Got a hunt off a lifetime today

[tree_ghost]

Congrats on being rewarded for your hard work! Im beyond jealous. I once got a pen, with the agencies name on it

A daily run with a 60lb pack sounds like a sure way to ruin your future elk hunt. Ive hunted/backpacked out West for a solid decade and not once can I ever remember running with a 60lb pack.

If your lung capacity is solid and your baseline fitness is above average, then the only thing IMO to combat elevation is time and hydration. Take your time, acclimate and drink plenty of fluids. Ive hit a few 12-14k peaks before and everyone one of them has been tough, you simply don't have enough air to suck. But, I took my time and allowed a couple days to acclimate before I "pushed" it.
Just last month we were in WY at 10k, my wife had a horrible elevation headache for the first day. First time its ever hit her, you just never know.

60lbs on your back is A LOT, especially with a subpar pack. I have a quality pack and Ive loaded it down a few times, North of 70lbs, and it sucks. Im normally below 50lbs packing in for overnight hunts/trips.

Whatever you do make sure to keep us in the loop. I love these adventures!

Good to know. Yeah I'm in good physical shape my thinking on the pack was to improve lung capacity. Maybe I should try jogging with one of those air breathing deals that limits your oxygen intake? I've been to high elevations several times hiking and it's never seemed to bother me but having a huge addrenaline dump from an encounter and then possibly having to make a move and really push myself is a completely different deal. I'm debating on what video/camera Equipment to bring to document my adventure. I don't want to stress myself out trying to self film but I am considering a stabilizer cam and probably my DSLR for still shots and video when not in pursuit of the elk. What do you think?

 

[tellico4x4]

AT nailed it!!!

Chapstick, nasal saline & lotion for split cuticles. Way dry out there.

I'd worry about filming & camera once you get one on the ground. Keep it simple, enjoy being there & the hunt.

 

[AT Hiker]

What helps me, not just elevation but any long distance hiking, is interval training. Of course some weight training of the core is extremely beneficial but I find for me I'd rather have optimal max V02 vs be overly strong.
Dont get me wrong, I feel like you need to be strong enough to load 70lbs+ on your back and get your gear/meat out through nasty terrain. But, I also feel it's more important to be able to push through fatigue and be at the top of your game when it's needed at the most unexpected time. Last thing I want to happen is not make it over the rise to take a shot because I'm tired or not be able to control my breathing after hoofing it up 1k' elevation gain in a 1/4mile climb.

Sounds like your in great shape, so maybe fine tune your cardio while keeping your strength up. Take your time to acclimate and drink plenty of fluids and you'll kill it.

As for documenting your hunt. I say take all the video and pics you can but I wouldn't let it interfere with your experience. Maybe take turns with your partner capturing each other in the environment. Those candid shots you take of each other seem to capture something special.

For example; my wife was chillin and reading a book on the other shore from me while I was throwing a fly for Brook trout in a Alpine lake last month. She took it upon herself to take a pic without me even knowing about it. I'm glad she did because I'm able to see the beauty of where we were and all the "selfies" we took or planned tripod shots just didn't capture the full moment.

 

[AT Hiker]

I was invited to tag along and help pack out meat for a premium WY high desert elk hunt this fall.
Im 5'10" 183lbs and turning 40 in October.
Ive been doing a solid 30 min stair climb routine at the gym a few days a week. I also alternate some heavy KBs into a HIIT routine couple days a week. I'll do 100 burpees for time, shooting to get back below 10min in the next few weeks, 2-3 times a month.
I'll also do a lite deadlift routine with push-ups and chinups, sub backsquats out for deadlifts ton random days and so some thrusters and seal man makers. All of them make me suck air and build my endurance.
Im strong enough to carry my fair share and im not committed enough to increase my capacity for what would equate to a small, but brutal aspect of the hunt. Could I be stronger, yes, it's just I feel endurance is what gets me through the day.
Plus, I want to do this crazy stuff till I die at a old age. So heart and lung health is my priority with average weight training I feel like that's what is best for me. sure, mark rippotoe could probably back squat an elk but I could probably get to one and kill it before he got done with his morning stretch!

