Looking to hunt Elk.
 

In 2009, I'll have been deerhunting for 20 years, and want to give elk hunting a shot in '08 or '09.
Here's what I'm looking for, if anyone can give some advise or even assist in heading me in the right direction, it'd be most welcomed.

1. Colorado isthe most likely state, would WY, NM or AZ be any easier for tags?

2. I'd prefer to use a muzzleloader, but have access to a variety of rifles and am a proficent bowhunter.

3.I will needa guide, the funds will belimited,but don't want to go home empty handed or with apitiful rack.

4. I'mvery much out of shape, and beingfrom Indiana, would probably have a hard time with high elevation and rugged terrain.

5. It may be just me or it could be four of us. Does this help or hurt our chances and costs?

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Oh yeah...

6. Indiana isNOT bear country....would prefer them to beonly black andhybernating!
:)

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

1) Colorado has the most elk, and the easiest/cheapest tags
2) You'll have to decide which weapon you want to use, you're chances of bagging an elk will be better with muzzleloader or rifle.
3) Even with a guide, there is no garauntee that you'll kill an elk, big or small! I'd guess a low end cost, with a guide, would be $2500-$3500!
4) Start at least 6 months before hand getting into shape. Being in shape will greatly assist you in getting yourself into and around elk country. They live in the high country, you need to be prepared for a lot of exertion to increase your odds of being successful!
5) You may get a price break with an outfitter if several of you book with him at the same time for the same hunt!
6) black bear attacks are not high enough to worry about. BUT, if you come to CO. and hunt the latest rifle season, chances are they will be hibernated by then. BUT seriously, not enough to worry about during early seasons. They are usually more scared of us then we should be of them! They are all black in this state!

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

beast44k,I have been to CO elk hunting several times now,both guided and ungiude.Elk hunting is real tough and demanding.You need to start getting in shape today if you plane on going in the next two years.The other thing That I can tell you is you need to choose what weapon your going to use and practice with it 2 to 3 time a week ,at differant yardages.Also buy yourself a real good pair of binoculers.Dont skimp on Eqiupment that you plane on useing out there,its not time to have your 100.00 scope fog up or your 20.00 pair of hikeing boot come apart.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

beast44k:

1. Begin putting in for elk preference points in 2007. Of course, you need to do this on a state-by-state basis. If you can commit to one state now, you only need to obtain elk preference points in that one state, otherwise you need to obtain elk preference points in all states in which you may prospectively hunt elk. Even one or two elk preference points may make a difference in drawing for an elk permit in 2008 or 2009. Of course, if you want to hunt with friends, your friends will have to put in for preference points also, or your drawing results will be determined by their lack of preference points.

2. You said you were "very much out of shape." I agree, you should start getting in shape now. I recommend you think of this process of having at least two maybe even three distinct phases. A first phase would involve moving you from "very much out of shape" to "reasonable physical condition." This first stage would involve quitting smoking (if you smoke), reducing your weight substantially (I take "very much out of shape" to imply you are significantly over weight), beginning a gentle cardiovascular workout (maybe start by walking a mile or two every other day then begin running), and beginning a gentle strength workout. Establish eating and exercisedisciplines. If you succeed in this first phase you will feel a lot better and your success will provide a foundation for summoning the will power necessary for a more aggressive workout program. In the middle phase of conditioning, you will want to develop some bonafide cardiovascular and muscle strength. Run maybe run 3 times each week for 35 minutes, raising your heartbeat to 150 beats per minute for 25 minutes. Run between 2 and 3 miles at a pace of between 5 MPH and 6 MPH, whatever it takes to place yourself under physical stress, so you breath hard and fast. It would help to run up some gentle hills. In the last six months before your elk hunt you should transition to an aggressive workout program. Take care of your body during this stage: get enough sleep, drink enough fluids, eat enough protein (you can use whey powder protein supplements judiciously if need be) or you will injure yourself and set-back your training schedule. This aggressive workout will involve a LOT of cardiovascular training to get ready for high altitude but maybe even more importantly to increase your endurance -- the ability to go all day long and, when needed, to keep going late into the night when you have downed your elk at sunset. You should work on your climbing muscles also -- climb lots of stairs, do leg squats while supporting weights, lunges. Also, be aware that on the actual hunt you will find that you are still going to be overtaxed and feel underprepared on the first day or first two days, but good conditioning will allow you to keep going and you will adopt and feel more in the swing before the end of the hunt. Failing to do a good quality conditioning effort, however, is likely going to lead to your being sidelined early in the hunt, maybe lead to your guide taking you to more physically accessible spots which are less desirable hunting locations.

