Summer Scouting and Field Tested

By Dr. Preston Ward, PT, DPT, OCS

Over the years, I’ve found myself looking forward to summer scouting season just as much,  and sometimes more, than the peak of the fall hunt. There’s something about loading up a pack, heading into the mountains, and seeing what the terrain and wildlife have to offer that reminds you why you do this in the first place.

But scouting isn’t just about finding elk or deer. It’s also one of the best times to evaluate your own readiness for the season ahead.

If your body is not ready, none of the gear matters.

Most hunters think pre-season prep is all about gear lists, e-scouting, and dialing in tags. But I’ve worked with enough backcountry athletes to tell you this, the real difference maker is time in the field. You have to test your system. Not just your GPS, boots, or optics, but your body.

Summer scouting gives you that window.

Use scouting season to check your systems.

Think of each trip as a way to assess your physical readiness:

• Can your knees take steep terrain under load?
  
• How do your hips feel after long glassing sessions?
  
• Are you noticing back fatigue with a full pack?
  

Is there a shoulder that complains every time you draw your bow?

You want to know now, not three days into your hunt. Small issues become big problems when you’re deep in the backcountry with a tag in your pocket.

A few simple field tests

No need to overthink it. Start with some basics to see where you’re at.

Squat Test

Can you drop into a full squat with your heels on the ground? Can you hold it for 10 seconds and stand back up without using your hands? If not, work on ankle mobility, hip control, and leg strength.

Hike and Time Test

Grab your pack, load it up, and hike 3 to 5 miles. Pay attention to your pace, your breathing, and your recovery. How fast you go is one thing; how fast you bounce back is another.

Step-Up Strength

With a weighted pack, do step-ups onto a 12 to 18-inch box. Track how many you can do. This is a quick way to measure leg strength and fatigue.

Common breakdowns to watch for

Most injuries I see this time of year result from something small being ignored early. Here are the big four:

• Achilles issues from fast uphill pushes
• Knee pain linked to weak glutes or stiff ankles
• Low back fatigue from long sits and heavy loads
• Shoulder flare-ups from poor bow mechanics
  
  

None of these start as season-enders. But they can become one if you’re not paying attention. Catch them now. Make adjustments. The earlier you intervene, the easier the repair will be.

Scout with purpose

Next time you head out, pay attention to more than just what’s on the ridgeline. Watch your own performance.

• Are your feet blistering too early?
• Are your hips locking up on descents?
• Can you sleep well and hit it again the next morning?
  
  

Scouting is a great way to find elk. But it is also your best chance to test how ready you are for the grind. Build a body that can move, recover, and hold up through a tough season. The mountain does not care how nice your gear is; it will expose every weakness. So use the pre-season to find them before they matter.

And most importantly, enjoy it. Take your family. Pack a rod. Stay out overnight. Summer scouting has its unique rhythm. It is the perfect blend of adventure and preparation. I look forward to it every year, and I hope you do too.

Stay strong. Move well. Hunt hard.