By Joe Wilson

Disclaimer: I am not, nor claim to be, any of the following: a motivation speaker, “hardest worker in the room”, or any other influential-type person you can think of. What I am is someone who tries to become better today than I was yesterday.

Let’s be honest, most of us struggle to find motivation in the hunting offseason. The time between now and opening day seems like an eternity. Plus if you go outside after 10 am your sweat could be measured in gallons and you always run the risk of being carried off by those demons known as mosquitos. But we also all know that now is the time to put in the work that pays dividends in the fall. So stand up, take a quick stretch, and repeat the same words that Gary Gilmore said right before being executed; “Let’s do it.” (Fun fact; this was the motivation behind Nike’s famous “Just Do It’ ad campaign. Remember that the next time you put on a piece of clothing with a swoosh on it). So what’s next? Set some goals, right? The problem is that goals often seem insurmountable, especially at the start.

How do you eat an elephant?

One bite at a time. This is one of my favorite maxims, which comes from an African proverb. It reminds me to avoid looking at an obstacle as a whole. Let’s pretend you’ve never been out west or hunted elk. If you look at a potential trip, it is easy to be overwhelmed. Where do I go? What tactics do I use? What about my equipment, will it be enough for elk? What happens if I actually shoot an elk? Thinking about all of this at once is enough to become so discouraged that you may never even start. 

The best way to prepare will be to give yourself plenty of time to avoid feeling rushed and break it up into small parts. You could start with putting together a workout regimen to get yourself into shape. Next, create a gear list and reach out to those who have done this type of trip and run it by them. Then set a goal of researching which state you would like to go. A good starting place is the Transition Wild beginner Guide To Elk Hunting (you’re welcome for the plug). Then focus on your calling. I think you get the idea. In essence, never focus on a problem as a whole. Break it down into smaller problems and by attaining smaller goals you will feel a sense of accomplishment each time you reach a goal, which will keep you motivated to get to your ultimate goal. 

10 minutes a day / 1% better every day

These are two phrases I have written down to remind me to do something every single day to work towards my goal. It is fashionable to talk about how many arrows someone shoots a day or how many miles they run but most of us hardly have any time to spare. I have found that even 10 minutes a day can go a long way. Think about it; that is over an hour a week, 5 hours a month, and 60 hours a year total by taking the time you usually use thinking about how much you don’t want to get out of bed (guilty) and using it towards something productive. How much better of an archer would you be at the end of the year with 60 extra hours of practice? For my example, I had a goal to get in better shape so every day I started committing myself to do one of the following; 100 pushups, 50 pull-ups, or a 1-mile run. All of these take around 10 minutes.  

I also like to imagine getting 1% better at something every day. I like this mindset because 1% seems like such an attainable thing at its core because you’re basically telling yourself, “listen self, we both know we aren’t very good at this but let’s just try to suck a little less today.” A month of this and you will be over 33% (assuming compound interest here. Yes, I am a nerd) better. A 33% return in just a month, sign me up for that investment. 

Track Progress

Momentum is a huge factor when it comes to progress. Every time I completed a 10-minute workout, I would put a tally up on a dry erase board. (Funny story; my wife thought I was keeping score against her on something she couldn’t figure out. I should have kept that up and watched her anger grow as the tallies kept going. Ahh married life.) This was a constant reminder to me to do my workout and positive reinforcement for my progress. I made it all the way past 40 days in a row at one point before having to start over. By having a constant reminder for how far I had come, I was motivated to get my goal done for the day because I didn’t want to break the streak. 

Now you may be asking yourself, “what can I do for 10 minutes a day that will make me a better hunter?” Here are some suggestions:

• 10 minutes of shooting your bow or using a training aid. 
• 10 minutes a day of dry firing your gun
• 10 minutes of digital scouting aerial/topo maps
• 10 minutes of reading hunting books
• 10 minutes practicing calling while driving
• 10 minutes studying natural foods and where they grow
• 10 minutes spent researching out of state trips
• 10 minutes practicing ascending/descending with your mobile stand

Hunting is complex and has many different facets that go into being a great hunter. You can work for decades and still have areas to improve. 

