There’s something extremely motivating about knowing you’ll be trecking through the rugged Rocky Mountains in the fall after bull elk. I’ve been diligently working out and cleaning up my nutrition as I chose to use my many accumulated bonus points on a limited draw non-resident muzzleloader elk tag this year. My back injury from college baseball makes me very cautious with my back, so I limit my running. I usually do one six mile run per week, one speed workout on the treadmill, and 2-3 long hikes. I also lift weights and do various strength training exercises with bands 3-4 times a week. As my hunt gets closer, I incorporate more weighted pack hikes so my shoulders are ready for the loads as well.
Even though I’ll be shooting a sweet new custom muzzleloader from my friends at Ultimate Firearms (a client of mine), this will be a mostly primitive setup. Sabots, scopes, and pelletized powder are not allowed, so I’m practicing with a peep site and granulated powder. I was pleasantly surprised to be knocking them in there pretty well at 100 yards after not having shot open sights in many years. Thanks Randy and KJ for the day at the range last week!
I’ll keep posting my progress throughout the summer as I get ready. What are you getting ready for?