Elk season is just around the corner, and the mountains won’t go easy on you. Chasing bugles at 10,000 feet, climbing steep ridges, and packing out hundreds of pounds of meat demand more than just hunting skills — they demand a body that’s built for endurance, strength, and resilience.
This is your elk season training countdown, with 10 key exercises to get you physically ready for the hunt of a lifetime. Whether you’re archery hunting in September heat or rifle hunting in October snow, these moves will prepare your body for the grind ahead.
1. Weighted Step-Ups – Build Climbing Power
Step-ups mimic the constant uphill grind of elk country.
- Find a sturdy box or bench.
- Strap on your pack with 30–50 lbs and perform sets of step-ups.
- Focus on smooth, controlled movement.
This builds quad, glute, and hamstring strength — the exact muscles you’ll use side-hilling or hiking into basins.
Gear Tip: Train in breathable, durable gear like the Oryx Threshold Training Shorts, designed for hunters who carry heavy loads in training and in the field.
2. Walking Lunges – Stability on Uneven Terrain
Lunges target balance and single-leg strength, which is critical when carrying a pack across loose rock or deadfall.
- Add dumbbells or wear a weighted pack.
- Step forward, sink into a controlled lunge, and push back to standing.
- Alternate legs for 20–30 reps.
Lunges also train your hips and core to stabilize under shifting loads.
3. Hill Sprints – Elevation Endurance
Few things prepare you for elk country like running uphill. Hill sprints:
- Build explosive leg power.
- Improve lung capacity and cardiovascular efficiency.
- Teach you to recover quickly between bursts of effort.
Start with short sprints, then walk back down and repeat. These mimic sprinting to close distance on a bugling bull.
4. Ruck Marches – Pack-Out Preparation
Packing out elk meat is one of the toughest tasks you’ll face. Simulate it before season:
- Load your hunting pack with 50–80 lbs.
- Hike 3–6 miles over mixed terrain.
- Focus on posture and stride efficiency.
Doing this once a week conditions your body for real-world pack-outs.
Gear Tip: Wear a lightweight shirt like the Oryx Pursuit Tri-Blend Tee during rucks to stay cool and comfortable under load.
5. Deadlifts – Full-Body Strength
Deadlifts are essential for building the raw strength needed to haul gear, quarters, and camp equipment.
- Train with proper form: flat back, tight core, strong grip.
- Focus on reps in the 5–10 range for both strength and endurance.
Deadlifts hit hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and grip — all crucial for elk hunters.
6. Core Rotations – Stability Under Load
Core strength isn’t just about crunches. Elk hunting requires rotational power and stability.
- Use a cable machine or resistance band for woodchopper rotations.
- Add Russian twists with a medicine ball.
These exercises strengthen your obliques and core stability, helping you move smoothly with a bow or rifle while wearing a heavy pack.
7. Pull-Ups – Upper Body Endurance
Pull-ups may not seem “hunting-specific,” but they build critical back, shoulder, and grip strength.
- Aim for 3–5 sets of as many clean reps as possible.
- If needed, use a resistance band for assistance.
This strength pays off when climbing steep slopes with trekking poles or hauling gear into the high country.
8. Single-Leg Box Squats – Balance & Mobility
Balance is everything when navigating steep terrain.
- Perform squats one leg at a time onto a bench or box.
- Lower under control, then drive back up.
This movement strengthens stabilizing muscles in the hips, knees, and ankles, helping prevent injuries in rough terrain.
9. Loaded Carries – Functional Hunt Strength
Farmers carries and front-loaded carries mimic real-world hunting scenarios:
- Carry a heavy sandbag, pack, or dumbbells.
- Walk for 30–60 seconds, focusing on posture and breathing.
These exercises replicate carrying elk quarters or camp supplies — and toughen your grip and core.
10. Mobility Drills – Injury Prevention
The best hunters are the ones still moving at the end of the season. Mobility work reduces fatigue and keeps you in the hunt.
- Daily hip openers for stride flexibility.
- Ankle mobility drills for stability on rocks.
- Hamstring and quad stretches to prevent cramps.
Foam rolling after workouts or scouting trips keeps muscles loose and ready.
How to Structure Your Elk Hunt Training
With just weeks before elk season, here’s a simple structure:
- 3–4 days strength & conditioning (deadlifts, step-ups, lunges, pull-ups).
- 2 days cardio/endurance (ruck marches, hill sprints, runs).
- Daily mobility & stretching (10–15 minutes).
Train with intent. Every rep should prepare you for the realities of elk country: the steep climbs, the heavy pack-outs, the long days.
Final Thoughts: Always in Pursuit
Elk hunting is not a casual walk in the woods — it’s one of the most physically demanding hunts you can attempt. But with the right preparation, your body will be ready to match the challenge.
These 10 exercises are your countdown to elk season. Put in the work now, and when the first bugle echoes across the mountain, you’ll know you’re ready.
Train with purpose. Hunt with confidence. Stay Always in Pursuit.
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