Elk hunting mental toughness / Mental conditioning

[mtnmutt]

Many blog sites discuss physical training for an elk hunt in detail, but gloss over mental conditioning. What are some things a hunter struggling with mental toughness do to get stronger? :train:

Derek, Thanks for the bumping this up.

In 2014, I was not mentally tough or physically tough.

Last season, I took my work and personal baggage with me for opening week. I spent my spring preparing my house for sale, summer moving, sold my house on July 22nd and scrambled to get ready for the season. Squeezed in 2 short scouting trips. There was a last minute work issue, so I had to load Good email app on my phone to reply to work emails during opening week. I could not get my head in the game for opening week. Worst opening week ever. Way too distracted. Plus, I did not have time to do physical conditioning. I wasn\'t in shape either.

If I take the time to do Visualization of my hunt, my mind focuses better on hunting. Last week, I started doing my Visualization drills. I also do them while hunting during breaks.

After 5 seasons of tag soup, you begin to wonder if you should elk hunt.

Visualization drills boost my confidence for any activity. I use them for races and I always crossed the finish line.

I am not physically tough or mentally tough. I am smart enough to know when I need an easy day to recharge and refocus. Sitting in the woods quietly in the middle of elk woods can do wonders...an elk just might wander by.

 

[AndyJ]

I keep the mantra, \"It can all change in a second.\" Your dream elk is walking through the woods and every careful step you take or moment you wait increases your odds of finding it and getting a shot. I can\'t tell you how many times the action has gone from non-existent to smoking hot in literally seconds. When you find yourself getting negative and just stumbling through the woods, stop for a second and refocus.

 

[WontQuit]

I know it\'s different for each person, but for me the physical prep is very important. If I am at the top of my game physically, I am much less apt to drift mentally. My mental toughness is boosted and supported by my physical toughness.

I bust my tail to prepare physically in every way.

19 days until we leave.....

 

[Swede]

Mental toughness is what separates many hunters. Often it is the difference in going home a half day early, or success. It separates the campers from hunters, and the weekenders from those that keep on going week after week. I know most hunters can\'t spend a month or more in the mountains, often alone, but there is joy in doing just that, and a satisfaction that the quick and easy crowd never experiences. I understand the value of good physical conditioning, but it is not the same. I think mental toughness comes from believing in yourself. It comes from good preparation and being willing to work out the hunt to the very end.

 

[cohunter14]

Mental toughness is what separates many hunters. Often it is the difference in going home a half day early, or success. It separates the campers from hunters, and the weekenders from those that keep on going week after week. I know most hunters can\'t spend a month or more in the mountains, often alone, but there is joy in doing just that, and a satisfaction that the quick and easy crowd never experiences. I understand the value of good physical conditioning, but it is not the same. I think mental toughness comes from believing in yourself. It comes from good preparation and being willing to work out the hunt to the very end.

Great post Swede. Agree with everything!

 

[Guest]

Mental toughness is totally different them Physical toughness. But mentally you can get your body to do just about anything !!

Now I\'m not in super human shape and in fact I\'m anything but....What I can tell you guys is to take satisfaction in the hunt and the chase !!

If you find a bull track embrace it.....if you find fresh poo then embrace it.......and when you finally reach the top of a thousand foot ridge like I did today.......embrace it !! Yes I was breathing heavy and my legs were cramping but man I was mentally tough enough to get it done and physical had nothing to do with it !!!!

Then as I was catching my breath laying on the ground ahead of me was a 5 point elk shed and then I kept walking this awesome pine ridge and low and behold a fresh as fresh can be pine tree the was demolished recently by a bull elk !!

Physically I was already spent .........But mentally I had to keep going and wanted so bad to scout every inch of the ridge !!

That\'s what I like to call The Eye Of The Tiger !!!!!!!!!! Mentally tough is getting the eye of the tiger and once you get it you are unstoppable !!

Hunt hard and never give up !!

Travis

 

[WW]

If you don\'t have the confidence that you are going to run into elk every time you go out, you might as well stay home. This is something that will make or break a hunt every time.

 

[bowhunter]

Mental toughness is totally different them Physical toughness. But mentally you can get your body to do just about anything !!

Hunt hard and never give up !!

Travis

I agree. You can be the most physical tough hunter on the mountain but if you don\'t have the mental toughness it is over before you start.

 

[Zpd307]

I agree terry, as I have seen it.... this guy thought we were beneath him, physically. but, he was the first one to sleep in..... and I came into camp last every night