How to stay in shape for hunting season?

Don't make the mistake of starting to train like two weeks before the season and thinking that's enough. Your body needs time to adapt, especially if you want to avoid injuries that ruin everything. People underestimate how important mental endurance is alongside physical fitness: standing for hours, cold, concentration, moving silently without getting tired. It's not just about muscles.

Start at least a couple of months ahead with a solid foundation of brisk walking and steep climbs (ideally with a loaded backpack), because hunting is mostly walking, sometimes over difficult terrain. Add some light running sessions if your joints allow it, but honestly long uphill walks do 70-80% of the work. For your arms and shoulders, nothing complicated: push-ups, pull-ups at the gym if you like it, or basically exercises that simulate the movement of lifting and aiming.

The aspect that a lot of people underestimate is mental preparation and familiarity with your rifle. Doing stationary shooting drills is pointless if you end up breathless after a long walk: your breathing needs to be controlled despite the fatigue. Practice shooting after you've walked, not just when you're fresh. And if you're not in shape, even the smartest tactics won't save you.