Thread: Preparing mentally

Biggest thing I've found for me is:

• Ensure everything is squared away before you go i.e. no unfinished work commitments, unfinished tasks at home etc that will plague your mind while your in the hills.
• Get some decent rest in the week leading up to it.

As long as those are squared away - I'm in my happy place out there.

Cheers lads

Originally Posted by blip

Without getting religious I take a quiet moment just before I set off and say to myself I guess like a prayer or kind of karakia, I dont pray to god. Just asking to return safely and thanking for the oportunity.

who are you praying to?I also say a prayer to the almighty asking for good decision making and thanking for what we have out there.

Pick my bum, sniff it and into it

Originally Posted by Gibo

Pick my bum, sniff it and into it

That's the ritual for the home straight after wearing same undies for 10 days, should be clean and pure heading out.

Originally Posted by Yesmate

who are you praying to?I also say a prayer to the almighty asking for good decision making and thanking for what we have out there.

the angels

I tend to track what gear I'm using, what is working and what isn't, thinking about what I can do better next time and what choices have proved to be sound


Also if I am walking out the way I came in, I stop at significant track points, turn back the way I came and take a mental snapshot of what that waypoint will look like on my way back

If it is a long walk out I find that helps to break it down into stages

Also a chillybin with ice in the vehicle to look forward to a beverage of one's choice helps with motivation getting back

Get some sleep the night before, not too many beers. Be organised, get everything ready to go as far as possible in advance. I don't push myself. If I'm not in to it for whatever reason, I don't go.

Originally Posted by whanahuia

Those of you that get excited, Would you describe yourselves as extravert or introvert?

For me I just kind of feel I have to hunt and go when I can, no real change in mental attitude. Except for overseas hunts. I have to resign myself to airports and long airplane travel. Both of which I dont enjoy.

Extravert......and lately I find it hard to get motivated to head out for a hunt alone. Super keen when heading out with folks. Freezers full also makes hunting deer hard for me.i will not waste venison or pork. Should be getting ready to go for hunt tomorrow morning....done nothing yet.

Now opening weekend for ducks, definitely social event.sleep comes harder each year.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

Extravert......and lately I find it hard to get motivated to head out for a hunt alone. Super keen when heading out with folks. Freezers full also makes hunting deer hard for me.i will not waste venison or pork. Should be getting ready to go for hunt tomorrow morning....done nothing yet.

I've got to that point. Been hunting alone for many years now. It has it's benefits, but starting to get bored of my own company. Good luck tomorrow if you go out.

Originally Posted by STC

Youre going hunting, not to war.

Or a freaking ‘mission’. You’re going hunting, not on a combat sortie.

Wake up and go. If it involves hunting an area or quarry I haven’t hunted before then there’s some anticipation. I generally hunt alone so these days, as I hunt up to four days per week, not so much anticipation or pressure on myself. If I’m hunting with or for someone then there is an obligation ? to put more effort in. Hunting is something I enjoy, it’s one of my happy spaces. I tend not to get stressed about preparation or the hunt itself. I have learnt that if I wake up not fully committed to going for a hunt then it’s better to not go.

My one and only question anytime I head out the door for whatever reason be it hunting, tramping or even work do I have enough food.

I usually pack the night before, I hunt alone as don't have any hunting buddies who can be available during the week.

I check the latest weather. Check my gear. Make sure all is good. Then off I go. Sometimes make a plan b in case of other hunters in the area etc….

You're overthinking it