24 February Getting Physical on Big Game Hunting February 24, 2020By George McQuiston (blog) Announcements, General Information Elk Hunts, Idaho Hunts, Mule Deer Hunts 0 Physically-fit hunters have a much better chance of tagging a trophy in mountainous country than hunters who are not physically fit. That was my grand epiphany after my first week of elk and deer hunting in Idaho—having moved here from flat land. My sentiments echo those of Walt Prothero, who in his book, Mule Deer Quest, opens the section on “Getting Ready” with, “I view physical conditioning as the most important aspect of getting ready [to hunt deer in the West].” I couldn’t agree more. I was so sore and miserable that first week I hunted Idaho that I had doubts whether I could continue hunting here in the future. Not to mention I was extremely limited in how far I could walk and how steep I could climb. I knew I had to do something to get in shape, but didn’t know how, so I joined a gym shortly after season and hired a professional trainer. We went over my objectives, which were basically to increase stamina and leg strength, lose weight, and enhance balance so I wasn’t falling down so often. By the next fall I had lost 40 pounds and was enjoying every minute in the mountains; not to mention, I could now walk farther and climb steeper. If you’re really serious about hunting out West, and you don’t have a background in physical fitness, you might consider working with a professional trainer, at least long enough to get you going. If not, you could end up doing more harm than good by training incorrectly, especially for those over 40. For me personally, having a trainer to report to every week pushes me to improve. I’m not here to provide instructions on how to get in shape before you hunt out West, I’m saying you must get in shape to effectively hunt the West. You’ll never regret it. Good hunting, Joe Cavanaugh Related Posts Idaho Fish & Game Commission Extends Wolf Hunting and Trapping Seasons Idaho Fish and Game recently extended wolf hunting seasons, opened more areas to wolf trapping and extended trapping seasons over most of the state. Changes went into effect immediately on February 20, 2020. Wolf hunting season in Frank Church Wilderness game units 20A, 26, and 27 has been extended by one month. 2010 Idaho Hunting Season Comes to a Close Hunting season in Idaho’s backcountry unit 27 comes to an official close on November 18 and this year the snow began to roll in about then. So after 2 days of packing out camp it was time to chain up and haul livestock over the pass to winter quarters and begin the drying out of tents, tack and equipment. Riding in to pack camp after the last hunter leaves is always sort of a bitter sweet journey. The 2016 Idaho fall hunting seasons are almost here We are just a few short days away from the 2016 fall hunting season here in Idaho. August 30 is the opener of most fall bear hunting units along with statewide general archery season for elk and deer. Here in Central Idaho’s wilderness backcountry units, we are fortunate to enjoy a two-month long rifle season, so our first opener is bear season and we are getting ready. Our first baits have now been set, camps are getting readied, and firewood is being cut and stacked and come next Tuesday we will welcome our first fall 2016 hunters here at Wild Idaho Outfitters. Hunting News Idaho Fish and Game has established a new page on its website to provide you with information concerning changes in hunting/fishing regs or dates due to COVID-19. So far so good, as there are no drastic changes. “Traditional hunting and fishing seasons remain unaffected.” Bear Hunting with Our Next Generation I had an exceedingly refreshing hunting experience this past spring-bear season. In camp we had 2 youths; one was a 12-year-old boy, Austin, who was hunting with his father, the other was my 18-year-old daughter, Suzy, who was our camp cook. Clarification on Idaho Fish & Game Nonresident License/Tag Suspension There’s been some confusion about the temporary suspension of some nonresident licenses, permits, and tags sales by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission, due to COVID-19. So, let me clarify as far as big-game licenses and tags are concerned. Comment (0) Comments are closed.