3 Keys to Prepare for an Upcoming Hunt
It’s the home stretch! Elk hunting seasons are right around the corner. That means it’s time to get serious and do some final preparations before the season arrives. Getting ready in the final weeks leading into the season is half the fun. Preparation and anticipation are exciting elements that play into every great hunting experience.
Here are three areas you can focus on as you stoke the fire for your upcoming hunt:
1. Get Your Gear Ready
Organizing, testing and preparing gear is a fun part of every hunt prep process. Lay out everything from your boots to your rifle or bow and make an inventory list. Start your checklist now and continue adding to it in the weeks leading up to your hunt. Creating a checklist helps make sure you don’t forget any small but critical items. For more ideas on creating a checklist, see our previous article on that subject.
After running through everything, go ahead and load your pack and work through different configurations to adjust the load. Your optics should be quickly accessible without interfering with your weapon. The bulk of the weight in your daypack should be close to your torso and riding squarely on your back. See our previous article with more tips on how to load your daypack for a guided hunt.
After everything is loaded, take a few hikes with your pack while wearing your hunting clothing. Make sure everything feels good and that your boots are broken in and comfortable. Run through your routine for setting up to glass. Get familiar with your pack and the location of all your gear within the pack. When it comes time to hunt, familiarity with your gear will help you be more efficient and effective in the field.
2. Prep Your Weapon
Fine-tuning your firearm or bow should begin months ahead of the season. Hopefully, you’ve sighted in and have been shooting whenever possible. Leading up to the hunt, running a few arrows through your bow everyday is a good idea to stay sharp. Check all the connections, screws and moving parts and maintain your string.
Rifle hunters should also continue consistent practice on a regular basis. You don’t need to go through boxes of shells. But hit the range every week just to stay sharp. If you have time to visit the range a few times a week leading up to your hunt, it will help build your confidence. Every time you shoot, wear your binocular harness, jacket and even your daypack. If you’re planning to use a bipod or shooting sticks, practice with those items. Most hunting guides can tell stories of how unfamiliarity with shooting accessories caused a missed opportunity.
3. Focus on Your Body
Physical preparation is important and you should be consistent, especially in those final weeks before the hunt. Stretch regularly, walk, jog, hike and do light weight training to keep your joints and muscles mobile and strong. Give an extra effort toward your diet too. Use wholesome foods to keep energy high and to keep your body feeling healthy.
In the final days leading up to your hunt, focus heavily on hydration as well. This is especially important if you’re coming from low elevation to a higher elevation area. It’s hard to overstate how much hydration can help with the adjustment to altitude. Drink lots of water before you leave home, during travel and throughout your stay in the high country. You body will have a much better time acclimating and performing during the hunt.
Contact Us With Questions
If you have questions about an upcoming trip and how to prepare, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re joining us on a hunt here in Colorado, we look forward to seeing you! If you’ll be hunting elsewhere this year, we hope you have a fun, safe and memorable season. Cheers to a great hunting season!