Glad Poser ain't in here anymore, he would disagree with me…even though I can beat him up the mountain

 

[TNRAMBLINGMAN]

Well I can't brag on my employer enough right now…as a token of appreciation for our efforts they are sending me and 2 good friends, who are coworkers, on a fully furnished elk hunt next September! It is with Banded Peak Ranch Outfitters in Chromo Co. Their ranch encompasses the head waters of the Navajo River and from the pictures the views will be incredible! It will be a guided, early archery hunt. I've never been out west to hunt but I've always dreamed of it. I'm on cloud 9 right now. I'm very glad to have 1 year worth of prep time ahead of it. I have no experience with western hunting so I will take all advice you have to offer, especially when it comes to gear! Man this has been a freaking awesome week!!!!!!

 

[TNRAMBLINGMAN]

Congrats! that is an outstanding location and hunt.

 

[Joe2Kool]

I'm gonna start running with a 60lb pack on my back daily. I am doing the 10 mile Spartan race in October. That will be my 5th one. I'm in good shape but elevation can really mess with a flat lander lol

You'll be fine!!

 

[Joe2Kool]

I took a CO elk hunt in 2011. - 8-11,000 feet Talking to the outfitter in March before the hunt, he said the better shape I was in, the better off I'd be, I told him "I just ran a marathon, it's not getting any better." If you're running 10 mile Spartan races, you'll be fine! Elevation will have an impact, but probably not much. Good luck and post pics!

 

[elboe805]

Man that's awesome!

 

[kamml]

Great employer, and a great hunt. Wow!

 

[tree_ghost]

Really getting excited about this thing. I'm going to improve on my optics. I have 8x40 optilogic binos now which I love. They could use some factory reconditioning but I have entertained the idea of a spotting scope. It wouldn't be used a ton, aside from this hunt or others I take like it in the future, except for scouting bean fields in the summer here at home. I'm planning to follow the other thread closely to see what everyone is recommending. For guys who have done this before do you recommend a hydration bladder in my pack (eberlestock x2) or a canteen?

 

[AT Hiker]

I use both bladder and a wide mouth bottle. Usually just buy a wide mouth throw away bottle and reuse it multiple times during the trip. Wide mouth nalgene is good too but I seem to loose them. Pumping filtered water into a wide mouth is easy and you can also mix up some electrolytes.
Downside to a bottle is to make sure you have a outside pouch to easily store and grab, which sometimes is how I loose one.

I do use a bladder most times too. Its super easy to have the hose attached to your straps and its quick to take a sip. Of course you have issues with leaking, freezing and filling it up.

 

[wjohnson1983]

So ATHiker and I try to hunt together out west whenever we can, and yes he runs circles around me until it's time to pack meat.

I've lost 20 pounds so far for this fall and I'm still 6'2 255. I like lifting weights and hate cardio, but I know it's a necessary evil. I alternate between lifting, stairclimber, and walking in the neighborhood. For my neighborhood it's 2.6 miles, and I hike with a 50 lb sandbag in my hunting pack. Weights. Murder your legs twice a weeksquats, lunges, deadlifts, and stair climber.

My family likes to hike on weekends, and I'll carry my 2 y/o in a hiking backpack as well.

You really can't prepare enough in flat land here. I was sucking wind at the top of the first ridge thinking what have I done. Pointers:

A lot of its mental. You're going to have to keep pushing when you're sore and tired. Packing out meat 5 miles sucks in the moment, but it's only temporary.

Take care of your feet. I didn't put my liner socks on and we did 12 miles first day, first trip and my feet were shot with blisters for the rest of the week. Duct tape on the trekking poles.

Hydrate more than you think you need to

Make sure your pack fits right! My pack wasn't right, and I had more weight on shoulders than hips. Doesn't feel good. Finally got that problem solved, but not until packing 1/2 an antelope 2 miles and not being able to lift my arms afterwards.

 

[Deer Assassin]

That is one way to retain 3 employees for a year.

yep

 

[JArender]

it's a beautiful ranch! when I hunted there a few years ago they ran it as two separate camps. lower( by the gate) and an upper, where I was. Dennis Shultz (shootz) was the head guide of the upper camp. That was his last year guiding there. I thing he stayed on as ranch manager but i'm not sure. what I do know is you want to be as close to the boundary of the two camps (friend i went with hunted there several years first gun and may stil???) if on the upper camp any where around elephant rock is awesome!

 

[tree_ghost]

I use both bladder and a wide mouth bottle. Usually just buy a wide mouth throw away bottle and reuse it multiple times during the trip. Wide mouth nalgene is good too but I seem to loose them. Pumping filtered water into a wide mouth is easy and you can also mix up some electrolytes.
Downside to a bottle is to make sure you have a outside pouch to easily store and grab, which sometimes is how I loose one.

