What should you be doing but are not?

[TG78]

What do you know that you should be doing to prepare for the upcoming seasons but you just aren't.

For me it is not shooting practice as it has been a long time since shooting so it is really new and fun still but where I am lacking is in physical training. I am a pretty avid outdoorsman and am in decent shape but my cardio could stand some improvement. The problem I have is that I have three young ones under the age of 2.5 and they tend to take a little time and the last thing I want to do is ride the stationary bike. Fitness is not a critical component of my preparedness with being in ok shapebut it sure makes hiking around more fun, productive, and safe. I guess I would like to know where you all are being a little lazy

[txjourneyman]

Getting my wife more involved with shooting. She keeps putting it off. She may or may not join me on a hunt this year. If she doesn't start getting more practice time in it will be too late. I should do more to encourage her. I don't because my dailypractice time is kind of my private time and I'm selfish with it. Any time I ask her to join me she does. I think she knows how I feel about having that time to myself and she won't speak up if she wants to shoot. I really want her to join me on stand or even on her own stand so I have to make the effort to have her join me for practice more often.

[GMMAT]

Nothing, (physically).

I'm jogging 15+mi./wk. right now....and weight training 3X/wk. I'll be ready....as I haven't been in better physical condition in years.

I actually haven't touched my bow in quite some time....but I'm beginning to feel the urge. The layoff has served me well. I'll be ready, come opening day.

If anything....I need to complete my equipment inventory and get my hunting arrows prepared (which I've already set in motion - Thanks, txjourneyman).

[TG78]

I have to coax my wife the same way for rifle, and with bow hunting she actually chose not to endulge to give me that "private" time that we all need.

[Rory/MO]

im in the best shape ive ever been in. but i havent shot my bow in a week or so, i need to get out and fling some arrows

[Dr Andy]

Jeff, start shooting now!
I on the otherhand need to start working out! At least this year I won't be dragging my carcass through the woods simce I bought a game cart.
BTW, I've been shooting three times a week.
As for workouts I do some weight training specifically for shooting. Besides the usual chest,shoulder, back training I also take a #8 wieght and hold it in front of me like a bow and I do 5 sets of these until I shake and quiver increasing the time when I start seeing improvement. This should help me hoild on draw longer. I also try to hold steady on target longer at full draw for the same reason.
Let'a all make a commitment to get in shape and have a great and safe season!

[GMMAT]

Jeff, start shooting now!

Thanks, Doc.....and I'm sure you're right. I'm looking at Aug. 1....then I'll shoot every day. That'll give me +/-40 days to get "right". I shot a LOT through the winter.....and really got burned out. Best thing I could have done,FOR ME, is to take time off.

It's kinda like playing the guitar.......unless I WANT to do it.....I don'tget the desired results. I'm gonna WANT to shoot, really soon. Your advice is well-received and spot-on, though. I'll get back in the saddle, soon.

Good luck to all. I'm down 15#'s fromlate April....and getting stronger. The MAIN thing I'm hoping for (in relating my fitness to my hunting) is being able to get to stand without sweating as much as normal (which isnot very much for me, anyways). The everyday benefits of being in better physical shape are worth it .....if you never entered the woods.

[racewayking]

I need to get in the gym[:@] I have gained 40 pounds since fracturing my elbow two years ago and had a hard time getting back into the gym with work, Grad School and family life. Last year I got winded every morning I had to walk up the long hill to my morning spot[:@]

School will be over in 6 more weeks, so I'll be able to spend 24 less hours a week on schoolwork and more time in the gym I'd like to get back down to 230-240 before season and get back some strength I lost when I fractured the elbow.

[SwampCollie]

Saving money.

[tsoc]

This may lead to another thread.I need to do more winter and spring scouting so that I can be more effective in the early season (10/15 opener until halloween).Hunting the doe family groups bedding and feeding area's is a whole lot simpler than putting in the time to attempt to pattern older bucks.