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Does Working Out Really Make You a Better Bowhunter?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by Bowhunting.com Staff, Jun 25, 2018.

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  1. LittleChief

    LittleChief Administrator

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    My answer is for the average hunter no, it doesn't make you a better hunter. It just makes you a hunter who is in better shape.

    In early 2014 I started running and working out. I dropped 50 pounds in short order and in 2016 I ran a full marathon.

    Sure, I could hoof it to my stand much easier and climb with less effort, but it didn't help my hunting at all.

    In fact it hurt my hunting because of all the time I had to devote to the training regimen but that is an extreme example.

    I hung up my runnimg shoes shortly after that marathon due to health issues, didn't work out or run much at all in 2017 and I had my best season ever.
     
    LittleChief, Jun 28, 2018
    #21
  3. BowCommander

    BowCommander Weekend Warrior

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    I don't think it would make you a better hunter as in instincts, knowledge of the outdoors, shooting accuracy and so forth, but there are SO many ways being in shape makes you better fit to hunt. Here in West Virginia if you're not in shape these mountains will absolutely whoop your butt.

    Upper body strength goes a long way with dragging deer, being able to comfortably stay at full draw and so forth, but lower body strength and endurance is absolutely crucial here. Most people that get the biggest deer are the ones willing to go where no one else goes and that's because those people aren't in good enough shape to get there.
     
    BowCommander, Jun 29, 2018
    #22
  4. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

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    Absolutely. Working out makes you better at everything.
     
    Shocker99, Jun 29, 2018
    #23
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  5. Westfinger

    Westfinger Grizzled Veteran

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    There are no downsides to being strong, fit and healthy. It blows my mind that anyone would chose not to be.
     
    Westfinger, Jun 30, 2018
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  6. Fix

    Fix Grizzled Veteran

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    It may just be me but, since I began hitting the gym i have noticed my focus level sky rocket. Again, it may be isolated incident but besides a steadier draw cycle and hold I also seem to hold still longer and razor focus whilst in alert.
     
    Fix, Jul 1, 2018
    #25
  7. Jake/PA

    Jake/PA Grizzled Veteran

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    It makes me a better person, so yes to hunting as well.
     
    Jake/PA, Jul 3, 2018
    #26
  8. SharpEyeSam

    SharpEyeSam Legendary Woodsman

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    Yes it does! Especially when you self-film. There is a lot of gear to carry in the woods. If, you have a lone walk in, it can take a lot out of you. Being out of shape, it take your body longer to return to your normal heart rate when you get to and climb into your stand. I notice a big difference when I train before hunting season.
     
    SharpEyeSam, Jul 5, 2018
    #27
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