Why Spring is the Best Time to Start Preparing for Your Fall Elk Hunt

If you want to give yourself the best possible chance at punching your tag this fall, the work starts now - in the spring. While the season might feel months away, elk hunting success begins with preparation, and spring offers the perfect window to lay the foundation for a successful fall hunt.

At LOH Outfitters, we’ve guided hundreds of elk hunters across New Mexico’s most rugged and rewarding landscapes, and we know the difference between a well-prepared hunter and one who’s just getting dialed in come September.

In this article, we’re breaking down why spring is the most important time to begin preparing for your fall elk hunt, and the five key areas you should focus on right now to maximize your success.

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1. Physical Conditioning: Build the Engine Early

Elk hunting is one of the most physically demanding big game pursuits in North America. The terrain in New Mexico - especially in our top-producing GMUs like 13, 15, and 17 - includes steep elevations, long hikes, and high-altitude climbs.

The time to start conditioning is not August - it’s right now.

Spring Training Tips for Elk Hunters:

• Focus on cardio: Hiking, rucking with a loaded pack, trail running, and cycling build critical endurance.

• Incorporate strength training: Legs, core, and shoulders will help with hiking, carrying gear, and packing out.

• Simulate the hunt: Load a pack with 30-40 lbs and hike trails to get your body used to the conditions you’ll face in the field.

• Train at elevation if possible to prepare for the thinner air you’ll experience during your hunt.

Starting this process in the spring gives your body time to build real, sustainable endurance before the season hits.

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2. Shooting Practice: Accuracy Under Pressure Starts Now

Whether you're hunting with a bow or a muzzleloader, accuracy is king - and spring is the time to build consistency. Early and frequent shooting practice allows you to ingrain muscle memory, dial in your equipment, and prepare for real-world shot angles.

Spring Shooting Goals:

• Start with foundational work: Shoot at consistent ranges (20-60 yards) to build a baseline.

• Practice from real-life hunting positions: Kneeling, sitting, leaning, and shooting under pressure.

• Shoot when winded: Add stress to simulate the adrenaline dump of a close encounter with a bull.

• Stretch your range: Even if you don’t plan to shoot past 50 or 60 yards, practicing at 70 or more builds confidence and highlights flaws in your form.

By summer, you should be transitioning into scenario-based shooting, and spring is the time to lay that groundwork.

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3. Gear Evaluation and Upgrades

You don't want to find out your boots are uncomfortable or your rangefinder is faulty the week before your hunt. Spring gives you the time to evaluate your gear, make upgrades, and train with what you'll use in the field.

Gear to Review in Spring:

• Boots: Break them in now - not during your hunt. We recommend options from Kenetrek, Schnee’s, or Crispi, depending on terrain and personal preference.

• Optics: Test your binoculars, spotting scope, and rangefinder. If you're upgrading, look into Zeiss or Gunwerks Revic optics.

• Clothing system: Evaluate your base, mid, and outer layers. Spring is a great time to invest in KUIU or Sitka gear and begin using it during training hikes.

• Weapon system: Ensure your bow, muzzleloader, or rifle is tuned and ready. If you're using a muzzleloader, consider renting or training with the same setup you’ll use in the fall.

LOH Outfitters works with brands we trust in the field. If you need help sourcing gear or taking advantage of partner discounts, contact us here.

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4. Research, Scouting, and Mapping

Understanding your hunting unit is critical. Spring is when you should start scouting virtually, reviewing topography, identifying access points, and learning how elk move through the landscape.

Tools for Spring Scouting:

• ONX Hunt App: Begin marking waypoints, wallows, water sources, and bedding areas.

• Google Earth & topo maps: Study terrain and note areas that match typical elk travel and bedding patterns.

• Talk to your guide: At LOH Outfitters, we work with you in advance to help you understand your unit, terrain, and elk behavior.

Even if you won’t be scouting boots-on-the-ground until summer or the week of your hunt, early virtual scouting can give you an edge.

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5. Mental Preparation and Realistic Expectations

Success in elk hunting doesn’t just come from fitness or gear - it also comes from mindset. Elk hunting is hard work, and even the best hunts require patience, grit, and resilience.

Use spring to:

• Mentally prepare for physical discomfort and long days.

• Visualize your shot and the encounter - mental reps are just as important as time at the range.

• Commit to the process, not just the outcome. Your goal should be to be the most prepared version of yourself come fall.

If you're working with a guide like LOH Outfitters, we’ll coach you on how to adapt to unpredictable moments in the field. Confidence built in the spring becomes confidence under pressure during the hunt.

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Start Preparing Now for Success This Fall

The hunters who find success in September and October are usually the ones who started their preparation back in the spring. From physical training and shooting drills to gear readiness and unit research, this is the time to get ahead of the game.

At LOH Outfitters, we work closely with our clients long before they step foot in camp. We’ll help you draw a tag, choose the right unit, prepare physically, and be ready for the moment when a bull steps into range.

If you haven’t started preparing yet, the time is now.

Contact LOH Outfitters today to begin planning your hunt, get gear recommendations, or explore landowner tag opportunities if you missed the draw.

Success starts in the spring. Don’t wait.