Discipline Equals Freedom

It can be helpful to gain insights from others to have made a habit of completing tasks regularly. Many think that successful people wake up every day ready to seize their goals. It is a myth. Most days you will come up with every excuse not to but those that get things done just ignore these thoughts and press on. One of my favorite guys to follow on social media is Jocko Willink, who is a retired Navy seal and one of the most mentally strong people you will ever see. He has the simple saying, “Discipline equals freedom”. What he means is that If you are disciplined and make working on goals as much of your daily routine as showering, you will have more free time to do what you want by not wasting time procrastinating and thinking about what you should be doing. To prove he lives this motto, he literally takes a picture of his watch every morning at 4:30 am when he gets up. If following people like this “up” your motivation factor, try Cameron Hanes, Courtney Dauwalter, John Dudley, Joe Rogan, Andy Stumpf, and David Goggins. 

Keep it fun

It would seem obvious but I feel most people don’t realize if you find a way to make something fun, no matter how unpleasant it first appears, you are more likely to do it. Give yourself a small reward for completing a task. Just as your dog will sit for a treat, you can train yourself to go for a run if you promise yourself a nice smoothie afterward. Life is too short to be serious all the time but it is also too short to fail to live up to your potential. The best time to have started working towards a goal was yesterday but today comes in a close second. 

It’s April and elk season seems like a tiny dot way off in the distance, but I hate to break it to you, it’s not. Most western archery seasons begin at the end of August or early September so now is the time to start prepping for battle. Growing up in Michigan, my hunting season didn’t begin until October and really didn’t get serious until the end of the month, but that’s not the case for western big game. Needless to say, my first archery elk season in Colorado caught me off guard.

Someone probably already told you but the demands of western hunting compared to most midwest whitetail hunts are greater. The shot distances are longer, the terrain is tougher, gear requirements increase, and regulations are different. Combine these challenges with an earlier start date, August doesn’t seem so far away now, does it? Here are five things you should be doing right now before your elk hunt this Fall.

1. Digital Scouting

Living on the opposite side of the country from your elk hunting area shouldn’t be a reason not to scout. Even if you are returning to a spot you’ve hunted in the past, there are always new areas to seek out utilizing modern technology. Weather patterns, hunting pressure, and road closures can change from year to year so staying on top of your digital scouting will ensure you don’t get caught with your pants down if shit goes south. You can never have too many options. If you’re hunting in my stomping grounds, make sure to check out the video below: Google Earth Digital Scouting For Elk in Colorado.

In addition to google earth scouting, I like to use onXmaps to cross-reference and mark waypoints so that I have everything mapped out prior to the hunt. Using onXmaps in the field allows me to navigate the wilderness with ease and to easily access trails and waypoints that I marked during the offseason.

2. Gear Preparation

Although much of the gear you already use for whitetail hunting will be sufficient for the mountain, there are additional gear items that need to be considered. Make sure your boots will be able to handle the conditions during your hunt based on the weather and terrain. A pack is something else to evaluate. Will you be deep in the backcountry or will you be hunting closer to a camp near a road? A clothing layering system is also key for a western hunt to keep you comfortable in a variety of weather conditions and you may need to purchase additional camping items such as a small tent or a cook stove.

Now is also a good time to evaluate your killing equipment. The broadheads that you use for whitetails may not be adequate (or legal) for larger game such as elk. You may also want to evaluate your arrow selection if you’re changing broadheads or cranking up the poundage on your bow to help with penetration and further shot distances. 

3. Physical Fitness

Any movement you can do now will only help you on the mountain when it’s “go time.” Not everyone is a gym rat, and that’s perfectly fine, but it’s time to start taking your physical fitness seriously during the Spring. Yes, there are people who can show up to a western hunt and kick ass without any sort of physical prep, but if you’re anything like me, you best get moving.

