Todd Bumgardner
Train Smarter Hunt Longer
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.
Author
Todd Bumgardner
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 7, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
80: Know You're Ready for the Mountains: The Hunter's Field Test 22.05.2025 31:17
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 a...
79: Two Important Notes on High-Intensity Training for Hunters 17.03.2025 26:36
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 conditi...
78: Stop Worrying So Much About Workout Nutrition and Why You Should Stay in Zone 2 Why You Scout 27.02.2025 21:01
In this QnA episode, Todd answers two great questions on how to approach workout nutrition and whether or not you should push to hunting "game speed" while scouting. He also gives an update on the new HPPM training guide, The Hunter's Guide to Uphill and Downhill Training. Click the link below to download a FREE copy of our most popular training guide 5 Biggest Backcountry Training M...
77: The How and Why of Long Duration Aerobic Training for Hunters 10.02.2025 1:23:50
In this engaging conversation, Todd and Jordan reconnect and share their experiences in bird hunting, discussing the importance of training and bonding with bird dogs. They delve into the significance of long-duration exercise for cardiovascular health and the adaptations that occur with consistent low-intensity workouts. The discussion also covers the mechanics of endurance training, the necessit...
76.1: High Heart Rate Inefficiency Explained 02.02.2025 11:58
In this episode, Todd Bumgardner re-answers a question because he just didn't think he did a good enough job the first time around. He covers why some folks manage exercising at a high heart rate even when it seems like they shouldn't be able to. He also explains some basics about human energy physiology and conditioning energy systems. Click the link to download a FREE copy of our most popular tr...
76: Why Burpees Suck, High Heart Rate Inefficiency, Layering for Late October Hunts 28.01.2025 21:48
In this episode of the Human Predator Pack Mule podcast, Todd Bumgardner addresses three main questions regarding fitness and preparation for hunting. He discusses the effectiveness of burpees in training, the relationship between aerobic capacity and heart rate maintenance, and shares his personal layering system for late October mountain hunts. Todd emphasizes the importance of choosing exercise...
75: Caloric Deficit Strength Training, Sleep Deprivation, Returning to Training After Illness 14.01.2025 17:05
In this episode, Todd Bumgardner addresses key questions related to strength training while in a caloric deficit, the effects of sleep deprivation on performance, and how to safely return to training after an illness. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining muscle mass through strength training, ensuring adequate protein intake, and managing caloric deficits wisely. Todd also discusses the fut...
The Greatest Hunt in the World, Nepal, and Hunting Africa with Trey Sperring 01.01.2025 1:17:26
In this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Trey Sperring discuss the intricacies of mountain hunting, focusing on the operations of Neal and Brownlee, a booking agency specializing in big game hunts. They delve into the client experience, the importance of building relationships with outfitters, and the challenges of managing expectations. Trey shares his personal journey during a blue sheep hunt i...
73: Strength Endurance, Speed Training vs Running Volume, and Am I Getting a Bird Dog? 20.12.2024 23:40
In this episode of the Human Predator Packmule podcast, Todd Bumgardner addresses listener questions on strength endurance training, running high mileage while maintaining speed, and his recent experiences with chuckar hunting. He discusses various training methods, including eustress training and high intensity continuous training, and emphasizes the importance of mental skills in physical traini...
72: "Sheep Hunting Saved My Life" 03.12.2024 52:02
Todd and John Mark Prewitt explore the transformative power of sheep hunting, discussing how it has impacted John's life both physically and mentally. John shares his journey of weight loss and preparation for various hunts, emphasizing the challenges faced during these experiences. The discussion also delves into the emotional complexities of hunting, the shift from whitetail to western hunting,...
71: You Shouldn’t Have to Rebuild After Hunting Season 27.11.2024 27:34
In this episode: 1. Power training for hunters...and why focusing on power training for hunting might be the wrong way to think about it 2. Transitioning from in-season hunting fitness to off-season hunting fitness, and why you shouldn't have to "rebuild" Click the link below to download our FREE training guide, 5 Biggest Backcountry Training Mistakes: And How to Avoid Them https://www.humanpredat...
