How to Prevent Altitude Sickness While Hunting

Group of hikers with backpacks and sticks walking on a mountain at sunset - Four friends making an excursion in the nature

Whether you’re a beginner hunter or a seasoned veteran, many people who come to Montana to hunt underestimate the effects of higher altitudes. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to not prepare for higher elevations before your hunt. When your body isn’t used to higher elevations, you can experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and more. Thankfully, there are ways for you to prepare:

Train early

Unless you live in higher elevations, you’ll need to take time to prepare your body for what’s to come. We recommend spending the next 3 to 6 months before your hunt training and strengthening your cardio-vascular system. Here are a few drills you can do regularly to help prepare yourself for high altitudes.

Stay hydrated, but avoid certain drinks

Before you start climbing, drink twice as much water as you normally would. The more hydrated you are, the easier it will be for your body to perform in higher elevations. However, be careful of what you’re drinking. You should avoid any drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, pop, etc. You should also avoid any alcoholic drinks.

Eat carbs

As you’re chugging water, try to eat some extra carbs. Your body requires less oxygen to digest carbohydrates than it does with fats. As such, by eating carbs, it’ll be easier for your body to function with less oxygen.

Talk with your doctor

Whether or not you have any pre-existing conditions, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor if you plan to do strenuous activity in higher elevations. By doing so, your doctor can give you recommendations on how to prepare and stay safe.

Now that you’re ready for higher elevations, it’s time to book your hunting trip. At Elk Ridge Outfitters, we offer a wide variety of hunting packages for you to enjoy. Call us today to get started!

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