If definitely helps to be in shape. In my younger days while hunting the syeep hills and hollars of WV when I weighed nearly 400 pounds it was a serious gut check. Its a wonder I didnt fall over dead back then. When it finally got to where I couldnt hardly get around like I wanted to about 10 years ago I dropped almost 200 pounds. Now its 10x's more enjoyable and I have been much much more successful. I still ride mt bikes year round....fantastic exercise for the legs and cardio and thats what gets it done come hunting season.