Spring into Wellness: Shed Hunting

Spring Wellness While Shed Hunting: Fuel Up, Stay Strong, and Keep Moving

When the snow starts to melt and the land wakes up, it’s time to hit the woods and put in the miles. Shed hunting isn’t just about finding antlers—it’s about grit, endurance, and reconnecting with the raw beauty of the wild. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or walking fence lines close to home, every step matters. At Mountain Root Wellness, we believe wellness isn’t just about clean eating and mindfulness—it’s about taking care of your body so you can put in the work and keep going. Here’s how to fuel up, stay strong, and get the most out of your time in the elements.

1. Fuel Your Body Like a Workhorse

Shed hunting isn’t a lazy stroll. You’re covering miles, climbing hills, pushing through brush, and scanning every inch of land. Your body needs fuel—not sugar-packed garbage or empty calories. Load up with whole, hearty foods that give you real energy.

Start Strong: A solid breakfast should include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you going. Skip the processed junk. Stick with things like:

Eggs, whole grain toast, and avocado
Oatmeal loaded with nuts, seeds, and fruit
Greek yogurt with honey and granola

Pack Smart: You’re burning through calories, so don’t let yourself crash out there. Keep your pack stocked with:

Jerky (real meat, no fillers)
Hard cheeses and nuts
Dried fruit for a quick carb boost
Energy bars with clean ingredients

Mountain Root Tip: Water is king. Dehydration will ruin your hunt. Drink up before you head out, sip throughout the day, and consider adding electrolytes if you’re sweating hard.

2. Stay Strong, Stay Sharp

Miles on rough terrain aren’t easy. If your legs, back, and core aren’t ready, you’ll feel it fast. Shed hunting is a full-body workout, and if you’re serious about finding bone, you need to be serious about keeping yourself strong.

Stretch Before You Step: A few minutes of leg, back, and hip stretches can keep you from feeling like an old man by the end of the day.
Move More Year-Round: If you only hit the woods a couple of weekends a year, don’t expect your body to be ready. Keep up with walking, hiking, and strength work (squats, lunges, core training) so you’re not wrecked after a few hours.
Take Breaks (but not too many): Listen to your body, but don’t baby yourself. Push through when you can, rest when you must.

Mountain Root Tip: You wouldn’t take a rusty tool into the field—don’t let your body get rusty either. Keep it in working order, and it won’t fail you when you need it most.

3. Allergy Season Won’t Stop You

Spring brings pollen, dust, and everything else that makes your nose run like a leaky faucet. Don’t let allergies knock you out of the game.

Essential Oils: A small blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender can help open up your airways. Dab it on your wrists, chest, or under your nose before heading out.
Local Honey: A spoonful of local honey every day can help your body adjust to the pollen in your area. Old-school, but it works.
Saline Nasal Spray: Flush out the junk after a long day in the field so you can breathe easy.

Mountain Root Tip: Carry a small allergy relief kit in your pack—better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

4. Guard Your Skin Against the Elements

Spring sun and wind will chew you up if you’re not careful. Don’t come back from the woods looking like a dried-up leather boot.

Use Sunscreen (the right kind): No one wants to smell like chemicals in the woods. Go for a natural, non-toxic sunscreen that won’t mess with your skin or the environment.
Moisturize: Wind and sun will suck the life out of your skin. Use aloe, shea butter, or coconut oil to keep it hydrated.
Lip Balm: Cracked lips are a miserable distraction. Keep a natural SPF lip balm in your pocket.

Mountain Root Tip: The elements don’t care about your comfort. Take care of your skin so it doesn’t get in the way of your hunt.

5. Tune Into the Wild

Shed hunting isn’t just about finding antlers—it’s about being out there, moving through the land, and tuning into something bigger than yourself. Don’t let the hunt become a mindless grind. Take time to notice what’s around you.

Breathe It In: The fresh earth, the scent of pine, the crisp morning air—take a second to soak it up. This is what real living feels like.
Stay Present: Don’t rush. The best finds come when you’re patient and tuned in.
Practice Gratitude: Whether you find a massive set or come up empty, every day in the woods is a gift. Be thankful.

Mountain Root Tip: God’s handiwork is all around you—take time to appreciate it. The wilderness is a place to reset, reconnect, and find clarity.

6. Recover Right So You Can Go Again

If you’re sore and stiff the next day, you won’t want to hit the trail again. Recovery is key.

Magnesium: Helps relax muscles and prevent cramping. Take a supplement or use magnesium oil before bed.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile or valerian root tea can help you wind down.
Hot Shower or Bath: Loosen up sore muscles so you’re not moving like an old-timer in the morning.

Mountain Root Tip: If you want to keep hunting all season, take care of yourself. The best shed hunters are the ones who can put in the miles, day after day.

Final Thoughts: Shed Hard, Live Well

Shed hunting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a test of patience, endurance, and awareness. Treat your body right, fuel up, and take in everything the wild has to offer. At Mountain Root Wellness, we believe real wellness comes from living fully—out in the elements, pushing your limits, and staying strong in body and spirit. Get out there, put in the work, and enjoy every second of it.

Disclaimer: The advice provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, or wellness routine, especially when engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. Stay safe, know your limits, and be prepared when heading into the wilderness.