Originally Posted by
Alsatian
I don't ever get in good enough cardiovascular condition to not find myself breathing hard and having to stop to catch my breath on some activities, like climbing an endless hill, at altitude. I just accept that and stop to catch my breath. It hasn't thus far interfered with my hunting and bagging elk.
You won't ever get in good enough shape to not breath hard climbing mountains. I'm 71 now, and started to hunt elk in Colorado as a teenager. I've worked out hard all my life. I've huffed and puffed climbing mountains the whole time i've hunted elk.
What you can do is have a fast recovery when you're in shape. It only takes a quick stop of 10 seconds as you're climbing to catch your breath, and then you can go on. You can also do this for much longer when you're in shape. In any case. You'll be breathing hard. Especially, if you have a load of elk meat on your back.