Training for hill country

[Buckfever]

This year the nest is empty and I'm hoping to get back to it. So without needing to get back home early, I want to focus my effort on the public land hill country that is a little further away. So I got out there post season earlier this year and discovered that I'm a good bit older and traversing those hills and ravines is no joke. Seriously wondered how long I could do this let alone how I could pull a deer out of there. So this year I started in April twice a week going up and down a sledding hill. First walking with a pack but for the last 2 months running up and down working up to about an hour of running up and down the hill. Last week I went to pull the cards on the cams I had set for a 2 month soak and let me tell you my legs were laughing at those hills.

So don't let a little bit of hill training stand in the way of getting to some good hunting in the remote hill country.

[Zap]

[kenn1320]

You did it right. I trained by carrying my stand on my back with a 25lb plate attached to it, along with carrying a 3lb weight to simulate my bow. I would walk several miles 2-3 times a wk and when I got to the hills I failed. It takes climbing hills to condition for hills!

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[Jackson Marsh]

Hill sprints are one of the best ways to REALLY get into shape. On a hot humid day I am gasping for breath in no time.

[ Post made via Android ]

[Milk Weed Seed]

Hiking with a heavy pack and mountain biking are great too. Good luck! Feels great to be king of the mountain

[PK_]

Hill sprints are one of the best ways to REALLY get into shape. On a hot humid day I am gasping for breath in no time.

[ Post made via Android ]

Yes, and they minimize the impact on your knees. If you are like me and do not have 'hills' anywhere within hundreds of miles, stair bounds are a great alternative.

[Stanley]

Those hills are killer for sure. I exercise 30 minutes every day minimum. When I get into the hills I am gassed easy, the first few times out. I have to take my time rest a lot and go some more. I try and go at a pace where my legs don't burn. I'm just too stinking old to go fast. I find it the worst when the new batch of leaves hits the timber floor. Now it's slippery to boot.

[mtmaggard]

I just got crushed by some rough hill country where I went in unprepared/out of shape with a stand + 5 sticks, simple pack, and bow. I knew i was in for a tough hike but had no idea how hard it was going to be.

An exercise plan is in the works now to get ready to try and hunt this spot at some point this season. It may be late but it cant hurt to start now.

[Southern Man]

This year the nest is empty and I'm hoping to get back to it. So without needing to get back home early, I want to focus my effort on the public land hill country that is a little further away. So I got out there post season earlier this year and discovered that I'm a good bit older and traversing those hills and ravines is no joke. Seriously wondered how long I could do this let alone how I could pull a deer out of there. So this year I started in April twice a week going up and down a sledding hill. First walking with a pack but for the last 2 months running up and down working up to about an hour of running up and down the hill. Last week I went to pull the cards on the cams I had set for a 2 month soak and let me tell you my legs were laughing at those hills.

So don't let a little bit of hill training stand in the way of getting to some good hunting in the remote hill country.

Go George go. You know I'd have figured you would be in pretty good shape after those marathon runs. Age has a way of creepin in.

[E72]

This year the nest is empty and I'm hoping to get back to it. So without needing to get back home early, I want to focus my effort on the public land hill country that is a little further away. So I got out there post season earlier this year and discovered that I'm a good bit older and traversing those hills and ravines is no joke. Seriously wondered how long I could do this let alone how I could pull a deer out of there. So this year I started in April twice a week going up and down a sledding hill. First walking with a pack but for the last 2 months running up and down working up to about an hour of running up and down the hill. Last week I went to pull the cards on the cams I had set for a 2 month soak and let me tell you my legs were laughing at those hills.

So don't let a little bit of hill training stand in the way of getting to some good hunting in the remote hill country.

Im right there with you. I can run stairs at work , box jumps , body squats and lunges. At home, some light weight work and incline treadmill with a weighted pack. Not the same as being out there but I know how those hills can beat you up , so do what you can to be ready.

[Beartown18]

I usually run on the treadmill with the biggest incline because all I have are hills here, works well for me.