Don’t fall under the notion that all training has to be comprised of dumbbells and treadmills, just stay consistent in whatever physical activities you choose. Kill two birds with one stone by planning a weekend camping trip with the family and hit the trails with your pack, boots, and other backcountry gear. Still not motivated? If you’re a flatlander, read my latest article: Elk Shape From a Flatlander’s Perspective.

Going for extended hikes will not only improve your endurance, it will allow you to test and break-in important gear prior to your hunt.

4. Target Practice

Whether you’re heading afield with stick and string or your grandfather’s rifle, you’ll want to extend your effective range. If you’re a bowhunter, pushing the limits out to 70, 80, or even 100 yards on the range will make 40 and 50 yards seem a chip shot during the moment of truth.

When target practicing, it’s also good to make sure your broadheads are flying true and to wear some of the gear you will be hunting in. Have you ever shot your bow with a heavy pack on? How about those steep angle, up and downhill, through-the-trees trick shots? Have you ever tried to settle your pin after running a 100-yard sprint? Try to mimic as many “real-life” mountain scenarios as possible so that it isn’t unfamiliar territory when you arrive in elk country.

5. Purchase Tags and Study Regulations

If you’re hunting with over the counter tags, it might make sense to purchase them before your hunt, online. This can save time if you roll into town late after everything is closed and it will help you budget more appropriately by not having to spend a bunch of money last minute.

It’s also a sound idea to study up on the laws and regulations of the state and specific unit(s) you’ll be hunting in. Are antler point restrictions present in your zone? Does your state allow mechanical broadheads? What are the tagging and proof of sex requirements after a kill? If you don’t know the answers to some of these questions, get to studying the handbook or call the state game agency to prevent unwanted trouble. If you intend to hunt in Colorado this Fall, check out my recent podcast episode with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail

You’ve dreamt of this hunt for years and I bet you’ve invested some serious time and a pretty penny to make this happen. You’ll also take time off of work and will leave your family behind for a week or more during the hunt. If you haven’t yet realized it, this is kind of a big deal. Don’t be that guy who sits in a bean bag chair naked, eating Cheetos all Summer (sorry Ron White). Start preparing today and you’re chances of putting an elk on the ground this Fall will increase tenfold.

It’s time to embark on a western hunt. You’ve looked forward to this adventure for months, years, or maybe even decades; a trip of a lifetime is finally at your fingertips. The emotions start to hit like a brick wall. You’re excited, anxious, and nervous all wrapped into one. It’s time to step foot into the mountains and hopefully you’ve come prepared for the physical and mental challenges ahead. It’s not easy for anyone to move around the mountains, let alone a flat lander who sleeps at sea level.

The purpose of this article is not to show you how to get into “elk shape”, it’s simply meant to put things in perspective as to why it’s important to show up to your hunt in the best physical condition possible. Not everyone is an Olympic athlete (myself included) and you don’t need to be a gym freak in order to have success in the backcountry, but whatever you can do now to prepare physically will pay dividends later in the Fall. Let’s look at some of the obstacles that present themselves that normally are not a factor on a typical whitetail hunt.

The Tank Is Empty

We all lead busy, stressful lives and by the time we set sail for a 24-hour road trip after a long week at work, our tanks are running on empty. You will probably eat some shitty fast food and your body will ache from being crammed into a small space for hours on end. If you make the journey with a couple buddies, you will take turns behind the wheel and maybe catch a few hours of “sleep” in the backseat of the vehicle.

By the time you actually make it to camp, it’s a safe bet to say you will be far from fully rested for the physical challenges that lie ahead. Even before your first day, you’re already at a disadvantage. Getting through the long hours of travel with a little extra energy will help immensely so again, physical preparation is key.  

