The Elk Mountain vs. You!

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, for those who hunted the elk mountains in 2018, how did you do physically? Were you able to get up and get at em each day, starting from day one? Did your conditioning allow you to hunt your target area each day, and, divert your course as necessary during the hunt to maximize your opportunities?

In short, how do you feel you did in 2018 vs. the elk mountains? Are you doing anything differently this year to prepare yourself for the rigors of your upcoming fall elk hunt?

[CoryTDF]

Started working out again in June. I shot a bull and a mule deer buck in late October and packed them both out myself. The bull was 4 miles from the road and the buck was 3 miles. It kicked my butt but it was nice to be in some kind of shape as I was able to completed the task. Camp was at the top of the mountain and all the packing was uphill

[cougforester]

Already started on hitting the gym harder. Never too early to start preparing. I pack a lot of salt to my cameras and hike a lot for work, so I'm comfortable with my stamina. Just want to build up strength and flexibility more.

Also planning on starting to dehydrate my own food so I eat and feel better while hiking to maintain higher energy during the trip.

[vandeman17]

I was happy with my conditioning. I hit the gym 6 days per week year around and go on numerous hikes all summer long. The one thing that I can't, and don't really want to recreate, is carry my dang bow.   

[Jonathan_S]

Never touched the mountains with an elk tag this year    I hunted elk in an area with max 50 ft elevation gain.

As much as I convince myself that I love the mountains, I wasn't saw when I could pack the elk out on flat ground.

[7mmfan]

Not good. It was adequate, and I was pleased that some old injuries didn't flare up, but in general, not good. Glad I killed my elk on the first day!

[X-Force]

Physical fitness is important but mental toughness gets you up each day and ready to slog again.

My elk hunt was 4.8, 4, 12.5, 25.1 and 22.3 miles on a 5 day trip. If i started the trip knowing i had 69 miles to cover in 5 days I probably would have stayed home but once in the thick of things being able to focus on small tasks helped me accomplish everything i was looking for in the hunt.

Memories are way better then the suck in the moment.

I noticed having BCAA's and a good multi vitamin made me feel better each day, less muscle fatigue, more energy. 

[jstone]

How much BCAA do you take a day?

[X-Force]

Between 5 g and 15 g depending on the workload. Im a fat kid without a lot of workout knowledge so someone on here should be able to say how much is desirable.

[blackveltbowhunter]

   Its only a mountain. Chew it up one step at a time. This was my best year in several fitness wise, I went into it peaking, and cant say I ever felt the fitness aspect was a factor at all. We spent 17 days in the back country, Including 3 solo days while my partner, who had tagged out had to wait at the truck till the last possible day.  I wish I could say it was enough, but the mistakes had nothing to do with fitness.

I will focus a little more on lower body flexibility this year. Otherwise stick with a regiment of crossfit style workouts, weight training, and hiking.

My diet in the backcountry saw good strides as I cut the vast majority of mountain house, and instead focused on dehydrated foods, and also cut most "bars" and processed sugars in favor of nuts and fats. Cut major weight, ( pack and body ) But energy levels and strength were well maintained. I will add more protein in the future as muscle breakdown does occur over that long of time.   

[vandeman17]

Between 5 g and 15 g depending on the workload. Im a fat kid without a lot of workout knowledge so someone on here should be able to say how much is desirable.

honestly, BCAA have been proven by multiple studies to have zero benefit to a person who eats even a remotely well balanced diet. If it were me, and I do it during early archery, I would get something that replaces electrolytes. I like it for that reason and also the flavor is a nice change from just water all the time.

[WSU]

Cardio and muscles were fine. My knees hurt bad and didn’t stop hurting completely for a few months. Not sure what do about that.

[theleo]

Well in 2018 for the first time in hunting in for 20 years I filled my tag opening day. I'd say I was adequately in shape for hunting, and excellent shape for being a camp b**ch. 

[Alchase]

Cardio and muscles were fine. My knees hurt bad and didn’t stop hurting completely for a few months. Not sure what do about that.

I give my dog Glucosamine and Chondroitin jerky chews for her joints.... 

Actually I have the same issue you have. After MCL surgeries on both knees, I can go weeks with no problem, then one or the other will tweek just a bit (usually while hiking uphill) and just be a constant aggravation for days. Not enough to make me want to quit, but enough to make you think, "is another couple of miles worth the hurt on the way back" 

[X-Force]

Between 5 g and 15 g depending on the workload. Im a fat kid without a lot of workout knowledge so someone on here should be able to say how much is desirable.

honestly, BCAA have been proven by multiple studies to have zero benefit to a person who eats even a remotely well balanced diet. If it were me, and I do it during early archery, I would get something that replaces electrolytes. I like it for that reason and also the flavor is a nice change from just water all the time.

You are probably correct. I’m not a nutritionist or a health nut... I know for me going from base line to 10+ miles a day and eating freeze dried meals/ backpacking food I feel better with BCAAs and my muscle fatigue and sourness has dropped considerably.