#350 | From Rucking to Mobility: Practical Fitness for the Upland Hunter

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson sits down with Todd Bumgardner, founder of Pack Mule Training Co., for a deep dive into physical preparation for the uplands. They discuss the shift from extreme "murder yourself" workouts to a philosophy of long-term consistency, focusing on how small, frictionless habits can pay massive dividends come September. Todd brings nearly 20 years of experience training hunters and elite military units to help upland hunters move better, stay resilient, and extend their longevity in the field. I’ve been following these principles for three years now, and the biggest change for me wasn't some fancy new gear—it was realizing that consistency is the most important variable. I used to tolerate sore shoulders and heavy legs during those first few grouse hunts, but by keeping a simple routine and rucking year-round, those opening-day miles now feel like a breeze. Todd and I dig into the "why" behind Zone 2 cardio, the efficiency of ...