Hunting Fitness Training: Prepare the Right Way
When I first thought about hunting, I used to imagine sitting in a peaceful blind or a cozy camp, just waiting for the perfect shot. But that’s not the full story especially if you’re heading into the backcountry.
You want to know what separates a good hunter from a great one? It’s fitness.
And I’m not talking about bodybuilders flexing on Instagram. I’m talking about the kind of person who can carry 60 pounds of meat on their back and trek up a steep ridge after hiking for hours. The kind of person who can go ten miles over hills without complaining.
That’s what hunting fitness is. It’s what makes the difference between tapping out early and packing out a deer. If that sounds intense, that’s because it is. But with the right plan, you can get there.
Why Hunting Fitness Matters
Hunting is hard work. It’s physical, it’s mental, and if you’re not prepared, it will wear you down fast. One day in rough terrain with a heavy pack can be enough to wreck your knees, your back—or your chances of success.
This isn’t your average gym workout. Hunting fitness is about preparing your body for real conditions: climbing steep mountains, covering miles of uneven terrain, navigating through snow, mud, and brush, and carrying out hundreds of pounds of meat.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re guided elk in Utah or hunting mule deer in Colorado, being in shape gives you the edge.
The Three Core Areas of Hunting Fitness
To train effectively, focus on these three pillars:
1. Strength
You’ll need strength to lift your pack, drag game, and carry out meat. Prioritize exercises like:
Squats
Deadlifts
Step-ups
Weighted lunges
These will simulate the kind of full-body movements you’ll rely on during a hunt. Bonus: add a weighted backpack (30–50 lbs) to mimic your gear load.
2. Endurance
Strength without stamina won’t get you far. You need to be able to move for hours without crashing.
Ruck hikes with weight
Trail running
Biking
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
These build your cardiovascular base and help you recover quickly between big efforts.
3. Mobility
Many hunters overlook mobility, but how important is mobility while hunting? If your hips, knees, and shoulders aren’t mobile, you’re setting yourself up for pain or injury. Add mobility into your weekly plan, maybe some hip openers, foam rolling, shoulder rotation, and yoga.
It doesn’t have to be fancy—just be consistent.
Sample Weekly Training Plan for Hunters
Here is a weekly training plan. It is just a sample, and whatever you want to add is up to you. Feel free to add what you want.
What If You Don’t Have Gym Equipment?
No problem. Hunting fitness doesn’t require a fancy gym. Here’s how to train at home or on a budget:
Use a backpack with sandbags or water jugs
Do bodyweight circuits (air squats, push-ups, planks)
Hike local trails with weight
Use stairs or parking garages for incline training
The key isn’t gear—it’s consistency. Show up and put in the work, and your body will adapt.
Train Like It’s Game Day
Want to be truly ready? Simulate the conditions you’ll be in like:
Training in your hunting boots
Hiking with your hunting pack
Shooting with a high heart rate
Go out in cold, wet, or windy conditions
Hunting isn’t always comfortable. So train to be comfortable being uncomfortable. One of the most significant things you do is do things that make you uncomfortable. So training in the wind, rain, and mud will provide you with the necessary skill to hunt in the weather.
Don’t Forget Mental Fitness
Physical toughness means nothing if your mind gives out first. Hunting often includes:
Long stretches of silence
Harsh weather
Disappointment after missed shots or no sightings
Mental fitness is built just like physical fitness. Try these:
Early morning workouts (build discipline)
Long hikes without headphones
Cold showers or ice baths
Fasting before or during hikes to build focus
The more mentally prepared you are, the better you’ll hunt when things don’t go as planned.
Avoid These Common Hunting Fitness Mistakes
Here’s what trips people up:
Starting too late – You can’t cram fitness in two weeks before the season
Only lifting weights – You need cardio, mobility, and stamina
Skipping real-world practice – You need to train with your gear, in the terrain
Overtraining without rest – Recovery is part of the process
Set a schedule, stay consistent, and give yourself enough time before hunting season kicks off.
Tools & Resources
Here are a few helpful (non-competing) resources:
MTNTOUGH – Workout programming tailored to hunters
OnX Backcountry – Helps you find trails for training hikes
Hunting Fit – More blogs and routines to try
And don’t forget to use a fitness tracker or app to monitor progress and stay accountable.
Conclusion: Your Hunt Begins Now
Hunting fitness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared. You don’t need to run marathons or deadlift 400 pounds, but you do need to train with intention. Every time you go for a hike, stretch after a workout, or lift that weighted pack, you’re stacking up wins.
The best hunters aren’t just good shots. They’re strong, mobile, focused, and resilient. So start now, stick with it, and let your body be just as ready as your bow or rifle.
