altitude sickness?

Make sure your in shape and if you can give yourself a day or two to acclimate that would help. Most importantly stay hydrated and don't over exhert yourself while your bodies trying to adjust.

johnnyutah5 is spot on! Acute Mountain Sickness is no joke and you need to prepare your body NOW for the adventure. You didn't mention the elevation you're hunting. If it's elk.....probably from 8500-10,500' which isn't too bad for the transition.

I live at sea level and make a yearly trek into a Colorado Wilderness bowhunting mule deer each year.......generally above 12,000'. There is A LOT of preparation needed. First and foremost, get into shape. Once you get into the best cardio shape you can, you'll want to continue drinking A LOT of water daily all the way until your hunt ends. No alcohol consumption.

When I arrive at trail head, I spend the entire day there........shooting my bow, drinking A LOT of water, taking charcoal tablets, and high carb foods. I spend the night at trail head and when I wake in the morning, I'm usually pretty acclimated to begin my ascent. Before I go, I drink four bottles of water, more charcoal tablets, and plenty of Probars to snack on. Again NO alcohol.

I usually have no problem climbing to 13,000' as long as I go easy and don't overexert myself. When I arrive to my camp spot, I set-up camp and relax the rest of the day.......drinking water the entire time.

If you become extremely fatigued with splitting headaches and vomiting, you need to descend to lower elevation immediately. Your brain may be swelling.....and that's bad ju-ju in the back country.

Some folks take Diamox a few days before they venture into the high-country and continue to take it for a few days while they are there. I've heard mostly good results.......I'm just not one of those that like to take medications if it's not needed.......but it's an option. Hope it helps and have fun!

Thanks guys for the info. My guide tells me we will be around 10,000 ft. Already working on the cardio, Walking and running bout 9 miles a week right now,about half of it has some good hills in it but not what I;m told I;ll see out there.

Another thing that you might want to think about is if you live in a state with alot of humidity high mountain air will dry out your sinus cavities quickly. Nothing ruins your hunt quicker than a bloody nose or a sinus headache. Take along a small bottle of saline solution and use it often up each nostril. You will be glad you did.

One other thing first time western hunters experience is the sun. There's little atmosphere to stop the rays and it'll fry you. Take a boonie type hat and sunscreen for your face and hands. Sunglasses too.
mark

I'm a native Arkie and hunt high elevation out west every year. You can call on my cell 501-730-8976 if you want some tips.

Wyatt