp up for November.

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[Bill]

10mm Springfield XDm loaded with Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game rounds. “Griz don’t fight fair.”

I’ve met too many people here who’ve dealt with griz attacks on bowhunters.


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[jds247]

The first time I went Elk hunting I spent 10 months on cardio because the guy I went with said that's what I needed to do.. I about died. Now I lift heavy 5 days a week. And can hike up and down the mountain a lot easier. My cardio has never held me back. Having weak legs was the problem. The thing about it is you can always take your time. It's not really a race up the mountain. When you hurry you spook animals or walk right past the sign you should be hunting.

[7sdad]

What seems to help me is cardio, My knees wont let me run so I ride a bike 100 to 150 miles a week.

[Neuse]

Good reading. I have been working on getting ready for a bear in June, in Idaho.
Found some good ideas reading this.

[Heath]

Along with cardio (walking or Peloton) and weight training, I did the Elk Fit from MTN OPS and really found it beneficial. A lot of the movements I was doing during my elk hunt related back to the MTN OPS Elk Fit program I was doing, especially the one leg stuff.

https://mtnops.com/blogs/fitness/elk-fit-program

[solocam_aggie]

The first time I went Elk hunting I spent 10 months on cardio because the guy I went with said that's what I needed to do.. I about died. Now I lift heavy 5 days a week. And can hike up and down the mountain a lot easier. My cardio has never held me back. Having weak legs was the problem. The thing about it is you can always take your time. It's not really a race up the mountain. When you hurry you spook animals or walk right past the sign you should be hunting.

This is a great point. I still hit my cardio, but my focus is building these legs up. I try to hit lower body twice a week in the gym, then throughout the day power up the stairs here at work many times.

[CTR0022]

Do you know what altitude you'll be hunting? That will tell you how much you need to work on your cardio. Swimming can be a really good cardio work out.

See if there are any steep inclines in your area, road over passes are a good one. Lake or pond dams. I like them more than stadium stairs. Carry a 5lb dumb bell to represent your bow.

[Texans42]

brute force sand bag fillers dont leak.


as far as my work out schedule. I do a brute force sand bag work outs or madabolic group workout 5x a week and bike min 30 miles and try to do stairs(every other stair) 16-32 stories depending on time 2x.

As I get closer to sept I do weight pack 12 miles a week and cut biking downing to 14miles. I only do weighted packs now to condition feet

[Shane]

The first time I went Elk hunting I spent 10 months on cardio because the guy I went with said that's what I needed to do.. I about died. Now I lift heavy 5 days a week. And can hike up and down the mountain a lot easier. My cardio has never held me back. Having weak legs was the problem. The thing about it is you can always take your time. It's not really a race up the mountain. When you hurry you spook animals or walk right past the sign you should be hunting.

Yep. Leg strength is key. I do mostly single leg movements - several lunge variations, step ups, etc... - rather than squats.

[bwssr]

Run bleachers

[Hardware]

I ruck train using creek or drainage ditch banks so I get side hill and incline-decline with uneven ground. Also if you can get to mountains at least three days before hunting and stay hydrated it really helps flatlanders acclimate.

[BrianL]

Treadmill at max elevation and stair step machine. Try to get up to 90 minutes the month before you go.

Other thing I would do if you can is go up at least 2 days before your hunt starts and just walk around and get acclimated to the elevation. Your hunting days are your $$$$ days. Don't waste them getting acclimated if you can go up a little early.

[CrownKiller14]

Walk on uneven unpaved surfaces will build your calf muscles and get your ankles and hips used to the un stable ground. In the gym side lunges, bench step overs, also box step ups if you don't do stair master. Do 2 work outs a week with a pack, either in the gym or rucking.

I never do more than 25-30lbs until right before season I'll do 60-70 lbs to simulate a pack out. (I know thats light for a pack out, but I'm not a large dude.) Pack your pack like you're headed hunting, include your water and take off walking. This will do 2 things; 1- Set realistic distances from the truck for yourself, 2 - Make you get rid of half the stuff in your pack you don't need. I never understood the guys obsessed with going light until I hit my first 40+ degree slope.

Listen to the "hunt backcountry" podcast, find the episodes that focus on training. Lots of good info.

[Vargas 1695]

Maybe some summer homework? A trail that is moderate, not too long of a hike, with elevation gain. The Bayfield and Pagosa area has some nice trails that will help you see were you are and what you need work on. Stay a week and do some fishing. Hike every day if you can.