3. Outfitted/guided hunts are not cheap. If several hunters go on the same hunt with an outfitter, each hunter will have to pay separately (though some discounted rate may be allowed for a party of hunters, but not a very deep discount I wouldn't think). If you are paying less than the average rate, I would expect less than average quality on the outfitted/guided hunt delivered. I think you probably are looking at $4,500 for a quality outfitted/guided one week elk hunt. Be very suspicious of cut rate deals. Why does a successful, qualified outfitter need to offer discounted prices? I think an outfitted/guided hunt for a first time elk hunter is probably a good idea, as there is much to be learned in hunting elk successfully, and a deer hunter from Indiana is unlikely to know this stuff walking into the high country on their first elk hunt. No disparagement intended. I was a do-it-yourself first time elk hunter this past October and came home with no elk and not even a shooting opportunity for an elk. I felt very much like I didn't know the secret handshake, even though I had read a lot of books and querried a bunch of experienced elk hunters on various hunting forums.

4. If you are hunting in Colorado, you will want to obtain the Colorado Big Game Hunting CD sold by the Colorado Department of Fish and Game (or whatever the name of their state agency). This provides vital information on drawing odds for all of the elk hunting seasons. You will want to study this information carefully. Note that at different times of the hunting season elk will be in different places. Early in the elk hunting season the elk are up high, maybe just below timberline, often in public land areas. Later, heavy snows will push the elk lower down the mountains, perhaps onto low lieing private lands. Private lands are often very expensive to hunt -- perhaps in the $7,000 price range. In Colorado, and perhaps in some other states, you need to identify which of several hunting seasons you wish to hunt and then choose your Game Management Unit based on your expectation of where the elk will be during that period of time.

5. Begin collecting your hunting gear over time. It may be difficult to pay for all the needed gear in a short, three month period of time. It is easier, I think, to distribute this cost over a larger period of time. It is also easier to get some of this stuff out of the way early, because you will be busy enough with other things during the last three months before your hunt without having to also manage a large volume of predictable purchases. It is my opinion that elk hunting gear is not necessarily the same gear you will have used for deer hunting. You may see a wide range of weather conditions. Your clothing will have to serve multiple purposes. You should plan to layer your clothing. Your clothes should be warm when they are wet and be such as to dry out readily. Cotton does not answer well to this requirement; wool does suit this requirement. Wool dries out pretty quickly and is still warm when wet. I find medium weight wool trousers, while quite warm when it is cold, are nevertheless pretty comfortable even when it is warm outside. Under layers should wick moisture away from your body, for example polypropylene. Get boots that provide lots of ankle support, protection of your toes from kicking heavy rocks while walking in the dark, support for the soles of your feet while walking over rocks, soles which provide traction in snow ("bob" soles for example) and maybe have some insulation. I like the Meindl "Perfekt Hunters," but no doubt other boots are also equally suitable. You will want a quality pair of binoculars, for example 8 power binoculars with 42 mm objective lenses. You can buy the $1,700 Leica binoculars if you have the cash, but I think you can get good service out of much less expensive binoculars, for example Nikon Monarch binoculars or other brands which sell for less than $600. You may likely need a cold weather sleeping bag, unless you are hunting out of a hotel or out of a ranch. I suggest disregarding the manufacturer's "comfortable down to a temperature of X degrees!" temperature rating and make your own evaluation based on the specified quantity of insulation. I find the manufacturer's temperature ratings to be wildly inaccurate. I saw temperatures of only about 20 degrees above zero Fahrenheit and yet I was a little cold in my sleeping bag rated by the manufacturer to be comfortable for 20 degrees BELOW ZERO -- and I was sleeping on top of a thermal pad inside a backpacking tent.

