Gamekeepers possess one tool that is more valuable and versatile than any other. This tool enables us to be more productive, detailed, and comprehensive in our efforts to conserve and support wildlife across the landscape. That tool is our legs and their ability to carry us as gamekeepers. Our legs provide locomotion—an irreplaceable ability that allows us to reap the greatest enjoyment and benefit from working for the land and its wildlife. This leads to an important question: how can we most effectively maintain and build our legs’ ability to serve us as gamekeepers? Let’s outline three important steps.
The First Step: Your Decision
Instead of always relying on an ATV, UTV, or truck to traverse the landscape for gamekeeping tasks and missions, we must decide to use our ability to walk. This decision is often the hardest for most individuals. The ease, convenience, and speed of a vehicle are ongoing temptations. However, each time you override that temptation and choose to walk, you improve heart health, strengthen your legs, and cultivate longevity. The reality is simple: if you don’t use it, you lose it—not immediately, but slowly over time. Each decision to walk during daily life and gamekeeping efforts is another notch in your belt toward a more capable, longer-lasting body.
The Second Step: Consistent, Varied Application of Walking
Walk for a variety of gamekeeping purposes as often as time and ability allow. Walk instead of riding or driving when planning habitat projects, taking inventory of wildlife sign, running a short trapline, shed hunting, removing problem groundhogs, exploring the nooks and crannies of your property, checking trail cameras, or inspecting treestands. The opportunities are endless if we look for them, decide to walk, and put our legs to work. Not only does this promote strength and health, but you’ll also notice wildlife sign and land details that are easily missed from a vehicle. You’ll enjoy your gamekeeping more deeply by slowing down, being present, and soaking in your surroundings.
The Third Step: Add Gear or Weight
If you already have a consistent walking habit, adding weight is an excellent way to increase the benefits of using your legs to explore, work, and manage your property. Carry tools such as a chainsaw, weed-whacker, trapping equipment, or a backpack full of trail cameras. Tools and gear do not automatically require loading the bed of a side-by-side or pickup truck. If you really want to maximize the fitness benefits of walking, wear a weighted pack—commonly known as rucking—while shed hunting, searching for spring wildlife sign, or exploring new public land. Adding weight while walking is one of the most effective ways to improve heart health, leg and core strength, and bone density.
Throughout most of human history, people walked many miles each day as part of normal life. This daily movement made us healthier and more physically capable than we often are today. First the horse, then the automobile, reduced the amount we walk, and that convenience has come at a cost to our health, longevity, and physical ability. As gamekeepers, we have an opportunity to blend the benefits of walking with our passion for working the land and serving wildlife. As often as time and ability allow, choose to leave the vehicle behind and use your legs. Most days, strive for at least 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walking. Your gamekeeping will become more detailed, you’ll feel better, and you’ll build long-term health benefits that will serve you for years to come.
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