Dan Staton | Training for Mountain Hunting & Mental Toughness | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 612

Dan Staton is the founder of Elk Shape, a training program and community built specifically for hunters preparing for Western big game hunts in challenging mountain terrain. In this conversation, Dan breaks down the exact training protocols he uses to prepare hunters for high-altitude elk hunts, the mental framework that separates successful hunters from those who struggle, and the surprising parallels between training for mountain hunting and offshore fishing expeditions. He reveals why most hunters fail in their physical preparation, the specific workout structure that builds mountain endurance without overtraining, and the one mindset shift that transforms how people approach difficult pursuits.

The Crossover Between Mountain Hunting and Offshore Fishing

What do elk hunting in the Colorado Rockies and offshore fishing in the Gulf Stream have in common? More than you'd think. Dan and Tom dive into the surprising parallels between these two demanding pursuits—both require extensive physical preparation, the ability to perform under fatigue, and the mental discipline to push through discomfort when success is on the line. Dan explains why the same training principles that prepare a hunter to pack out an elk at 10,000 feet also prepare an angler to fight a fish for hours in rough seas. The conversation reveals how disciplines transfer across pursuits and why building a base of physical capability opens doors to experiences most people never attempt. The discussion on crossover training starts at 8:45.

Why Most Hunters Fail Before They Start

Dan doesn't sugarcoat it—most people who book Western hunting trips are physically unprepared for what they're about to face. He breaks down the harsh reality of what happens when hunters show up to steep mountain terrain without proper conditioning: shortened hunts, missed opportunities, and experiences dominated by suffering rather than success. But Dan also reveals exactly where the preparation goes wrong and what separates hunters who thrive from those who barely survive. He talks about the specific physical demands of moving through mountains with a loaded pack, the cardiovascular capacity required at altitude, and the one training mistake that derails more hunters than any other. This isn't about elite athleticism—it's about honest preparation. Dan's breakdown of common preparation failures starts at 15:20.

The Elk Shape Training Protocol

Dan walks through the actual structure of Elk Shape training—what a week looks like, how volume builds over time, and why the program emphasizes specific movements over generic fitness. He explains the role of weighted pack training, the importance of building hiking endurance progressively, and how strength work supports rather than dominates the program. This isn't CrossFit for hunters—it's highly specific preparation for a highly specific demand. Dan discusses how the program adapts for different fitness levels, why consistency matters more than intensity, and what people get wrong when they try to prepare on their own. He also shares insights on training at sea level for high-altitude hunts and the mental component that runs through every workout. The detailed training breakdown starts at 24:30.

The Mental Game of Hard Things

Beyond the physical training, Dan and Tom explore the mindset required to succeed in difficult environments—whether that's days into a backcountry hunt or hours into fighting a big fish. Dan shares how Elk Shape builds mental resilience through progressive exposure to discomfort, why embracing suffering is different from enduring it, and how training builds confidence for the moments when everything gets hard. He talks about the community aspect of the program, the power of shared struggle, and why people who train together show up differently when it matters. This section cuts to the heart of why some people thrive under pressure while others fold, and it applies far beyond hunting. The conversation on mental toughness and mindset starts at 38:15.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I really enjoyed this conversation with Dan. What struck me most was how directly his approach to training hunters applies to what we do on the water. Whether you're preparing for a mountain hunt or a long day offshore, the principles are the same: build a base, train specifically for what you'll face, and develop the mental toughness to perform when things get difficult.

Dan doesn't overcomplicate things. He's built a program around the specific demands of mountain hunting, and the results speak for themselves. But what I appreciate most is his honesty about preparation—he doesn't sell shortcuts or promise easy paths. He tells people exactly what's required and gives them the tools to do it.

This one's worth your time whether you hunt, fish, or just want to understand what it takes to prepare for hard things. Listen to the whole thing.