6. You may consider taking a GPS, even on a guided hunt, as a security blanket. If for some reason you get seperated from your guide, a GPS makes it very easy to find your way around and go from one place to another. Even an inexpensive GPS unit (I used a $120 Garmin Etrex and found it gave very good service) provides a lot of valuable navigational capability. If you do get a GPS, practice with it before you go afield so you know how to operate it.


What I read says only 25% of elk hunters are successful in any given year. Just hooking up with an outfitter/guide does not necessarily boost these odds significantly -- for example over 33%. Bagging any elk is FAR, FAR from a sure thing even when you hook up with an outfitter/guide. You will definitely want to think through your hunting objectives based on a realistic appraisal of your hunting situation. For example, if you want at least a 6x6 this may imply being willing to hunt four to six seasons, passing on lesser animals to wait for the 6x6. Are you hunting for a head or would you be satisfied going home with a cow elk which provides excellent eating? I was entirely ready to take a cow on day one of the season, 10 minutes into the season if one presented herself to me. I'm not a trophy hunter. Every hunter has their own objectives. Some suggest a sliding scale. Initially set your goal to take any legal elk, cow or bull. After you have achieved this goal, slide your objectives up a notch to a 5x5 bull. Once you have a 5x5 bull, slide your scale up to a 6x6 bull. You get the idea.

A "do it yourself (DIY)" elk hunt is a complicated proposition. All of my comments above are directed to an outfitted/guided hunt, because you indicated this was your main plan. If you were to look at a DIY elk huntadditional considerations come into view. For example, you then need a plan to cope with a 700 LBS elk corpse: how to cut this bulk up, how to care for the meat in the field, how to get the meat to your vehicle, etc. Other DIY elk hunting issues include providing the capability to dry wet clothes in the field, providing heat within your sleeping quarters (you may be able to survive without such heating, but most hunters find heat is necessary to preserve sanity over the several days of the elk hunt), getting your outfit back in where the elk will be found. Of course, you also have to figure out where and how to hunt the elk if you are DIY elk hunting. This may be the most valuable asset provided by the outfitter/guide -- elk hunting experience and savvy combined with substantial scouting of the elk in that particular area.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I have only hunted in NW Colorado. So don't know about other states.

If this is your first hunt then I recommend getting a guide. But that is costly.

2nd recommendation would be to get a cow tag. It will get you experience and some meat.

If you go BP or Archery, then be prepared to walk a lot more than with a rifle.

When buying equipment, only buy one of the best brands.

Buying clothes - Buy the best and only one set. Better than buying two sets of cheap stuff.

Use ammo matched to the game. Only premium stuff.

If you are DIY, then bring a GPS so you can find your way back to camp and then back to your downed elk.

Again I would recommend getting a cow tag or EitherSex for the first hunt if it is DIY.

Good Luck.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Thanks for all the tips, especially fromAlsation.
I'm 6 foot and 250lbs., basically a football players build, just missingsome strength and endurance.
And at age 36, don't expect loosing somepounds to be any easier.
I know I can put out a day or two's effort, but by the third day would be a sore muscle mess. I want to be confident that I hold my own for 4-5 days and be able to drive home on day 7....maybe spending day 6 in a hot tub.

I'd imagine the best thing for me,is to search and find a quality guide who can narrow things down to what wouldbest suit my needs.

I imagine it's like car shopping, some will tell me what I want to hear, and others, less helpful when there's less money to be made.
You get what you pay for....sometimes.

Thanks and wish me luck!

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I went to the Routt National Forest last year and hunted on public land. There were 4 of us and the whole trip including license cost about $1300.00 for each of us. We drove from Ohio and gas was included in that amount also. It was a spectacular 2 weeks, we used the first week for scouting (saw a few bulls) and the second for hunting (the weather turned warm and the bulls were very high miles away). We didn't get one needless to say but we enjoyed the trip. The point I am getting at for you is that I am 6'3 and about 300#(also football build) and I am 43. I was on a stationary bike for about 35-45 minutes a day for 6 months prior to going on the trip. I didn't lose much weight but increased my aerobic capacity and then when I got out there I just took it at my pace. I didn't try and set any speed records but I was able to cover several miles each day without much problem. I did use ibuprofen occasionally but it was nothing unbearable. Just use common sense, and don't try and push yourself beyond your limits and you will be fine.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

