"Big Hunt" Preparation

Jake Diebolt · February 14, 2012, 10:30:00 PM

Well, this coming september I'll be going on a caribou hunt and I've found it's already starting to dominate my thoughts. The only way I can 'scratch the itch' is by doing something to prepare.

So I was just wondering - what do you guys do to prepare for "Big Hunts"?

Right now I'm working on my cardio and endurance by running 2k every morning before work - I work in an office and don't get much natural exercise. For the next few months I can only shoot once a week at an indoor range, so I'll be working on perfecting my form and committing it to muscle-memory. This spring, when I can shoot outside again, I'm going to try and make it out 3 times a week, and practice in bad weather whenever I can- rain and wind - to simulate real-world conditions.

And as for the mental game, well...this might sound a little hokey, but I'm thinking of getting into some 'visualization' exercises (anyone who's read Jay Kidwell's Instinctive Archery Insights knows what I'm talking about). I want to run through as much of it as I can in my head before hand, particularly as I've never seen a live caribou up close before.

So what are you guys doing to get ready for big hunts, or what have you done before? Particularly on the mental side of things.

JamesKerr · February 14, 2012, 10:33:00 PM

I would get a caribou target and situate it in an environment that I would expect an actual shot on the hunt to be like. Then I would shoot at it from all different angles until I was very comfortable that I could make the shot no matter what.

Orion · February 14, 2012, 10:38:00 PM

Physical conditioning and shooting are good. Mental toughness when you get out there is the key. Don't really know how to prepare for that, except placing yourself in the position several times. That means doing these kinds of hunts more than once. The first trip is the toughest, and probably most telling. Knowing what to expect helps. If it's a guided hunt, not much to worry about. Most of the work and finding the game is done for you. If it's a DIY, it will test your mettle. Good luck.

Jake Diebolt · February 14, 2012, 10:38:00 PM

Yeah, I'd love to get a 3D caribou, but definitely don't have the funds. I've gotta see if anyone's got a paper target with a caribou on it!

Just a note, this isn't just a 'caribou' thread - anyone getting ready for any big hunt at all - or who has in the past - should chime in! Elk, Pig, africa or the arctic. I'm just interested in the different ways people prepare - being a bit obsessive about prep myself!.

Jake Diebolt · February 14, 2012, 10:40:00 PM

Orion, my hunt is a semi-DIY - the guide basically runs the camp and gives you general direction, but finding the animals is up to you.

The nice thing is I'm going with people who have been once or twice before, so that should help.

David Yukon · February 14, 2012, 10:49:00 PM

If you can't shoot as of now, you can still play with your bow... You can work on form, by drawing your bow to anchor, and being sure you do it the same way every time, like hand placement on the grip, fingers on the string, anchoring point(s). That will work on your muscles, and get you ready for when you can shoot again!

Jake Diebolt · February 14, 2012, 11:10:00 PM

David, good point! I got one of those bowfit things for christmas, so I've been using that to work out - mostly because it's heavier than my bow, so makes my bow easy by comparison. The grip doesn't feel quite the same though, so that's a downside.

Orion · February 14, 2012, 11:19:00 PM

Having upbeat, positive co-hunters who have been there, done that helps a lot. If weather gets bad, game sightings are low and/or other mishaps occur, it's not uncommon for folks to get depressed and just give up. A positive, can do attitude and mental toughness will overcome all of that. If this is your first hunt of this nature, you're probably going to be so pumped that your attitude isn't going to be a problem. Enjoy it !

Hummer3T · February 15, 2012, 09:52:00 AM

Practice pacing and recognizing distances well, shoot and pace /pace and shoot. practice at long distances, but only so you can up you skills and distance guessing. When it comes to shooting only shoot at what your comfortable with. Tundra soft work out on a stair climber, practice lifting your legs high. shoot around rocks and willows as practice. sitting/kneeling and shooting will be the norm.

awbowman · February 15, 2012, 10:50:00 AM

1) Mental toughness the key

2) Shoot and THEN worry about packing him out later. Don't let the reality of a hard pack out stop you. It messed up my elk hunt and I am having regrets now.

gringol · February 15, 2012, 11:05:00 AM

Some indoor ranges have a hunting simulator. It's basically a big screen that you launch arrows into. They have actual footage of whatever game you'd like to shoot projected on the screen. It's not for everyday, but you get practice waiting for the right moment. It's also a lot of fun.

Russ Clagett · February 15, 2012, 01:14:00 PM

the simulator is called the DART system and its way cool......really puts you in the moment.

Caleb Andes · February 15, 2012, 08:53:00 PM

Jake this thread really hits home for me. I am going on a moose hunt this setpember and I have been starting to prepare. I finally finshed up set up and have been shooting at 30 and 35 yards.

One thing that was suggested to me from another tradganger was shoot at a LIFESIZE target of your game, in my case a moose. He stressed how the game being bigger than whitetail (what I am used to hunting) makes it appear closer than what it actually is causing the shooter to shoot low.

Bill Carlsen · February 16, 2012, 08:07:00 AM

Other than being in good physical shape and stay hydrated the best advise I got was to practice long distance shooting. It paid off as the closest animal I shot was 35 yards. Number 2 was about 55.