Hunting
in the off-season
Training for
Hunting Season
Staying in shape is key during the off-season. You want to
be at your best when you’re on a hunt and several yards
away from a whitetail or an elk that you’re about to take
down. So, how do you train for your next big hunting trip?
The best ways to get prepared are some of the simplest
and most inexpensive. And, if you’re interested in taking
a canine companion along for the adventure, there are
ways to take him from zero to “prized hunting dog” in no
time. No matter if you decide to rough it alone or bring
Fido, we’ve come up with some supportive suggestions for
maintaining and improving the outdoorsman in you.
Yes, the first tip is to exercise. But a hunter wouldn’t waste
time on simple machines at the gym. Get some “real” exercise that pertains to what you actually love to do, such as
hiking and biking. These adventures will help you to stay
familiar with harsh terrain. Biking fully works your legs and
abdomen and is more effective overall than any amount
of time you may spend doing sit-ups or walking on treadmills. Biking also helps keep your spine straight and posture strong, so when you’re up in the tree stands for hours
on end during hunting season, you won’t feel like you’re a
bull in a box car.
A long hike through the woods will have you feeling just
as agile and physically prepared. Climbing up steep hills
or using your entire body to maneuver through gorges
and thickets will provide you with an authentic and more
personal experience. If you spend time sharpening your
mobility this way, your movements will be much faster and
more precise during the next flushing of quail with your
bird dog.
When you’re out and about, study the sounds you hear,
such as the different types of bird chirps or what the leaves
sound like when they’re being crushed by something
heavy versus something lightweight. The more sounds
you listen to, the more you can make out accurately, and
the faster you’ll be at spotting a target and making a kill.
20 Summer 2015 Adventure Outdoors