Fall is in the air: the leaves are starting to turn, the mornings are crisp and cool, and a cup of hot chocolate or cider is starting to sound better and better as the heat of summer recedes. And with the change in the weather often comes the realization that hunting season is nearly upon us!
If you’re like most hunters, you have a mile-long checklist that you need to complete in order to be prepared for your hunt – and it’s never too early to start. Sighting in your bow or rifle, getting in plenty of practice at the range, checking all of your gear and clothing to make sure it’s in good working condition, getting pack animals ready, studying your area – does this sound familiar? The getting-ready process is a universal part of the hunting experience.
But does making sure your body is ready end up on your list? If not, it really should.
Hunting is a physically demanding and intense activity across the board. Whether you’re in a stand waiting for whitetail or trekking miles across rough backcountry in search of elk or moose, the hunt takes a toll on your body. Ensuring you’re physically prepared will lessen your chances of injuring yourself in the backcountry while filling that tag – which not only can save you a lot of pain, but depending on the circumstances, could actually save your life. Many tense survival situations start with an injury – and the best way to survive a survival situation is to avoid getting into it in the first place.
The best way to prepare for your hunt is to try and keep your body in good shape year-round. You don’t have to train like a marathon runner – simply putting in a little time every day on the treadmill or elliptical can have a wealth of benefits for your body that will translate into a much better hunt during the fall. If you don’t like using exercise equipment, enjoy a brisk morning or evening walk every day.
If you’re experiencing pain, please come see us! We’ll check it out, get to the root of the issue, and try to resolve or mitigate the issues before your hunt.
Whether you’re out for an antelope, deer, elk, turkey, or any of Wyoming’s amazing game animals, it’s important to be pain-free so you can fully enjoy your hunting experience – and have the best chance of success. Don’t hesitate…it’s that time of year! Come see us before your hunt and we will help you get your body in the condition it needs to be in to succeed.