A couple additional thoughts. At the age of 36 reducing your weight will be a piece of cake. I'm 50 years old, and I can lose weight and keep it off. It requires two things: exercise and limitation of calorie consumption. Drink more water. Drink water when you have a hunger pang. Others may disparage my approach, but I follow an eating regime all week long but allow myself to indulge myself pretty much without limits in a Saturday evening meal. As you get closer to the time of your hunt, you need to focus less on losing weight and more on physical conditioning. This is one reason to get the weight off early.

I have read that some recommend using a booking agent to hook up with an outfitter/guide. It is difficult to do the due diligence necessary to find a good outfitter/guide, but this is the stock and trade of booking agents.

Get your hands on books about elk hunting and read them. Don't assume you are going to get the whole picture from reading one or even ten of these books, but you will learns something. I find that most of these books have a lot of good advice about equipment, clothes, guns, bows, elk biology, the various state permit drawing systems, caring for elk meat. I personally was not satisfied with the treatment these books gave for the actual activity of hunting elk and still feel I'm out in the dark about the preferred hunting methods. Reading the elk books also provide many opportunities for leisurely fantasizing about the forthcoming elk hunt.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

It has been 20 years scince I went on my first DIY elk hunt,back then you could walk into a store and buy a elk tag.Now you have to get prafrance points to get a tag,2 to 3 years avrage.At the time whenwe first went out there,my friends brother had lived out there for a few years and had a good handle on hunting elk.You have been given alot of good advice so fare.Back when I first went out there we had no ideal what we were doing,we went out there like we were hunting whittail in the east,I went out there with snow boots,heavy clothes,no compass,and a borrowed rifle that was chamberd in 270 with a box of 130gr psp.And my hunting partners were just as ill prepard as I was

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

That first DIY year can be a tough one.
Going out half arsed for deer still will likely get you a deer....
Going out half arsed for elk will very likely get you nothing except some pointers on what NOT to do the next time.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

EKM,We learned alot the first year we went out to CO.By year 2 we were perpard enough that we looked like we new what we were doing,it wasnt till the 3rd year that we started killing elk.The 2 most important thing that helped us to start killing elk on our DIY hunt was when we relized that elk were not nere the roads and we needed to get into remote areas to see them,and it was better to go out a few days before the season and scout,this ment less time hunting but added up to seeing and killing elk.Our mulley ratio went down but we did kill more elk

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Read the latest Field and Stream about a first time elk hunter. Start exercising six months early. Walk your legs off. Find some steps like a high school football stadium and start walking them. When you hunt elk bring Ibuprofen or Motrin (prescription strength) and use them. You will feel like you didduring the high school football season,and worse.

That said, it is awesome seeing elk in the wild and hunting them. Good luck getting a shot off. They are always on the move and you have to be in the right place at the right time. MV out!

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

If one is serious about elk, then IMO the muley ratio is a good one to have go down... for me they are an unwelcome distraction.
You'd be hard pressed to get me to take a shot at a muley while elk hunting.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

EKM,the first few years that we went out there we were happy to get a shot at anything,and I always seemed to have luck at getting a muley.But after a few years we started to go after elk more,we contined to kill a few mulys but we also killed more elk,cows and bulls

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I'vestarted upmy old diet routine, by riding a stationary bike 30 min a day and cutting the calorie intake, justlike Alsatian suggested.
My last weightloss stint took me from 265 to 230 in about6-8 months, but I hit a wall and just wouldn't loose anymore.
Myplan is to loosea few more pounds, bump the cardioup and getthe metabolism working better.
Once that kicks in, I can concentrate on the strength training.
Kindalike a domino effect, don't try to doit all at once.

