Staying physically fit, as David Ray emphasizes, not only enhances your overall hunting experience but can also be the key factor in seizing those fleeting opportunities that lead to a successful harvest.

Whether you are hauling 100-lb packs full of meat out of the backcountry or dragging a deer to the truck from the far side of your favorite back 40, being in physically good shape will always be beneficial to the enjoyment of every aspect of the hunt. Yet, despite the simplicity of implementing a regular exercise program and healthy eating routine, doing so remains a difficult task for many. But why? In my non-professional opinion, I believe that unless we have a motivating factor to do so, it is simply easier to be complacent with our health in the fast-paced world we live in. So, what’s your motivator?

For me, and I imagine a heap of other dedicated hunters across the country, my motivation is 100-percent driven by the thought of an opportunity at a buck or bull slipping through my fingertips because of my own physical limitations. Being in shape allows me to go further, hunt harder, and stay longer, opening up exponentially more opportunities for success than hunters unable to do so. I am not saying that you can’t punch your tag from your side by side or with limited physical exertion, it happens often. But without a doubt, being in good physical standing opens the doors for a more successful and enjoyable hunt.

Before I go any further, in no way, shape or form am I hinting that you need to look like the Hulk or be able to run a sub five-minute mile to be a successful hunter. In fact, physically preparing for the upcoming season doesn’t even require a gym membership or fancy equipment, though that doesn’t hurt either. Some of the most physically fit and successful hunters I know sport a modest dad-bod physique at best. Yet, they prepare year-round by regularly completing small and simple tasks that better their physical conditioning and propels their success in the field.

The term “functional fitness” is extremely applicable to this undertaking. Below are several functional tips that can be easily implemented into your regular routine that will put you in a better position this fall to capitalize on a big buck or bull.

**It is worth noting that in no way shape or form am I a physical trainer or nutritionist. However, I do spend 100-plus days afield guiding elk and mule deer hunters and pursuing animals myself across the West. Doing so day-in and day-out requires a fairly high level of physical fitness to which I am conscious about and specifically train for throughout the year while rarely, if ever, stepping foot in an actual gym.

Move

“If you’re not moving forward, you’re falling backwards,” has always been a general life rule pounded into my sub-conscience from the time I was a young boy. This mentality 100-percent applies to our own personal fitness. Regardless of what your current level of physical fitness is, simply moving throughout the day is the first step to bettering your cardiovascular health. Depending on your occupation, this can vary drastically person to person but look for opportunities to move. Park in the back of a parking lot and walk into the store, use the stairs instead of the elevators and go for a walk when you get home. We all have smart phones and or watches that track our daily steps. Start by setting a goal of hitting 10,000 steps a day and increase from there. Sounds simple, but doing so undoubtedly puts you ahead of the curve this fall.

Train like a hunter

Set aside at least one or two mornings and/or evenings a week during the spring and summer to hit a trailhead and get some vertical cardio in. Elevation gain works a whole new set of muscles to which you will benefit greatly from them being in tip top shape, especially when hunting the West. When doing so, always shoulder your hunting pack to simulate your time in the field. Start light and gradually add more weight to your pack as the season draws near. Slowly but surely, you will build an increased level of endurance for going further and having the strength to haul out heavy laden loads of precious protein.

If a trailhead is unavailable, don’t be afraid to throw your pack on at the gym and jump on the Stairmaster or even put some miles down on a dirt road loaded down with some extra weight in the pack. Remember, anything is better than nothing! Make the most with what you have.

Strength

The ability to bench press 300 lbs. may look cool in the gym but is rendered near useless in the backcountry. With that said, strength is never a bad thing, especially lower body strength. Whether at home or in a gym, focus on exercises that target your legs, core and back. Doing so unquestionably gives you an advantage when covering ground is necessary and hauling out heavy loads is required. And for the record, do not neglect your upper body, just avoid that being your focus if you are specifically training to be a more efficient hunter.

Nutrition

Without diving into the weeds of nutrition, suffice it to say that our diet plays a massive role in our overall health. One Google search and you are inundated with a smorgasbord of the latest and greatest diets guaranteed to shed unwanted fat and get you that shredded summer bod. However, the reality is that everyone is different and what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa. Figure out what works best for you while keeping your diet as simple as possible. For me, I avoid processed foods as much as possible and lean heavily into animal-based products with an emphasis put on meat, eggs, cheese, etc., while also mixing in a healthy supply of fruit and some veggies. It works for me. Figure out what works best for you and run with it.

Story time

After several hours of glassing, a mature buck fed out of the dense oak choked draw and into a small clearing at the head of the steep face. One glance through the spotter revealed he was crowned with an impressive rack and the game plan was put in motion. Only problem, he was just over a mile away with no way to cut the distance besides climbing the steep, snow-covered hillside between us. He was also currently feeding in the only opening on the entire face. If he moved 20 yards in any direction, the buck would be gone. Time was of the essence. Lungs burning and legs screaming, I pushed through the pain, climbing 1,515 vertical feet in just under a mile. Catching my breath, I peeked over the rise. The unsuspecting buck was still there, though dangerously close to disappearing into the tree line. I settled my breathing, built an adequate shooting rest and acquired my target. The unmistakable audible report of my bullet finding its mark was music to my ears. Upon closer inspection, it dawned on me that I had just killed the biggest mule deer of my life, narrowly missing the magical 200-inch mark. Had I not been in tip top physical shape, there isn’t a snowballs chance in hell I would have been able to climb that mountain in time, get a shot off and hang my tag on the biggest buck of my life.

You will never regret the little extra effort to exercise regularly and eat healthy. Keep it simple and always remember that anything is better than nothing. And, it just may open up the door for you to kill the biggest buck or bull of your life this fall.