Hunters taking to the field, regardless of fitness level, can make the challenges of the rolling prairies, rising hills and even more rugged terrain a bit easier with some pre-season prep. Simonson Photo.
By Nick Simonson
It’s been said that little changes add up to big results. Adjusting fishing line, sharpening hooks, tweaking fly patterns, and other little fixes can end up being the reasons behind some great angling and some memorable catches. So too with hunting as adjusting form, getting a bit fitter, or working an extra 20 minutes with a dog can make time in the field all the better, and game bags a bit heavier each autumn. In the latter pursuit – whether for ducks, pheasants, deer or those once-in-a-lifetime trips for trophy elk out west or moose way up north – hunters can benefit from a lot of little things now, for a big season of success in the field.
1. Get Moving. In the end it doesn’t matter what you do for exercise, getting in motion is key to a better life and better hunting, and the best part is, you can likely start right after reading this! Whether it’s walking, jogging, running, swimming, using an elliptical or biking with family, any motion is good motion when it acclimates your body to exertion and cardiovascular challenge. Even just a jaunt around the block with your dog has incredible health benefits and is a base to becoming stronger and more endurant in the field. Find a way to get active and you’ll find things come easier on any hunt.
2. Flex It. Being able to twist and turn, duck and stoop, and contort your body is often a requirement of hunting. Pivoting on the shot at a side flushing bird or sneaking under some brush while pushing an area for deer requires a flexible body. Take just five minutes a day – say right after you wake up, or before you go to bed – to stretch in a variety of ways, focusing on those problem areas that might need a bit more TLC to get loosened up. In time, you’ll find it easier to crouch, tuck, and turn, and ultimately be more durable in the field.
3. Pump Iron. Weight training can’t be understated when strengthening for an autumn afield. From working shoulders and arms with presses and curls to help solidify gun mount, to squats and deadlifts to develop power in legs to tackle tough hills or even those gradual grassy rises, a varied workout with dumbbells and resistance machines will help build muscle that six, eight or 12 weeks from now will have you feeling sturdier in your autumn adventures. The long-term benefits of more muscle also mean faster fat-burning and more stability in life and in the field each season.
4. Core Concerns. Having a strong core – even if you don’t have six-pack abs – is also a benefit in the outdoors. Abdominal muscles, hip flexors, glutes, and all those other stabilizers in a person’s midsection help absorb the shock of off-balance steps on unstable ground and help with pivoting and turning to take a shot and provide steadiness as you pull the trigger in a standing position. They also make the use of climbing stands a ton easier when moving up a tree. You don’t have to do sit-ups or crunches either to get a strong core. If you can’t, try doing some standing leg lifts, side leg raises, toe-touches, unweighted side-bends or other modified abdominal exercises to pump up your core for the season.
5. Mental Muscle. Finally, envisioning success in the field comes from mental training as well, and the mind interacts with the physical portion to make things whole. Taking just a few minutes a day to envision a successful hunt, to reaffirm the hard work being put in now physically to prepare for the season, and a few moments of celebrating all you can and are able to do to get ready for those opportunities, can help set the stage for success. When practicing a shot, or preparing to exercise, think of how each effort will help you with success in the field. Envision the moment a bird rises before you, or a deer walks in front of your bow stand and what you will do. The more you think about it now, the less likely the adrenaline will take over when the real deal occurs, and you can appreciate the moment and all that led up to it, while staying positive.
If you’re facing a physical challenge, or have limitations due to condition, age or disability, speak with your doctor before undertaking any exercise program, but also find out what you can do to improve ahead of the season. For those that are able, these five pre-season practices and all their smaller options can combine to set up a fall of fantastic memories, whether you’re out on your once-a-weekend walk or trying to fill that once-in-a-lifetime tag.