North Texas: Prepare to Hunt (2025 Theme)
- Shawn Presley
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
North Texas planned to have a strong 2025, but due to various factors, we’ve stumbled out of the gate. Rather than let the year drift away, we’re making a deliberate pivot to ensure the second half of 2025 is one to remember. To help us rally with purpose, we’ve created a theme: Prepare to Hunt. This isn’t just about chasing game. It’s about building strength, sharpening skills, embracing the outdoors, and doing it together. Whether you’re getting ready for your first dove hunt, tuning your rifle for deer season, or simply hiking with purpose, this plan is your guide. Through fitness, marksmanship, wilderness skills, and camaraderie, we’re preparing for more than a hunt. We’re preparing to close out the year with determination and purpose.
Daily Fitness Program for Hunters
Effective hunters are built, not born. To thrive in the field, your fitness should focus on endurance, strength, stability, and mobility. Drawing on trusted sources like MTNTOUGH Fitness, GORUCK, and seasoned backcountry hunting experts, we have developed a structured weekly fitness plan designed to prepare you for the physical demands of hunting and life outdoors.
Weekly Schedule (Guide)
Hunting is not just about marksmanship or knowledge of the land. It is a physical pursuit that demands full-body readiness. From packing out game across rugged terrain to staying steady for long hours in unpredictable conditions, the body must be as prepared as the mind. A solid hunter fitness program builds endurance to go farther, strength to carry more, stability to move safely, and mobility to adapt to any landscape. This program is designed to achieve those goals using proven training principles tailored for individuals who pursue game in the wild. Here is a sample fitness plan if you do not have one already:
Monday – Lower Body Strength & Mobility: Weighted step-ups, Bulgarian split squats, calf raises, hip mobility stretches
Tuesday – Functional Core & Stability: Sandbag carries, bear crawls, planks, kettlebell swings
Wednesday – Ruck Walk (2–3 miles) + Stretch: 20–35 lb pack, varied terrain, finish with full-body stretch
Thursday – Upper Body Strength & Pulling: Pull-ups, rows, push-ups, ruck overhead presses
Friday – Conditioning (Zone 2 Cardio): 45–60 minutes moderate hike, bike, or long ruck
Saturday – Weekend Hike (Primary Test Day): Hike local trails (4–7 miles), carry a 20–40 lb pack, simulate pack-out scenarios
Sunday – Recovery Day: Light stretching, easy walking, mobility work, foam rolling
Supporting Tools:
To support your training, a wide range of digital tools is available to help you stay on track. Fitness apps and websites can provide guided workouts, track your progress, map outdoor routes, and offer tips tailored to your goals. Whether you’re building strength, increasing your step count, or preparing for elevation changes, these resources can add structure and accountability to your routine. Choosing tools that align with your lifestyle and training needs can make a significant difference in your consistency and overall results. Here are some examples:
MTNTOUGH+
Train to Hunt
OnX Backcountry (for terrain planning and mapping)
Hunter's Safety Course (Texas)
In Texas, state law requires that anyone born on or after September 2, 1971, must complete a Hunter Education Training Course to hunt legally. This requirement applies to both residents and non-residents and is designed to promote safety, responsibility, and ethical hunting practices. Completing the course ensures hunters are informed about firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and Texas hunting regulations before heading into the field.
Important!
Minimum Age: 9 years old
Certification Requirement: All hunters age 17 and older must complete the course before hunting.
Recommended Completion Window: August or early October 2025
Options
There are several ways to fulfill Texas’s Hunter Education requirement. Traditional classroom courses, often hosted by local wildlife agencies or outdoor organizations, provide in-person instruction and hands-on practice covering firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting regulations. Online courses offer a flexible, self-paced alternative that allows students to study on their schedule and complete a required field day in person to meet certification standards. Some programs also offer a hybrid format that includes both online learning and an in-person component. Regardless of the option you choose, it is essential to ensure that the course is approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, ensuring your certification is valid throughout the state.
Online Course: https://tpwd.elementlms.com/course-category/hunter-education/
Instructor-Led Field Day: Search at https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/hunter-education
Monthly Activities Schedule
The following calendar outlines upcoming subregion events. While some dates and times are still being finalized, you can find the most up-to-date information and RSVP details by visiting www.tsltexas.com/north-texas.
July: Kick-off Hike + Meeting
Join the subregion for a chance to connect, catch up, and officially kick off the theme for the second half of the year.
Prepare to Hunt kick-off subregion hike and meeting
Date: Sunday, July 13 (Tentative)
Location: Bear Creek Trail, Keller, TX (Meet at Seven Mile Café parking lot.)
Post-Activity: Breakfast meeting at Seven Mile Cafe, 250 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX 76248 RSVP: https://www.tsltexas.com/event-details/north-texas-prepare-to-hunt-kick-off-hike-meeting
August: Shotgun
Grab your shotgun, shake off the rust, and come out for a focused session of pr
Shotgun Practice
Date: Saturday, August 16 (Tentative)
Northlake Shooting Sports
1000 FM 1171, Northlake, TX 76247
Phone: (940) 648-8111
RSVP: Coming soon!
September: Hike Assessment & Dove Hunt
Put your hunting fitness to the test and head into the field for a real-world challenge.
