Quality Pre- and In-Season Energy for Hunters

Whether you’re working at your deer lease or chasing elk in the Rockies this fall, there are thousands of tips-and-tactics videos and articles that can help position you for success. Meanwhile, a topic that relates to all types of hunting and pre-season prep but gets minimal press is staying energized so that you can push through and complete your gritty land-management tasks or reach that bugling bull.

It’s a given that humans require a minimum daily caloric intake in order to maintain a consistent body weight and figure, and that’s without accounting for active pursuits such as traversing steep slopes or hanging treestands. Being that hunting season never really ends — even in the offseason there are many chores to do — giving your body what it needs, or failing to do so, can majorly affect your productivity and outcome.

That’s right, stop and consider how you should be fueling and refueling your body so that you can be more productive while hunting or tackling off-season chores. Here are some quick basics to get you thinking.

Hydration First

More important than food is hydration. It’s been determined that some humans can survive without food for up to 3 weeks as long as they consume water, but some sources say that the body can only last three to five days without water. It’s so easy to start trimming shooting lanes or head for your treestand without thinking about water.

Active tasks such as trimming shooting lanes in the summer heat or dogging elk in the mountains can cause massive perspiration, and that increases the body’s demand for hydration. Becoming dehydrated will cause an energy plummet, plus it’s dangerous. Carry and drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks to stay in the game.

High-Quality Snacks

Food is another necessity to bring afield for tackling hunting chores or while you’re actually hunting. Make sure to bring snacks that won’t melt or get smashed in your pack or pockets. Also, what you carry depends on the weather. Obviously, high-carb treats can provide short-term energy and body-warmth boosts beneficial in cold temps, but they won’t keep you satisfied for several hours and certainly not for an entire day. Plus, in hot temps, you don’t want a boost of warmth.

Regardless of the weather, a high-protein snack is a wise choice. Protein bars can be great, but read the labels, as some are crammed with sugar and carbs — prepare for an energy crash within a few hours of consuming them. Perhaps a better choice is some Old Trapper beef jerky, which is high in protein and low in carbs. Not only is it made from lean cuts of beef, but it also comes in a convenient, resealable container. Plus, there are various flavors to choose from. You can find Old Trapper in major grocery retailers nationwide, including Kroger, Walmart, Costco, and Safeway, as well as in most major convenience stores.

Pace Yourself

Be attentive to your body’s needs amidst your chores or hunt. Don’t work so hard that you become exhausted before you even think about stopping for a snack. All-day productivity is more likely if you take snack and hydration breaks.

These tips are fast and simple, but they can boost your performance and productivity, both on the hunt and while tackling pre-season chores.