I recently had dinner with a friend visiting from Montana. The talk inevitably included the topics of fishing and hunting. She asked me if I had ever eaten wild game, and I told her I had a bowhunting buddy who gifted me some elk meat last year. She responded that elk season was just around the corner back in Montana and that depending on the tag situation this year, she could possibly host me for my first-ever hunt. That got the old wheels turning, and I’ve had elk hunting on the brain ever since.
In thinking through possibly taking her up on her offer, I was poking around and found an article by Mia Anstine for the Beretta Blog. Mia and her husband run a hunting lodge/guide service in Colorado and she offers some great tips on preparing for a high mountain elk hunt.
There is nothing like chasing bugling bull elk up in the mountains. If you have ever been on a high mountain elk hunt, you know the type of shape you need to be in. If you haven’t been lucky enough to do such a hunt need to know what to be prepared for when you get there.
1. Prepare
When you are getting in shape for a high mountain hunt you have to consider several things. The air will be thinner so it will be harder to breathe. You will most likely be climbing steep un-even terrain. You will be carrying guns/bows, packs, binoculars and other gear. You have to be quick and quiet as you sneak up on an animal. Ultimately, you want to be in the best shape to perform at high elevations and still make an accurate, ethical shot on your target.
2. Be in shape
We all know how to get in shape. If you look around the internet, you will find thousands of methods. Choose the one that is your favorite, and like the Nike slogan says, “Just Do It”. Stay focused in cardio training, muscle strengthening, proper nutrition and always work on shooting form. If possible, train at a higher elevation. It will be helpful because your body will produce more red blood cells to help carry oxygen to your muscles. This is especially important when you will be hunting at an elevation where the air is thin and oxygen is hard to come by.
Photos: Mia Anstine for Beretta Blog
