Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Getting in Shape for Elk Hunting

By Andrew W John



If you are considering an elk hunt, you should already be aware of the fact that this is not something that you should undertake lightly. Elk hunting is not comparable to hunting things like whitetail deer for example. If you are on an elk hunt, you will be hunting under some fairly strenuous situations, and you want to be sure that whenever you sight your prey, you will not be so exhausted that you can't sight your rifle! Elk hunting is not a sport for those who are not physically in shape, and if you have an interest in hunting game this large, you should be aware of the need for fitness and working towards this goal well in advance of your hunt. Many hunters condition themselves all year round for an elk hunt and all of them are glad that, when the time comes, that they are in such good shape.

One of the prime reasons that such a degree of health is necessary when it comes to elk hunting is that the territory where elk range is so different from that where the elk hunters live. Elk live at fairly high altitudes and because of this, the air is significantly thinner where the elk roam. A hunter who comes and does not anticipate this fact will soon fall behind or even suffer from stress to his lungs and his body when he tries to adjust. When you are looking for a way to get in shape regarding your elk hunting this is something to keep in mind.

Another thing that you need to consider is the fact that elk roam a great deal more than deer do, and to get an elk , you should be prepared to walk quite a ways. While some elk hunts almost miraculously end just a few hours away from the lodge, others will last for weeks. You need to be prepared for the fact that the elk will not come to you; you need to walk to find them. The endurance that is necessary to trudge through miles and miles of mountain trails and get through the underbrush is one of the things that make elk hunting the physical challenge that it is.

When you are conditioning for your hunt, remember that above anything else that you do, you need keep your workout regimen varied. If you do the same exercises day after day, you'll find that after a surprisingly short amount of time, you will get used to it. More important than the feeling that you have gotten stronger however, is the fact that you have plateaued. Some people do twenty mile bike rides to prepare, while others make running triathlons part of their conditioning. While consulting with other hunters is the best way to get started, remember that you are the one who knows your body the best and that you are the one who can figure out what works best.

Make sure that your first elk hunt isn't your last. Get in shape and make sure that if necessary you can go as long as it takes to bag that trophy.

If you would like to experience a truly once in a lifetime wilderness elk hunt, we invite to visit our site to find out more about Kohls Outfitting and to download our free Guide To Elk Hunting.

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