Bowhunting Boot Camp: How to Train for Western Hunts

Bugles rang out from the dark timber above me. Daylight was delayed by foggy conditions and visibility was limited. A mountain drizzle drenched my layers as I struggled up muddy slopes and fought through jungle-thick brush, in hot pursuit. An absolute mess, I was so soaked you could have wrung me out like a dishcloth. But I’d come too far to quit. The mountains demanded all I could give, and I wouldn’t stop giving it until I got my shot or a remote basin swallowed up the two mountain kings.

Finally, I reached a somewhat flat bench where I contemplated my next moves. Now, the bugling was close. So close. A nice bull suddenly ran into a clearing about 30 yards away. I drew my bow and instinctively grunted like I often do to stop whitetail bucks. He froze. Soaked and chilled to the core, I was shivering so uncontrollably I punched the trigger and reacted to the shot simultaneously. That’s a fancy way to say that I flinched and my arrow whizzed beneath the bull’s ribs. I botched the gimme shot.

But then, a ray of hope! The second bull, obviously the herd bull, trotted into the clearing on the same path as the previous bull. He had been running the first bull away and hadn’t heard me shoot at his opponent. I tried grunting to stop him (If I was thinking clearly, I would’ve mewed like a cow elk). He didn’t stop, and the action-packed morning ended with me kicking the dirt.

That morning, I learned I can run with the bulls, even in the worst conditions, if I’m physically prepared through rigorous training and pack my grittiest attitude. Today, when I look back on that hunt, it reminds me that lots of bowhunters train the wrong way for western hunts. We go to the gym, run and shoot our bows, but we usually do them separately. How often do we combine all three into mock bowhunting drills? Blending our physical training with our bowhunting practice better simulates bowhunting and truly prepares us for the slopes.

To get you thinking, I’ve compiled several drills that combine physical training with bowhunting practice. Feel free to try them out, but if you have any limitations or health conditions, be sure to ask your doctor first. I hope you find them difficult, but more than that, I hope you find yourself readier than ever for the difficult shot opportunities that happen in the hills and mountains.

Push-Up Needle Thread

For this one, begin by setting up a target in such a way that you have to thread the needle. If you’re three inches left or right, you’ll smack a tree or tree limb. Either look for two trees positioned close-ly together or find a tree that splits and creates a “V.” The consequence of missing left or right — a lost or broken arrow — will challenge you to focus like never before. Of course, make sure to shoot somewhere a possible deflection won’t harm someone or something.

But wait, there’s another layer. Lay your bow aside and get down and gimme 20. Push-ups, that is. If you can only manage 10-15, so be it. The point of the push-ups is to weaken your arms and elevate your heart and breathing rates. Of course, this will make the already difficult shot even more difficult, which is the entire point. You don’t have the pressure of a giant bull or buck on the line, but if you can consistently ace this shot, you’ll be well prepared for an adrenaline rush and a small shooting window.

Weighted-Pack Hill Climb and Decline Shot

If your hunt will require you to wear a pack — most western or varied terrain hunts do — you must practice your shooting while wearing it. But first, let’s pile on some difficulty. Fill your pack with some rocks or other weights so that it mimics the weight your pack will be while hunting. Now, find a sizable hill that you can hike (I realize that this isn’t possible for every reader). Then, set a target at the bottom.

Wearing your camo, hunting boots and weighted backpack, hustle up the hill. Hike to whatever distance you wish, then nock an arrow and try to make the downhill shot amidst your increased breathing and heart rate. Try this from several yardages. Obviously, the farther you charge up the hill and the farther your shot, the harder it will be. Remember, this is bowhunting boot camp.

50-Yard Dash, 50-Yard Shot

Position your target however you’d like. Then, set your bow down 50 yards from the target. Wearing your camo — put your pack on, too, if you really want to make this difficult — and step back 50 yards. Run until you reach your bow. Pick it up, nock an arrow and take two deep breaths. Draw back and give yourself 10 seconds or less to make the shot. You’ll find your pin movement to be a lot more exaggerated than you’re used to.

Army Crawl, Kneel and Shoot

Lots of spot-and-stalk hunts, especially where pronghorns roam, require army crawling. Wide-open habitat provides little cover to hide your approach, so keeping a low profile is your only hope to remain undetected. Army crawling engages a lot of muscles most aren’t accustomed to engaging. I’ve army-crawled and belly-crawled hundreds of yards on numerous occasions while stalking game. It’s brutal, but often it’s the cost of earning an opportunity.

So, position your target on flatter ground. Start out with a 30-yard crawl, then nock an arrow, carefully go to a kneeling position and then draw and take your shot. Master that, and then try 40 yards, 60 yards and 100 yards. You’ll feel it in your shoulders and your neck. You’ll also likely find it difficult to scoot your bow out ahead of you as you crawl. Sometimes, I’ve found it so difficult while hunting that I’ve lifted my bow onto my back so it can ride while I crawl and free up my hands for easier crawling.

Wake-Up Cold Shot

No, no, no! I’m not talking about a shot of nitro cold brew to get your day rolling. This drill involves a physical and mental element, but not like those we’ve discussed so far. Wake up and immediately go get your bow. Hurry out to your target. The cold shot is this: You get one arrow, and you must make it count even though your muscles aren’t limber and your mind isn’t fully alert. The whole idea with this one is to be tired. A lot of shot opportunities unfold at the first wink of daylight, and unless you’re one of those crazy morning people, it’s tough to be sharp right out of the gate, which makes this a good challenge to try.

Mountain Climber Guessing Game

If you haven’t done mountain climbers or are unsure what they are, just Google search and you’ll find examples of how to do them. They’ll work your arms, legs and shoulders, plus they’ll elevate your breathing and heart rates.

Set a target in a random place, and then walk away from it to a random spot. Set your bow down beside you, then begin a series of mountain climbers. When you can feel the effects of the exercise, jump up and grab your bow. Leave your rangefinder out of this one. Quickly estimate the yardage, then take your shot. I’ve had shot opportunities randomly unfold immediately after hustling to-wards bucks and bulls, and often the opportunity to range the animal before shooting isn’t there. It’s either now or never. If you can crush shot after shot in this challenge, you’ll be well prepared for the mountains.

Conclusion

Still trying to catch your breath? These challenges aren’t easy, and they aren’t meant to be. Now, don’t think you need to do this type of advanced training every single time you shoot your bow. I don’t. You can and should do a lot of physical training and archery practice separately from one another. But, combining them, and tracking your mental, physical and shooting performance, is a good gauge for measuring your proficiency and preparedness for real hunting encounters. You might find that you’re ready to hit the hills with an elk or deer tag, or you might find that you have a lot of work to do. Fall’s coming, so get going on your backyard boot camp and see just how well you measure up.

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