70: When to Change Up Your Training Routine 20.11.2024 26:54
In this episode: 1. Typical training time frames 2. How consistency effects when you should change your training 3. How to change your training when you change goals 4. How different training methods have different training time frames 5. How life factors effect when you change your training Click the link below to download our FREE training guide 5 Biggest Backcountry Training Mistakes: And How t...
69: Managing Time and Training Consistency 18.04.2024 51:49
Todd and Jordan talk about what folks who feel tight on time can do to get their training in and stay consistent. www.humanpredatorpackmule.com/backcountry-ready
68: Why It’s Important to do a Training Program as it’s Written 15.03.2024 46:14
Todd and Jordan chat about why you can’t ignore training programming parameters and expect to get the outcomes you want.
67: Jordan’s Montana Upland Trip 27.09.2023 43:46
Todd and Jordan recap Jordan’s recent trip to Montana for sharp tailed grouse with his dogs Charley and Matilda.
66: Financial Health for Hunting with Jenny Chappell 13.09.2023 42:40
Jenny Chappell is a Nevada-based financial advisor, hunter, and Backcountry Ready member. She joins Todd to talk financial health as it relates to hunting. Jenny Chappell, CFP® 401 Flint Street Reno, NV 89501 775-321-6200 www.nevadafamilywealth.com . Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James F...
65: Chamois, Tahr, and Dall Sheep with Rush Simpson 04.09.2023 52:06
Backcountry Ready member, Rush Simpson hails from Arkansas, but he’s traveled the world this summer to mountain hunt. He recaps his New Zealand chamois and tahr hunts, as well as his Dall sheep hunt in the Northwest Territories.
64: Transitioning from Preseason to Inseason Training 22.08.2023 34:17
Todd and Jordan chat about the transition from pre-season hunt fitness training to in-season training with a little tangent on training for longevity. Check out our free resource library here: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/pages/free-resources
63: Fitness for Upland Hunting 08.08.2023 1:05:17
Jordan and Todd chat about how to build and maintain year-round and in-season fitness for western upland hunting. HPPM Free Resources: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/pages/free-resources
62: Final Pre-season Training Phase 01.08.2023 43:35
Todd and Jordan chat about the what, why, and how behind the final phase of the Backcountry Ready pre-season training program. And Jordan recaps his recent trip to Alaska. Check out the 3 ways you can train with us: hppts://humanpredatorpackmule.com/pages/training-programs
61: Mental Prep for The Grind of a Hunt 12.07.2023 47:50
Todd and Jordan chat about their strategies for mental prep before hitting the field. If you want to go deeper, click the link to check out our article on the same topic: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/blogs/news/mental-prep-for-the-grind-of-a-hunt
60: Modern Day Sniper: Fundamentals for Rifle Hunters and Pre-season Prep 07.07.2023 1:12:00
Todd and Jordan chat with Caylen and Phillip from Modern Day Sniper. Caylen and Phillip give killer advice on dialing in your fundamentals so you’re a better rifle hunter come fall. https://moderndaysniper.com https://www.moderndayrifleman.com
59: Strength Endurance Training, Mother Russia, and Vetting Your Coaches 27.06.2023 1:11:00
Todd and Jordan chat about the strength endurance methods pioneered in Russia and how to use them in hunting performance. Want to read more on these training methods? Click the following link: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/blogs/news/summer-strength-training-for-backcountry-and-mountain-hunting
58: How to Use Self-talk During Tough Workouts 13.06.2023 52:43
Todd and Jordan chat about how to use self-talk to get yourself through the spiciest of workouts. To read our blog about self-talk that offers actionable steps, click the link: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/blogs/news/how-to-talk-yourself-through-hard-workouts
57: 7 Must-Do Training Steps to Prep for Mountain Hunting…without Mountains 07.06.2023 22:24
Todd flies solo on this episode and lays out 7 things every person that travels to hunt mountains must do to prepare their body for climbing big mountains with weight on their back. Have a mountain hunt coming up? Check out our flagship program Backcountry Ready. We guarantee results: https://humanpredatorpackmule.com/pages/backcountry-ready
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