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Some tips on getting in shape for sheep
Posted by Michael Strahan on Mar 21 2006
You should get lots of ideas on this. Here are just some general things.
1. Hike with your sheep gear on; boots, pants, other clothing you'll wear on your hunt. This allows you to get used to clothes you don't normally wear, and could prevent chafing issues later. Especially important with footwear.
2. Hike with loads. AKHunter mentioned this, and I second it! You should be able to go long distances with 30 lbs. minimum in your pack. You want to also make some practice runs with large loads as you get into better shape. This will prep you for packing your animal out.
3. Vary the terrain. Hike over rough, broken ground, rocky areas, steep sidehills, steep ups and downs. See how you do in areas that may require your hands AND feet to navigate. If you're in Alaska, practice climbing through the alders with a load on your back. This will get you twisting and turning the right way, so you don't injure yourself later. Do some hikes over rough ground in dim light (late or early). Cross some streams, or hike right up the streambed if you can. These things will come close to replicating what you'll find in the field.
4. Use the same gear for practice that you'll use on your hunt. Stoves, tents, sleeping bags, rain gear, etc. This will make you more proficient with your equipment and acquaint you with the weaknesses in your gear.
Be sure to let someone know where you are practicing. That way if you become injured, someone will know to come looking for you. Remember that climber a while back who fell into a crack and had to cut his arm off after his hand was wedged in for a few days? One of the things that contributed to that nightmare was the fact that nobody knew where he was or when he planned to return. Don't become a statistic. Bring your cell phone if you're in an area where it works.
Hope it helps!
-Mike
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