Hike Assessment
September 20 at Cedar Ridge Preserve
7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249
Date: Saturday, September 20 at 7:30 a.m. RSVP: https://www.tsltexas.com/event-details/north-texas-prepare-to-hunt-hike-assessment-2
Dove Hunt (optional)
Check hunting zone dates
October: Rifle
Join us for a rifle training session to sharpen your skills and prepare with confidence for the upcoming season.
Note: Date/Time/Location will be dependent on when Texas Strenfest IV occurs (hosted by the Hill Country subregion)
Rifle Practice
Date/Time/Location TBD
RSVP: Coming soon!
 
November/December: The Hunt
Bring all your preparation together and head out for a hunt if you are ready and able to participate.
Game in Season:
• Duck: Early Nov–Jan (check zone-specific dates)
• Whitetail Deer: Nov 2 – Jan 5 (North Zone)
• Mule Deer: Nov 22 – Dec 8 (Panhandle Zone)
• Feral Hogs: Year-round
• Antelope: Late Sept – Early Oct (specific draw areas)
• Turkey (Fall): Varies by county
December: The End of Season Gathering
Gather with the group to share stories, lessons, and reflections from your time in the field.
The Hunter’s Feast
Date and Location: TBD (will be a separate event from the 2025 Gentleman’s Dinner.)
RSVP: Coming soon!
Optional Courses and Skills Training
Here are some ideas for optional skill-building to assist you with the hunt. While physical preparation and marksmanship are essential, adding specialized outdoor skills can significantly enhance your success and confidence in the field. Learning to navigate with a map and compass, understanding wildlife patterns, and practicing basic survival skills can prepare you for unexpected challenges. These additional competencies not only improve your effectiveness as a hunter but also deepen your connection to the land and sharpen your situational awareness. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or new to hunting, investing time in these skills will elevate your overall experience and ensure you're ready for whatever the wild may bring.
Land Navigation & Wilderness Skills:
REI Co-op Classes: Various DFW locations (https://www.rei.com/events)
AdventureMed Wilderness First Aid (classes in Texas)
Trinity River Audubon Center Workshops
North Texas Orienteering Club: https://ntoc.org
Suggested Topics:
Map and compass navigation
GPS and OnX hunt app tutorials
First aid and survival basics
Wildlife tracking and sign recognition
Hunter Resources
A successful hunter is always learning, adapting, and staying informed. Below are categories of valuable resources to support your growth, preparation, and continued connection to the hunting world. Whether you are sharpening your skills, deepening your understanding of wildlife, or simply looking for inspiration, these tools can help guide your journey.
Websites and Online Tools
State Wildlife Agencies: Stay current on regulations, licensing, hunting seasons, and public land access in your region.
Mapping and Navigation Platforms: Use interactive topographic maps, property boundaries, and terrain data to plan your hunts and stay oriented in the field.
Backcountry and Wilderness Forums: Learn from experienced hunters through online communities that share real-world advice, gear reviews, and field-tested tactics.
Educational Platforms: Find digital courses and articles on topics such as shot placement, tracking, dressing game, and gear maintenance.
Books
Field Guides: Study regional wildlife species, tracks, signs, and habitats to gain a deeper understanding of your quarry and surroundings.
Hunting Memoirs and Nonfiction: Read personal stories, essays, and historical accounts that highlight the philosophy and practice of hunting.
Survival and Bushcraft Manuals: Enhance your outdoor preparedness by building your knowledge of survival, first aid, navigation, and shelter building.
Training and Fitness Guides: Explore hunter-specific training programs that help you build endurance, strength, and mobility for the demands of the field.
Magazines and Journals
Conservation-Focused Publications: Stay informed on habitat preservation, wildlife management, and ethical hunting practices.
Gear and Tactics Magazines: Read up on new equipment, shooting techniques, bowhunting tips, and seasonal strategies.
Regional Hunting Magazines: Learn about hunting opportunities, traditions, and regulations that are specific to your area.
For the Photography Hunter
Wildlife photography is a rewarding way to connect with nature and appreciate the traditions of observing wildlife without harming it. It requires many of the same skills, such as patience, observation, stealth, and a deep understanding of animal behavior. Through the lens, photographers develop a keen awareness of the environment and learn to move with purpose and respect across the landscape. This practice not only allows for meaningful engagement with wildlife but also preserves moments that can be shared and reflected on for years to come. By developing your field craft and sharpening your eye, you become both an artist and a respectful participant in the natural world. Whether you are tracking birds at sunrise or waiting for deer at dusk, the pursuit of the perfect shot offers its form of challenge, reward, and connection.
Local Classes and Opportunities
Fort Worth Camera: Photography workshops and nature shoots (https://fortworthcamera.com)
Texas Parks and Wildlife Photo Workshops
Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Nature Center photo tours
Dallas Zoo and Fossil Rim Safari photo events
Tips and Tricks
Use early morning and golden hour light for the best shots
Understand animal behavior to anticipate movement
Learn camouflage and patience like traditional hunters
Carry a lightweight telephoto lens and tripod
Practice ethical distance and non-disruption
Photography Apps
Merlin Bird ID (Cornell Lab)
Seek by iNaturalist
Lightroom Mobile for editing