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PODCAST

Train Smarter Hunt Longer

Todd Bumgardner

Hunters fail in the mountains because they train for optics instead of outcomes. The Train Smarter Hunt Longer Podcast puts the kibosh to that. Here, we rebuild the way hunters think about fitness: less ego, more consistency, and training that matches the real demands of the backcountry. Hosted by Todd Bumgardner, this show blends science and experience to give you the honest training info you need to physically prepare for this season and every season for the rest of your life.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

00:18:09

98: How to Avoid Hip, Knee, and Back Overuse Injuries

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/05/27

Hunters often walk themselves into hip, knee, and back pain. This episode covers simple ways to keep that from happening.

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00:31:33

97: Choosing the Right Ruck Weight and Combining Ruck...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/05/21

I've been checking out the forums, and a lot of hunters ask about how much weight to ruck with and how to combine ruck training with strength training and other conditioning. So, I answer those questions in this episode. I also lay out how to progress your ruck training and offer some standards to know if you're where you need to be before the season.The article below includes a detailed rucking progression.How to Train for a Dall Sheep Hunt in the Northwest Territories

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00:26:53

96: How Should Hunters Train in May?

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/05/12

*Note: We tried new editing software for this podcast and the video ended up wonky. I apologize for that. I wanted to get the info out to you, so I published it anyway.Late Offseason training continues!This episode breaks down the most important aspects of strength, muscular endurance, and conditioning that hunters should focus on in May to set themselves up for success in the preseason.Free Hunting Fitness Assessment: The Hunter's Field TestBackcountry Ready Sign up: Backcountry Ready

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00:30:51

95: Fueling, Mindset, Vision, and Books

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/05/06

This QnA podcast covers:-Ancestral vs Modern Fueling-What mindset to have when you miss a workout-The Packmule Vision for the next 3 to 5 years-Some of my top book recommendationsFree Hunting Fitness Assessment:The Hunter's Field Test

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00:19:54

94: Fix Tight Hips After Rucking, How I've Changed My...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/04/28

I'm on the road and doing a QnA podcast series from the truck. During this episode, I answer two questions:1. Do you need a dedicated stretch day to fix tight hips caused by rucking?2. What's the biggest thing about nutrition I've changed my mind on in the past 5 years?Links mentioned during the episode:Video: Table Lift Exercise Article: Fueling for Long Rucks, Runs, and Hikes

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00:32:29

93: How Should Hunters Train in April?

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/04/15

It's late offseason time, folks. This episode outlines the most important aspects of training hunters need to do in April to set themselves up for success in the summer.Free Hunting Fitness Assessment: The Hunter's Field TestYou're Fine. You're Just Uncomfortable Caribou Shirt

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01:14:51

92: Debunking Muscular Endurance Myths: Don't Confuse...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/04/06

Muscular endurance is the most misunderstood aspect of training for hunting.In this episode, you'll get the science of muscular endurance, as well as practical training methods, tactics, and exercises to improve your muscular endurance for mountain hunting.We'll also cover the most neglected, but important, aspects of muscular endurance training for mountain hunters.Article: How to Develop Muscular Endurance for Mountain HuntingKnow How Much Weight You Can Carry: Pack Capacity

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01:32:50

91: Why Hunting in New Zealand is So Affordable for...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/03/24

I chat with Tristan Corbett, a life-long New Zealand hunter, and creator of HuntMateNZ, an app loaded with education, guidance, and hunting maps that point hunters in the right direction to find the game they're after.Tristan tells his story of growing up as a hunter in New Zealand and how that led him to create HuntMateNZ.He also walks through the details of how easy and affordable it is for Americans to DIY hunt New Zealand's amazing animals on their incredible amounts of public land.He

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00:38:50

90: Sled Training, Mobility, and Deadlifting for Hunting

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/03/19

In this QnA episode, I answer 3 listener questions:1. How should you program sled training for hunting?2. What mobility training should you do outside of the gym?3. What's the most functional deadlift for hunting, hex bar or barbell?Mobility routine mentioned in the episode at the link below:Morning CARs RoutineFree Pack Capacity Calculator at the link below:Pack Capacity Calculator

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00:35:26

89: How Should Hunters Train in March?

