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Hunting Tips for Getting #ROARfit

7th January 2026|4 min

Summer is here, which means the Roar is only months away. It’s time to take stock of your fitness and start planning for your hunt. You’ll have a far better time and more success if you’re not struggling up hills, holding up your mates or missing the shot because you’re too slow. Importantly, you’ll also reduce your risk of getting injured.

Here are some pointers to help you build stamina and strength in the lead-up to the Roar, so you’ll be ready when the stags start calling in March. Like any sport, the work you put in now will pay off later.

Why fitness matters…

Hunting injuries double during the Roar comparted to an average month, and fatigue – both physical and mental – play a big role in these injuries. Around 56% of severe injuries are to knees, shoulders or ankles, often from slips, trips, falls and carrying heavy loads. These aren’t short-term setbacks, with the average recovery time 76 days – or more than 10 weeks.

Check in With Yourself

Every Roar is unique. Route access, terrain and physical demands will be different for every hunter. A good way to check the fitness you’ll need is to picture yourself in three months and think about what your Roar will look like. Be honest with where your fitness is now and where you need to be.

Ask yourself:

  • What sort of hunt am I planning?
  • What terrain will I be heading into?
  • Do I have the fitness to go the distance?
  • Am I in the best condition to carry a stag out on my back?
  • What training will I need to get #ROARfit?

 

Exercise To-Dos (Weeks 1 – 6)

Many hunters say that a 12-week timeframe will give you the best chance of being #ROARfit. Begin gently and increase your training gradually, especially if winter slowed you down and you’re starting with a low base fitness, or you’re recovering from an injury.

  • Set achievable, realistic goals so you get some easy wins.
  • Choose activities you enjoy – walking, tramping or shorter, easier hunting trips with a lighter pack are perfect.
  • Be consistent as this helps to build fitness progressively, rather than going hard out occasionally.
  • Introduce strength work. As you get fitter, take a heavier pack or start strength workouts at the gym or home.
  • Train with a mate. Training together will keep you both accountable and make it more enjoyable. The commitment to train together will help to keep you motivated.

 

Sharpen Your focus (Weeks 6 – 12)

By now you will have built a solid fitness base so it’s time to dial things up to really test yourself before the real thing.

  • Hit the hills. There’s no better way to get prepared than hunting in the hills on steep, uneven terrain. Take it easy though, as this is still just preparation.
  • Take your pack. A loaded pack will not only improve your fitness but is a good reality check. It will help you decide if your gear is too heavy. You may have to cut back on non-essentials or invest in lighter gear.
  • Review your progress. Check in again with yourself. Do you need to step it up or reset your goals for your hunt?

 

Get the #ROARfit Guide

The free 12-week #ROARfit has been designed to help you get into peak condition for the Roar. Even if you’ve got less than 12 weeks to get in shape, don’t sweat it – there’s no better time to start your training than today. The sooner you start, the stronger you’ll be when the Roar begins.

Download the guide here

This article also appeared in Hunting & Wildlife magazine 

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PHOTO CREDIT | Hunters Club | Hunter in hills

Roar Hunting