Preparing to Hunt Elk
Before one goes hunting for elk, it is important that they get prepared. This includes not only having the correct gear but also preparing themselves physically. An out of shape hunter will have a hard time not only harvesting elk but also keeping up with the group.
It is very difficult to just up and decide to go elk hunting on a whim without proper preparation. The likelihood that you will successfully harvest an elk would be very slim. Elk hunting is tough. Elk reside in terrain that is rough and it is very difficult for hunters to track and catch them if they are not in good physical shape and who do not have the right equipment.
For elk hunters who plan on heading west for hunting season, purchasing a back pack, filling it with your supplies and hiking in areas around your home, is a good way to get yourself into shape. Many hunters do not understand the importance of being in shape. In fact, they do not even think about it until they are trying to hunt and find themselves exhausted and unable to keep up.
Elk hunters will have to do a lot of walking. However, the walking is different then what one might do in their own neighborhood or while hunting for deer or other animals. Deer hunting and walking around your neighborhood typically involves walking on flat, level surfaces. The opposite is true for elk hunting. Elk hunting requires walking in mountainous and hilly terrain.
To get your body ready for elk hunting you will need to hike up some mountains in your area or steep hills will do if you do not live around any mountains. To best simulate elk hunting, walk with a high quality backpack on.
To get prepared, most hunters will need to carry a back pack that weighs at least 30 pounds. The pack should carry all of the gear that will be needed on a hunting trip. Hiking with this amount of weight, 3-4 days a week, should help you get prepared for hunting. Other individuals will not only need to start hiking and engaging in other physical activity so that they can get into shape but may also need to lose some weight. The lighter you are, the less weight you will have to carry around while hunting. You want to be able to actively hunt and not sulk around at the base camp.
Elk live in places where the air can be thin. It might be hard for people who are not used to the high altitude and thinner air to adjust. Therefore, preparation is key. While training, make sure that you focus on breathing through your nose and not your mouth. This causes your lungs to work harder and will get them ready for the thinner air.
Try some speed training as well, as this will cause your lungs to work hard. Sprint up some hills around your house or at a local high school stadium stairs. Your doctor may also be able to help you. Ask for medication that will help you breath easier in high altitude. Before you begin any exercise plan, make sure that you speak with your doctor and request a physical.