I'm still having a hard time narrowing down a guide....or an exact state.
So if you have a friend, or a friend of a friend, thatswears by one, let me know.
My projected limit is $3500,not includingexpenses.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Are you looking for meat or rack? If you don't mind, how about WA? Archery is your best bet here. I started elk hunting 6 years ago and managed to get one every year.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I think every first timer should shoot a doe before a buck,just to take the edge off.I have never been to wa. but my brother has taken one he lives in lake sturds.Im thinking about Co. next year and ill take a bull,unless a big cow comes in first;)

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I'd be looking for a bull.
Not to offend anyone, butmeat isn't my top priority.
If it was,I probablycouldn't afford to even go.

My buddy is wanting to go, but he wants it to be a DIY.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I have been hunting Colorado 20 years in High altitude camp. I would have to agree on the cow tag, it is hard to get a bull but when they have to be4x4 or or have 5 inch brow tines to shoot. it becomes overwhelming for the new Elk Hunter. the first year take the pressure off and learn the game you are hunting. If you are going todo this with out a guide and go in deep you will have your hands full, expect the unexpected, be prepared for any contingency, never drop your guard. There is just to much to cover on the topic. In short you have three types of Elk hunter one payed for ranch hunt "easy street not much sport to me" two drive in hunter " You might see Elk" or the third pack in hunt" the pinnacle of Elk Hunting"
If you can make it up their, it does not matter how big your bull is. Its the fact you shot onein the high country and packed it out.

In the words of my Dad and Uncle

So You Want To Be An Elk Hunter!!!

I wish you the best and read.read.read. all you can on Elk Hunting.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

6' 250# ? Ouch. I'm 6'2" 190#, but got it down to 180# for my Nevada bowhunt this year. I was worried that was too much! Even if you have a muscular build I'd highly recommendlosing a bunch of weight now. Use your trip as incentive to push away from the table. You'd be surprised how easy the weight will fall off. Here's what to do.1. Get used to drinking nothing but water. No sodas especially. 2. No fast food, no fries, no burgers, no fried food. Go to Subwayif you want to eat out. 3. Eat all the fruits and vegetables you want. Gorge yourself if you must. Watermellon in the summer works great for me. 4. No dairy products of any kind. 5. Excercise slowly at first. Brisk walking daily to start. Then a light jog every other day.Upper body weights are less important than flat out running or biking with those those legs. Do all the situps you can daily.

Last year in May I weighed 223# when I knew I needed to finally do something. I drew a once-in-a-lifetime NV archery elk tag and used this for my incentive to change. By doing the above things I lost 45# in 60 days. Biking 3 times a week in the summer heat helped a lot. I ate that Nevada mountain for lunch while losing another 10# hunting. Weighed in at 170# at the end. I felt great. Since that time I put a bit back on due to the winter restricting activities, but I'm still 190# right now. Will be back to 180# when spring allows me to resume my biking.

I am also from Indiana, up by Schererville. I've been out west about 8 trips for elk, mostly archery. I can assure you you must be in shape to do it. Get you Wyoming point this year, and apply in New Mexico. Use Colorado as a last resort. It's OK for a cow hunt. Also you can hunt small 6x6's and 5x5's with 2 or three CO preference points. Then apply anywhere else you can afford.

I've taken 3 bulls from 320" to 350". All came from hard work in tough terrain. If you can't lose this weight I would not go to the mountains. You will be much better off for it if you can lose it. At 250" you are at serious risk for diabetes.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

I'll be happy with 225 ponds. I want to keep my strength, and build on endurance.
Rapid weight loss can be very dangerous, be careful and smart.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Even if you have a muscular build the healthy weight for your height is well below 200#, I can assure you that. Do an internet search on height/weight ratios. I can also assure you you can do it. Just put your mind to it and change habits. Don't diet or count calories. You can chow down on fruits & vegetables and I can assure you you will drop weight like a rock.

I was at 230+ for 5-7 years until I changed my mindset. Now it takes no effort at all to keep weight down. These fast food places all over the place really suck. They train people that it is normal to eat like that and it is not. Especially in Indy you are surrounded by fast food places. You need to understand these should be avoided like the plague. Learn to hang out in the fresh produce section of your grocery store. 90% of your shopping should be here. Screw the center isles. Let fruit replace all sweets in your life. I don't even put sugar in my coffee anymore.