I do use a bladder most times too. Its super easy to have the hose attached to your straps and its quick to take a sip. Of course you have issues with leaking, freezing and filling it up.

This is good info. I'll pack both a bladder and a bottle. The eberlestock x2 pack I have has easy access for a wide mouth bottle on the side and that's a great idea on the electrolyte packs I hadn't thought of!

 

[tree_ghost]

So ATHiker and I try to hunt together out west whenever we can, and yes he runs circles around me until it's time to pack meat.

I've lost 20 pounds so far for this fall and I'm still 6'2 255. I like lifting weights and hate cardio, but I know it's a necessary evil. I alternate between lifting, stairclimber, and walking in the neighborhood. For my neighborhood it's 2.6 miles, and I hike with a 50 lb sandbag in my hunting pack. Weights. Murder your legs twice a weeksquats, lunges, deadlifts, and stair climber.

My family likes to hike on weekends, and I'll carry my 2 y/o in a hiking backpack as well.

You really can't prepare enough in flat land here. I was sucking wind at the top of the first ridge thinking what have I done. Pointers:

A lot of its mental. You're going to have to keep pushing when you're sore and tired. Packing out meat 5 miles sucks in the moment, but it's only temporary.

Take care of your feet. I didn't put my liner socks on and we did 12 miles first day, first trip and my feet were shot with blisters for the rest of the week. Duct tape on the trekking poles.

Hydrate more than you think you need to

Make sure your pack fits right! My pack wasn't right, and I had more weight on shoulders than hips. Doesn't feel good. Finally got that problem solved, but not until packing 1/2 an antelope 2 miles and not being able to lift my arms afterwards.

I'm with you on the weight lifting Johnson! I've never been a huge cardio guy I was always the one who wanted to try and lift the entire gym but that was back a few years ago when my testosterone was through the roof and before I began feeling the effects of heavy weight on my body…I was 5'8" and 215lb at around 12% BF. Since then I've really tried to focus on functional strength and cardio. I'm down currently at 180lb and about 8% BF. I have a pair of 25lb dumbbells that I do all sorts of unorthodox exercises with but like you said being here in Christiana it's as flat as a pancake and you just can't tax your body the way extreme elevation change can. We were in Manatou Springs Co a couple years ago and I did "The Incline" with my wife one morning. My butt was sucking wind trying like all get out to look "macho" and this gal comes flying up behind us with a 30lb bag of sand on her shoulder! She paused for a second and said "y'all ok?" I said "oh yeah just taking in the scenery! (I was trying not to die lol) I'll see you at the top" she half smiled half smirked at me and said "probably not" then cut out like a banshee straight up!!

 

[tree_ghost]

it's a beautiful ranch! when I hunted there a few years ago they ran it as two separate camps. lower( by the gate) and an upper, where I was. Dennis Shultz (shootz) was the head guide of the upper camp. That was his last year guiding there. I thing he stayed on as ranch manager but i'm not sure. what I do know is you want to be as close to the boundary of the two camps (friend i went with hunted there several years first gun and may stil???) if on the upper camp any where around elephant rock is awesome!

View attachment 112375

Man the place is beautiful. I have the good fortune that one of my buddies going used to be a guide there. He actually grew up with the kid who's family now owns the ranch and his brother bud now head guide! So I'm really hoping we get the red carpet rolled out for the premium spots! If
You or your buddies are going next year for early archery disregard that last sentence lol… what can I expect after a kill as far as packing out goes? I have an X2 pack that I plan on taking but if I need to upgrade due to a major haul out situation then I have no problem doing it.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

I also use both a bladder and water bottle. I always drink the bladder first, so I know how much water I have left in case I have to ration it. I've also switched from hard sided water bottles to Vapur bottles so I can squeeze the air out and don't have to deal with them "sloshing" when half drunk.

Amazon product ASIN B07H2HSPJ4

 

[tree_ghost]

I also use both a bladder and water bottle. I always drink the bladder first, so I know how much water I have left in case I have to ration it. I've also switched from hard sided water bottles to Vapur bottles so I can squeeze the air out and don't have to deal with them "sloshing" when half drunk.

Amazon product ASIN B07H2HSPJ4

That's a nifty little canteen right there!