Anybody do anything troughout the season to keep the body going? I go at it pretty hard and log a lot of time on my feet and body through the season. I guess I'm getting up there in age or something lol. I just about have to roll to my stand late in the season. And I guess I would classify myself in above average shape. Just something about the miles, climbing, dragging etc... that wears me down towards the end. Anybody do anything to keep your stamina/ energy level up? Power bars, shakes, foods etc...???
What works for me...staying active and in shape via daily exercise, good nutrition, and good night rest.
I eat extremely healthy during the work week (cause I know I'll be eating crappier on the weekends).. drink plenty of water (like 70 ounces plus a day).. and chase a 16 month old around. Diet first and foremost is the best thing anyone can do for energy.. I drink lots of fluids and eat plenty of fruits and veggies nearly staying completely away from items with artificial flavoring or preservatives. I laso don't eat beef which is a big plus. Although I do this all 365 days a year.. I kick it up a notch during the work week of deer season in prep for faster meals I know will take place on the weekends. I'm only 31.. but can run like I'm 21.
I sleep when i can. Working 24 hour shifts AND being on call 24/7 for the Fire Department means i have no sleep schedule. Some days i might sleep all day and be up all night, other the opposite. Most of the time, i sleep in 2-3 hour intervals throughout the day. Caffeine keeps me awake.
Nothing special other than diet and trying to watch it. This year has proved to be very demanding all ready as I am trying to get through the season and have a tatal knee replacement early next year. It's bone on bone now and those hills with a treestand and everything else is kicking my ass. Still young at 62 but the hunting partners make you feel old by constantly turning around and waiting on me asking "You ok" while walking in and out. They are a big help though.
I maintain my usual diet. I treat hunting like most people treat football. I lift weights - both powerlifting and Olympic lifting, run hills, take supplements, everything during the off season. During actual hunting season, I just don't have the energy to go give a weight room everything I've got. These mountains are steep, walking 100 yards in them feels like jogging a mile. Your legs feel tired, you got dizzy if you do it too quickly, and you are extremely sore the next day. My time is dedicated to the mountains and the target during hunting season.
I hit the treadmill pretty hard. I'm a 55 year old professional firefighter. I've got to stay in shape!
Eating right, lots of treadmill time, and plenty of sleep. Also lots of anxious energy in knowing I get to whoop Bambi's A$$!!!
Mental toughness is my main thing. We spot and stalk out here in Arizona. I hike as much as i can, bike when the sun isnt blazing, and do modified rifle drills (from my military days), with my bow in my hands. I have a knee that literally needs replaced (just had another MRI on it last week and doc is talking about another scope surgery) so I cant get out and climb like I used to. I have had to drastically cut my pack weight, which makes a world of difference when hiking in to a hunt. I have never sat in a tree stand, so I dont know anything about staying in shape for something like that.
Take a day off hunting every 3-4 days. Go home after work and just eat some good food before sleeping hard. When things get out of control and stressful, just bring it back to the basics to recharge your batteries.
You sissy. Hunting is easy. Buck up and quit your whining !! That golf course is making you soft. Tim
I've never been worn down from tree stand hunting. Mostly due to a mandatory nap following most morning hunts.
. yeah me too.... would be nice to be able to get my legs through knee deep snow at the end of the season though. . Would be nice, but not an option.
