Hunting season brings an increase in the number of deer, or stags, in the area
Thomas Wardhaugh, a 26-year-old sports physiotherapist and a keen hunter from Dunedin, has been sharing his wisdom on hunting fitness with the community. With a passion for hunting that spans over seven years, Wardhaugh has honed his skills across the lower South Island, bagging deer in Fiordland bush, chamois on the southern Main Divide, tahr in the Aoraki/Mt Cook area, and more.
Wardhaugh stresses the importance of a high fitness level for hunting efficiency. He recommends maintaining a balanced weekly fitness schedule, including 2-3 weights sessions, 3-4 runs with hills, 1-2 bike sessions, and other exercises to keep the body in top shape. He advises gradually pushing oneself in increasing distance, time, and pack weight to avoid injury.
Injuries during hunting often occur from 'too much too soon', so the earlier one can start increasing activity levels, the better. Wardhaugh suggests gradually increasing activity levels with a light pack to prepare for walking with a heavy load during hunting. He also emphasises the importance of a high fitness level for enabling a hunter to cover more ground and climb steep terrains.
Decreasing heart rate quickly after a steep climb is crucial for making an accurate shot. Wardhaugh suggests engaging in rigorous physical training and conditioning exercises before the hunting season to reach an elevated fitness level. He also recommends wearing in gear, hunting layers, and exercising with a pack to prepare for the season.
Wardhaugh encourages discussing hunting plans with mates before the season. He suggests that while there is no substitute for spending time walking with a pack, other training styles can help maintain a level of fitness during periods of absence from the hills. He also recommends practicing other bush skills and wearing gear to learn about one's physical and mental limits.
Wardhaugh emphasises the importance of the mental ability to resolve difficult situations during hunting. He maintains that making hunting preparations fun and safe with friends can help improve the overall hunting experience. He also advises sending tips and tricks for improving hunting experiences to Rebekah.Wilson@our website.
Recently, Wardhaugh trained and competed in an off-road marathon, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining a high fitness level. Despite his job as a Dunedin rugby physio limiting his weekends, Wardhaugh prefers multi-day hunts, relishing the challenge they present.
Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, Wardhaugh's tips can help you prepare for a successful and safe hunting season.
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