HUNTING INFORMATION AND WHAT TO PACK
Preparation for your Big Game Hunt
Rocky Mountain Adventures is fortunate to have an enormous hunting area capable of accommodating the variety of physical abilities of our guests. Some areas we can get quite close to on a 4X4 or ATV. Clients with some physical limitation or the desire NOT to use horses can be accommodated on every species. However, we prefer to do most of our hunting via horseback. We use the horses to get as close as possible to our hunting areas and then hike. This may mean walking for several miles while hunting. In some areas of our territory, it may mean a difficult climb up a mountain each day. Talk to your doctor, physical trainer or an athletic coach for help in making a specific plan to prepare yourself for your hunt. Most important, let us know if you or anyone in your party would like to take advantage of these hunting areas that are less strenuous to access.
Nevertheless, physical preparation will make your Rocky Mountain Adventure more enjoyable for a number of reasons.
- Physical fitness allows you walk better and farther. You'll be able to cover more of the hunting area with your guide and be able to access more remote sites Physical fitness helps you avoid exhaustion and dangerous lapses of concentration. Being alert and focused helps you avoid accidents like falls, and helps you pay attention to your firearm safety and shooting skills
- Being fit, makes you a better shot, too - allowing you to be steady when you draw or sight in on your trophy.
- Stretching: Warm up and stretch before any activity. Stretches help warm the muscles by getting blood flowing to them before demanding heavier work from them. Some people also stretch after the activity to help relax the muscles. Some suggested stretches include: trunk twist, knee hugs, calf stretches, hamstring stretches, and quadricep stretches. Endurance: Improve your endurance by regularly challenging your heart and lungs. This can be accomplished by briskly walking 15-30 minutes, 3 to 5 times each week. Jogging, swimming, or any other aerobic exercise choice will improve your physical fitness, but "walking in the woods" will be the best way to prepare you for "walking in the woods".
- Strengthening: Muscle strengthening can help us to feel that any activity is easier. Whether using hand weights, barbells, or other weight training equipment, remember to start slowly and increase gradually. It is best to begin with low weights and high repetitions (i.e. 12, 15, or 20 repetitions). Select a few upper body (i.e. biceps, triceps, shoulders) and a few lower body (quadriceps, hamstrings, calves) exercises. Add a few abdominal exercises into your routine as well.
When you begin a pre-season exercise training program, you can expect some muscle soreness. That is natural. The hope is that you can prepare and show some improvement before your trip to Rocky Mountain Adventures and avoid unnecessary fatigue and potential injuries.
Sources:
Hunt Alaska - Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Well Aware newsletter, by Ann Mattson and Darla Baumgarten.
Articles on Getting Prepared
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Robb, Bob "Get in Shape for the Season" - Outdoor Life
LeMay Ivey, Eowyn, "A Fit Hunter is a Better Hunter", - Frontiersman
What to Pack
Since the weather can be unpredictable it is advisable that you are prepared. Hunting Season normally offers nice days and cool nights. However, it can be cold or rainy. It is best to prepare with a layering technique in order to ensure your hunt is comfortable no matter what the weather presents.
This checklist should prove very useful in assisting you to ensure you arrive with everything you need. Download Pack List.
Notes regarding your equipment.
SLEEPING BAG: Although down bags are warmer we recommend a good quality synthetic bag as these dry out quickly if wet and will also keep you warm while they are still wet.
RAIN GEAR: Good quality quiet rain gear, tops and bottoms. You may be riding so be sure they will be comfortable.
LEATHER BOOTS: Good quality, warm, well fitting, comfortable hiking boots. Preferably waterproof and broken in.
RUBBER BOOTS: You may not wish to bring these If your leather boots are very waterproof, . There will be mud and muskeg in places and rubber boots will keep you dry. Rubber bottomed winter boots with liners that can be removed and dried will work equally well for the cold weather.
PERSONAL TOILETRIES: Toothpaste, towel etc.. Some of our camps have Wood fired Hot Tubs. Very relaxing after a long day of hiking. You may want to bring a pair of swim trunks or shorts.
EYEWEAR/MEDICATIONS: If you have contact lenses, please bring a supply of what you will need for the whole hunt as we will be a long way from any store. The same for any medications.
TOBACCO: If you smoke, please bring enough to last. If you want to quit, then we recommend that you do it LONG before the hunt starts. Do not plan to quit during the hunt. THIS NEVER WORKS! You are coming to enjoy yourself, not to be miserable. If anybody else in camp smokes you'll probably make them run out and be miserable too.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Many persons who do not regularly drink at home will enjoy a hot toddy at the end of a long cold day of hunting, or around the campfire and in the tents in the evenings. This need not be brought from home but can be purchased in Prince George. We reserve the right not to permit an intoxicated guest to hunt.
Mountain weather can be very unpredictable and change in a very short time. If it is raining here it is usually cold at the same time, so for your own comfort choose items that will keep you both warm and dry.
Please pack all gear in two duffel bags so they will pack well on horses, and please try to stay light.
