Training around the hunt

Gunning5

WKR
Joined
Oct 7, 2020
Messages
547
Hey guys,

First time hunter, but long time Crossfit coach. I would say my fitness is pretty good, but want to see what are ways ya'll train for the hunt. I started doing longer hikes with my weight vest on to simulate hiking with more gear. What do you guys do?

Thanks!
 
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
1,623
In preparing for my first hunt last month, I would hike with my hunting pack and 45# of weight 2-3 days a week. I found two steep hills in my area: one was off trail and one was on paved trail. I’d go up and down until I had done 500-750’ in elevation gain. On the paved trail, I’d jog every other trip up. I also made a fake bow out of a tree branch and some extra parts so I could simulate carrying that around all day but not get the cops called on me for hunting out of season.

The other 2-3 days a week I’d run a mile or two and do some calisthenics for core, legs, and upper body. Took one or two days off each week.

The 45# pack weight was really clutch because my actual pack weight when bivy hunting is 30#. When I finally took the extra weight out and went down to my actual gear for the trip, it felt like I was carrying nothing because I was accustomed to the 50% extra weight.
 

*zap*

WKR
Joined
Dec 20, 2018
Messages
7,032
Location
N/E Kansas
Hike, walk, weighted hike, bike, 5 primary human movement pattern strength/core strength training. Eat good nutritious foods and get plenty of sleep. Walked 3 miles, high bar back squats x 6 sets, bulgarian split squats x 3 sets and seated calve raises x 3 sets yesterday.

Hiking and carrying a light kettlebell can simulate carrying a bow/rifle. You can always put it in your hike pack for part of the way while acclimating to it. 10 - 15 # would be ideal.
 
Last edited:

thinhorn_AK

"DADDY"
Joined
Jul 2, 2016
Messages
10,341
Location
Alaska
I work out year round, with kettlebells, jump ropes, body weight exercises and power lifting, as hunting season approaches I hike more and increase the weight in the pack. It’s always worked well for me.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
4,808
Location
Colorado
I live in the area I hunt so I do a scout trip/hike one day, some sort of workout, shoot the next day. I alternate this most days I’m home and not at work. I don’t lift weights (they are heavy and make me tired) stick mostly to body weight and kettlebell work.
 
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