Less Oxygen

We all know about decreasing oxygen levels as we increase in elevation but it’s often not put into perspective. At zero feet, the effective oxygen level is 20.9% and at 8,000 feet it drops to 15.4% – a difference of 5.5%, which equates to 26% less oxygen that you’re used to breathing in. Gain even further in elevation and the losses become more apparent, especially at 10,000 feet or higher, which is not uncommon for elk hunting.

This essentially means you are going to run out of steam 26% quicker (approximately) and be huffing and puffing a lot more often than usual. Some people experience loss of sleep and/or elevation sickness, making for tough days ahead.

Rugged Terrain

There are hunts where you put on many miles, and then there are hunts that you put on many miles through steep terrain that resembles the Amazon jungle. This type of terrain is what I like to refer to as “prime ankle rolling” habitat. Pair this with driving rain or heavy snow and things can get dicey in a hurry.

When I first walked into the area I would be hunting the Summer before my first elk season, I was blown away by the amount of deadfall tangled in the masses. Walking through north facing dark timber in Colorado can be an exhausting jaunt, where climbing over and shimmying under logs is the norm. Pair that with steep grades and rocky terrain, you’re body will take a beating. Physical conditioning will not only prepare your body for the challenging landscape, it will help prevent unnecessary injuries that can occur.  

Inclement weather adds another factor to make traversing steep terrain even tougher.

The Mental Struggle

Elk hunting is a tough business, especially when you hunt over the counter (OTC) highly pressured public lands in states such as Idaho, Montana, or Colorado. Sometimes you can spend days afield without even seeing an elk and when you consider archery success rates hovering around 10% or less, the mental game is real. I’m a firm believer that mental fortitude and physical fitness go hand in hand.

We are capable of much more than what we think is possible and being in good physical health will only aid in pushing your limits. When you hear a bugle erupt from the treetops a half mile and 1500 feet of elevation difference away, will you be prepared mentally and physically to go for it?

Get Moving

The little things can go a long way and fortunately, there is plenty of time to prepare. Summer is the ideal time period to be active and to plan fun activities that will aid in your conditioning. In addition to a regular workout routine, maybe you sign up for a 5K race in July to help further push your boundaries and to hold yourself accountable. Perhaps you plan a few weekend backpacking trips with friends or family to put some miles on your boots and to test out some of the other gear you will be using for the first time, all while getting some quality exercise.

Bottom line: we don’t all have to be super athletes but it will make your hunt much more enjoyable when you’re in the best shape possible, for you. The mountains will kick your ass, no doubt about it, but with some preparation beforehand you’ll be able to get back up after getting knocked down. Elk hunting is hard enough, especially with a bow, so don’t let being in poor physical condition be a limitation to your success. Get moving now and I can assure that you will be much happier and more confident in your abilities on the mountain later this Fall.

The main reason for making the move to Colorado was to be engulfed in rocky mountain wildlife. The second reason was to live a more active, healthier lifestyle.

At 7,000ft above sea level the rocky mountains force you to eat, breathe and sleep an active way of life. In order to truly enjoy all of the great things Colorado has to offer, you simply have to be in great physical condition; no questions asked!

I’m not here to show you my exact training schedule or “Adam’s Hunting Workout” type stuff but I am here to say that if you are a midwest hunter, you will need to be in the best shape of your life when you arrive to camp. If a September elk hunt is on your radar, you should have already started working out. If not – start right now! If you think you are in great shape by going on just a few jogs per week, think again.