The benefit you will gain from quiting cold turkey far outweighs any rapid weight loss risk. People love to use that for an excuse. Like I said you can gorge yourself on vegetables. There's no danger in that. Your body will love it.

While you are surfing check out the increase in diabetes in our country. Fast food and sugar is about 95% of the reason for this. Sugar is in freakin everything at McDonald's except black coffee and two other items, can't remember which. Even the salads have sugar.

I cannot tell you how much better I feel now. I am 47 and love to hunt in the mountains.When I gotover 200# I began having problems elk hunting, not being able to chase them quickly.Having to stop often. My joy was being taken away from me. I have it back now. I never want to lose it again.

Of the 3 bulls I have taken, I would have gotten a grand total of zero of the three had I not been in good shape. Yes I could have taken some smaller bulls in a couple of these primo hunts, but I trophy hunt and have to pass many satellites.

Let me tell you something. You will be amazed how easy the pounds fall off if you make these changes. It will be effortless.

One other consideration, over the years I have been there whenthe bodies of two hunters had to be hauled off the mountain due to dying of heart attacks. Both in New Mexico. Both were overweight.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Hello Zim,
First off, congrates to the Bears, they almost blew it....it'd be really cool if both our teams was playing in February.

Maybe I should have elaborated more in mylast post, I'm not arguing with your points or reasoning, I agree with almost all of it.
BothDoctorsand dietitionsinsist to loose 3-5 per week max (my wife is a nurse also...not that it matters as much)
Rapid loss iskindajust a temp fix andis very hard on the heart, plus theweight usually comes from the wrong parts of the body.
Idid returned tosome bad eating habits over the couple of last year,andstarted makingcorrections back in November/December....the holidays didn't help very much.
Calories and constant exercise is the best long term plan, as long as that person doesn't become discouraged when the scale doesn't show instant results.
Metabolism is key to taking it off and leaving it off.

Restaurants across the board,are not good for you, even the sub shops.
Sodas, fries, mayo, dressings are so unbelievealbly bad they should be labeled by the surgeon general.
The frozen diet meals aren'tentirely diet, butarestructured towardsserving sizeand squared food groups. They are my lunches again,with snacksbeing bananas, apples,carrots, and for a treat,one serving of Baked BBQ Lays.
Tea and Coke Zero aremy choice drinks.

With all that being said, I'm still just a deer hunter, no grand illusions of being a mountain man or an elk hunter. Isimply want to go out west and experience somethings so incredible, that itcan onlybewitnessed first hand.
If it's a life changing experience, I'llgo again when I can afford it.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Colo OTC tags. JustDO it man.

The alt is a factor tho and the solution is WATER. Drink gallons of it ev day. And bring some ibuprofen.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

Hey Zim,
Bears-Colts for the Super Bowl....looks like our dreams are realized.
I also grew up in NW Indiana (Kentland) so a lot of my friends & family are Chicago fans....traitors!!!

As far as "the hunt" plans are concerned, I've lost 15 lbs so far andit appears we found a good & affordableguide to take us.
All I have to do is keep at it and"hurry up and wait!"



Good luck to both teams, and hope for a good safe game.

Go Colts!

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

That was an awfully strange transition... from talking Elk hunting... going to talking"The Bears". [&:]

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

It is all in how much you want to be successful.I'm with zim no matter how good of shape you are in, it's never enough when you get up there and find you need to go further up.I wouldsay a min. of 10 days for a DIY. It takes a few days to get used to the elevation.warning it can be very addicting I have been clean for about 8 years now but I have 2 pts. for a montana tag this fall.


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RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

....when the hunting season is over, you've gotta fill the void.

It's Super Bowl time, Zim is a Chicagoian and I'm from Indianapolis.



p.s. When football is over, racingsteps inquite nicely.

RE: Looking to hunt Elk.
 

BMI is no indication as to the level of fitness of an individual and is seldom used anymore, well in Canada anyways. A person may be 6ft 200 pounds with a fat content of 12 percent yet they are unhealthy? If you want a true test get your body fat tested and your vo2 max.Some of the other stuffi agree with and am working on it myself to get geared up for my hunt. 6 ft 1 in., 190 pounds but need to work on legs and cardio.