How to train for a sheep hunt

By: Zach Petrone Rocky Mountain Strength Founder/Trainer

Hunting sheep is one of the most challenging hunts in North America. It requires a high level of physical fitness, endurance, and patience. The terrain can be steep and rugged. To prepare for this hunt, it is essential to develop endurance and strength, emphasizing balance and stability. Once you’re in position on your ram of a lifetime, you have to be able to execute the shot. Practicing shooting in various positions and distances can help ensure you’re ready for the moment of truth. Preparation is key for a successful Sheep hunt.

Preparing for the Hunt of a Lifetime

Physical and mental training is important for every hunt, but even more so on a sheep hunt. Sheep live in some of the most rugged and steep country in North America. The physical demands of pursuing bighorns are second to none.  Your ankles, knees, and hips will take a beating on a sheep hunt, so sheep hunters must prepare by strengthening the muscles around the joints that will carry them on this hunt. 

Train Steep

When training your cardiovascular system, you want to train STEEP! Three of my favorite exercises to prepare for a sheep hunt are:

• Weighted Incline Walks

• Stair Climbers 

• High-Elevation Rucks 

The more incline you can add to your endurance exercises, the better. Find what distance or time keeps pushing you and continually add on to that to challenge yourself.

Strength and stability are very important for this type of hunt. Unilateral lower body exercises will be at the top of the list to mimic the steep and uneven ground where most sheep live. Three of my favorite unilateral lower body exercises include:

• Single-Leg Eccentric Step-downs (4x5/side~ 5 sec down)

• TRX Pistol Squats (4x8/side) 

• Single-Leg Calf Raises (4x15/side) 

Do not neglect training your core as you get in shape for a sheep hunt. You will frequently find yourself hunting on steep terrain and in offset positions. A stable core will help you function better as you maneuver sheep country. Add the following into your program to strengthen your core and build a strong base: 

• Side planks (3x1min/side) 

• Med ball Rainbow Slams (3x12/side) 

• Banded Clamshells (3x15/side)

By increasing your aerobic work capacity, building unilateral strength, stability, and balance, and developing a strong core, you will have a head start in the rugged mountains where these sheep live. Check out Rocky Mountain Strength (www.rockymtnstrength.com) in Centennial, CO, for advanced programs and training in-person or online coaching to help you get ready for your hunt of a lifetime.