Tips For Getting In “Hunting” Shape

• Do Something Fun: No one likes a boring jog down a dirt road with deer flies and mosquitos biting your ass every single step of the way. Do something that is enjoyable and engage in an activity that will keep you coming back for more. Some examples would be to join a sports team with friends, riding a bike, walk 18 holes instead of riding a cart, play frisbee, etc. The point here is to do something fun so it doesn’t feel like such a drag.
• Track Progress Using Technology: When I moved to Colorado, I decided to take up mountain biking as a new hobby because it was something fun, new and great exercise. My boss showed me an app called “Strava” which tracks your progress by timing your rides and showing weekly mileage. This app isn’t just for bikers; There is an option for walking/running too. The point here is not to tell you how wonderful Strava is but it is meant to highlight that technology can be used as a fitness motivator. Read more about Strava, HERE.
• Train With a Partner: Whether its your wife, girlfriend, cousin, or co-worker, having someone to exercise with does two things: 1. It holds you accountable to each other and 2. It is a lot more fun.
• Mix Up Your Routine: People get burned out easily if you do the same thing over and over again. Add some variety to your workout routine by mixing up your activities.  For example: On Monday go for a bike ride; Tuesday go for a 5 mile walk after work; Wednesday do P90X. You get the picture.

Here are a few pics of one of my most recent mountain bike rides and a screenshot of Strava!

Strava Application Home Screen.

About to head down hill.

Adam riding the trails on his mountain bike!

The One Regret

The one regret I hear most from guys who are new to hunting the Rockies, especially when pursuing elk, is that they were not in good enough shape prior to the hunt.

I have a buddy who is an elk guide in Idaho and he has told me countless stories of clients coming out to hunt that are simply unprepared for the physical requirements. They cannot cover the ground or the client can’t make a necessary move due to them being out of shape. My buddy claims his hunter success rate would double if they came into camp at a better physical level.

Killing an elk is tough. Killing an elk with a bow is even tougher. Killing an elk with a bow when you are out of shape is nearly impossible. You spend thousands of dollars and countless hours preparing for an out of state elk hunt; Don’t ruin your it because you simply didn’t prepare.

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”  Don’t be that guy!

-Adam

The Effects of Humidity

Summers in the midwest can be absolutely brutal due to high humidity levels. Some days it feels like you can’t even breathe or stop sweating even with the AC cranked as high as it will go! I knew Colorado was an arid climate but I didn’t realize how dry it really was in comparison to Michigan.

To the right is a screen shot of a table showing average humidity levels in various states; Colorado and Michigan are highlighted in yellow. Michigan has an average Summer humidity level of 88% in the morning and 54% at night while Colorado maintains 47% and 21% respectively.

So what’s the major change?

I expected dry skin, itchy eyes and a sore throat but the biggest and most noticeable difference has been my hydration, or lack there of. I am constantly chugging down water in order to keep myself properly hydrated. It seems as though I can’t get enough H2O throughout the day.

What makes it even worse is that you don’t realize its happening because you simply don’t sweat, leaving you with the illusion that you don’t have to consume as much water. (As I am writing this at 10:30PM, I realize that I am severely dehydrated and head to the kitchen for a glass of H2O).

How does this affect my future hunting plans?

If you are a midwesterner who is setting out on your first big game hunt in the mountains this Fall, unfortunately no amount of preparation can help your body become acclimated to the effects of accelerated dehydration in a low humidity environment. But what you can do is be prepared in other ways to help combat liquid losses once you are there.

1. Quantity – Bring more water than you think you will need. Whatever you think you will need, double or triple that amount. You can never have too much water.
2. Carrying Water – I plan on upgrading my pack with camelback bladder for better packability and ease of use while hiking. I plan on getting one that is between the 1-2 gallon mark.
3. Water Purification – Have alternate ways to purify additional water for hikes when you can’t carry enough from camp. I have heard good things about Katadyn Micropur Purification Tablets. You can get a 20-pack at REI for $9.95
4. Know the Landscape – Knowing where to find water is key, especially on all day hunts or in a survival situation. Make sure to study the area as much as possible so you know of various water sources if needed.

While hunting smaller tracts of land in the midwest, I never had to worry about bringing gallons of water or purification tablets for everyday hunting. You simply head back to the house to grab water or pack a smaller water bottle for the day and you’re good! Your really have to think differently when entering such vast and treacherous terrain.

I hope this highlighted a few things about my experience with hydration levels in a dry climate and how you can better prepare yourself for an extended hiking or hunting trip in the mountains!

-Adam