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/03/12

The title nails it for this one. I discuss how hunters should train in March. And to do that, I lay out Phase 3 of our Early Offseason Training block.I cover:-What kind of strength training and how much?-Adding in higher intensity conditioning-Continuing to build an aerobic base-Including rucking and incline trainingPlease support my friend Casey Bard's fight against stage IV colorectal cancer by heading to his website and grabbing some merch at the link below:caseybard.com

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00:20:35

88: Training Through and Around Injuries

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/03/04

This episode covers why it's important to still do everything you can training-wise while dealing with an injury, from a fitness perspective, healing perspective, and psychological perspective. Some of the advice might surprise you.Download a Free copy of our Packmule Capacity Calculator at the link below:Pack Capacity Calculator

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00:34:39

87: Popular Hunting Fitness Misconceptions and...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/02/26

This episode gives you answers to great listener questions. Here they are as they sent them in:1. I'd love to hear a podcast on training misconceptions, especially with this non-stop high output training being pushed by the big names in the hunting fitness space.2. Assuming someone is fairly lean at a healthy weight but wants to try shaving off another 5-7 pounds, is there a training block during the year that it makes more sense to try and lose that body fat knowing it will take a calorie

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00:26:12

86: When Should Mountain Hunters Train on Steep...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/02/20

This is a QnA episode that covers two great conditioning questions for backcountry and mountain hunters.1. Should Zone 1 and 2 training be done at a steeper incline and slower speed?2. What should hunters do to build and maintain an aerobic base from year to year? How can they keep progressing when they've reached their maximum training time per week?(Article) Do You Know How Much Weight You Should Carry? (Includes link to FREE Pack Capacity Calculator)

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00:33:36

85: How Should Hunters Train in February?

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/02/10

During this episode, Todd gives you a detailed description of what types and amounts of training move the needle for hunters during early offseason training.It includes:-Types of strength training and amounts-Aerobic conditioning (how much and when)-How to know if you're ready to add more intense conditioning-A breakdown of exactly how he's training his hunters right nowFree Hunting Fitness Assessment:The Hunter's Field Test

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00:14:58

84: Should You Use Lifting Belts and Straps?

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/02/03

In this episode, Todd breaks down the proper use of lifting belts and straps, explaining when they are beneficial and how to use them correctly. He also shares practical advice on building grip strength, programming with reps and reserve, and developing core stability for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.Key topics:The correct way to use a lifting belt: reinforce core, not replace itWhen to utilize a belt: primarily for heavy powerlifting sets above 85-90% of one-rep maxWhy hunters generally

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00:36:18

The Ultimate Guide to Zone 2 for Hunters

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2026/01/31

Unlock the key to sustainable endurance and faster recovery with zone two training—an essential for all hunters looking to optimize their performance and longevity. In this episode, Todd Bumgardner breaks down what zone two truly is, how to find your zones, and how to incorporate this philosophy into your training year-round.What is zone two and why it matters for huntersPhysiological basics: aerobic vs anaerobic energy systemsHow to accurately determine your zone two using blood lactate or

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00:28:28

82: 6 Important Training Questions for Hunters

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2025/06/06

In this episode, Todd Bumgardner addresses various questions related to training for hunting, focusing on the importance of upper body strength, preparing for specific conditions like muddy terrain, and the use of trekking poles. He discusses the significance of incline training, load adjustments for long rucks, and how to address strength imbalances in archery. The conversation emphasizes a holistic approach to fitness that balances endurance and strength training for optimal performance in hunting

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00:22:39

The Best Strength Exercises for Mountain Hunters

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2025/05/30

In this episode, Todd Bumgardner discusses strength training specifically tailored for hunters, focusing on the best exercises, the importance of lifting heavy, and the role of muscle mass in performance and longevity. He emphasizes the need for relative strength, effective training methods, and the significance of maintaining muscle mass for injury prevention and overall health.Free Mountain Hunting Readiness Assessment >> The Hunter's Field Test

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00:31:17

80: Know You're Ready for the Mountains: The Hunter's...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2025/05/22

In this episode, Todd Bumgardner discusses the Hunter Field Test, a physical assessment designed for hunters to evaluate their readiness for the hunting season. He explains the importance of work capacity, movement capacity, and relative strength, and how these elements contribute to a hunter's efficiency and performance. The conversation covers various tests included in the assessment, such as mobility tests, strength tests, and conditioning tests, emphasizing the need for proper sequencing and

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00:26:36

79: Two Important Notes on High-Intensity Training...

Train Smarter Hunt Longer ·

2025/03/17

In this episode of the Human Predator Pack Mule podcast, Todd Bumgardner discusses high intensity continuous training and its application for hunters. He emphasizes the importance of aerobic conditioning over high intensity training for effective hunting preparation. Todd answers listener questions about training methods, heart rate monitoring, and the balance between aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, providing insights into how to optimize fitness for hunting activities.Download a FREE copy of

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