At 68 I am just starting to think that I have to call it over with the bow. I stioll am like that kid who can not wait to hunt and work all year long shooting to make sure I still have a good skill base with the bow either the recurve and or the compound. I just like shooting. But now it seems I have all I can do is get to the stand, the legs do not seem to work, I get there and the best I can do is stay in the ground blind for about 2 hours and then walk it. Maybe it also the weather with all the rain, legs hurt, back hurt etc...I have even missed 3 days so far of just not going out in the heavy rain.
My question is does anyone else have the same problems with now staying on stand for most of the day ? Or is my problem just a old age problem.
Bill
I cant answer your question, I'm 36, but I can tell you that if the fire is still burning I would just either hunt when it is comfortable for me to hunt, rather then give up my passion.
We all have to adjust to our current situations, and I would rather see you happy in the woods , then unhappy out of the woods. I am facing something similiar with my father in law, and I will do whatever it takes to make sure I can keep his pilot light still on! The twinkle is still in his eye, and if I have to give him piggy back rides to his stand, so be it...
I'm well into my 70's, and some years I only get out there a very few times a year, when the weather is favorable. It's all worth it to watch the small game all around you. I'm not even sure I would put an arrow in a deer again even if I had a sure shot. Getting out and enjoying being in the woods is what it's all about.(There is NO WAY you could have made me believe that 55 or 60 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
I used to get out and tough it out when it was zero or below. I decided that hunting in extreme cold was not fun, so I quit doing it. That being said, I will be going out this morning, and right now it is snowing and 25 degrees with a 20 mph wind. I may not stay too long, but I know where there is a good buck, and I am going to give him a chance to receive an arrow.
I much more enjoy hunting when the weather is pleasant, but I will go out in stormy stuff, at least so far. I'm 62.
Bill, I am 62 and I sure can tell the difference like you, I stay out of trees these days and that does help. All the hills seem harder to go up and down, I just go slower which is probably better anyway. Nothing wrong with a 2 or 3 hour hunt. I have some health problems that makes it difficult for me to sit much past 1 hour so I just take a stretch for a few minutes and sit again.
Like you I still get excited like a kid when hunting season comes and that is a real blessing. I don't know if any of this has helpped, but I will be going out and hunting as long as I possibly can.
RayMO
I know the weather effects my body,especially the rainy/cold weather we have been having lately.
I am betting it's your age/body that is making it difficult for you. I am only 55 but my body is in really bad shape,especially my joints, after 30 years and counting as a carpenter. I learn to live with it for the most part. I tried the other day to put up my portable and I could not do it, my elbows were hurting from the screw in steps. I had all I could do to get the stand in place. I quit and went home. I now realize I am on the ground or ladder stands from here on out.
Like the saying goes "Old age is not for sissy"
I would say to you, Go out and enjoy it just like you used to but with different expectations. The bright side is your still able and willing!! Good luck to you.
We all have to adjust as time goes by. Just make sure what you do is what you can handle. Take it minute by minute if you have to.
With my recent family illness problems, increased work schedule, being a dad to a couple of happy go luckies, I haven't had a chance to sniff the woods yet. I'm just staying positive, if I miss this years deer season, there's always Spring turkey season. If I miss that, well as long as I can still put an arrow where I want to, I'll just be happy to wait.
Take it slow, treat it like a walk in the woods, who knows, if you walk slow enough, ya might get lucky.
I am not a Senior yet my Hunting Bud is, He told me many times "if I new my body was going to last this long I would of taken better care of it" we have been hunting 26 years together you would have thought I would pay attention better.
I'll be 66 next month and I am out almost every day. This year Laura and I (age 52) did a week long bear hunt and a 10 day do it yourself moose hunt. I have developed stenosis in my neck and I have pain in my shoulders and arms at times but i see the doc and do PT so it is under control. I still shoot a 60# bow and will continue to do so until I cannot....I just can't go long periods without shooting. If I do then I feel it somewhat so I am thinking that I may drop to 55# in the next year or so. We also own property that we have to walk or canoe to at a distance of 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile and I do a lot of tree stand changing during the year. I also go to the gym at least four times a week in the off season. In fact the doc encouraged me not to stop doing the things I like or my problems will just get worse. I guess what I would suggest to you is not to stop....you will just rust up and seize up and your problems will in all lliklihood not be just archery related. Stay active and continue with the things that you like to do...otherwise life can loose meaning and value. In the off season join a gym or buy a bike and get that body back into shape. Things may not be as easy as they once were but I, personally, do not see stopping as a solution. Get a good physical with a good doc and explain your changes with him. There is a lot that can be done about the aches and pains most of us have to deal with as we age. Strength and flexibility do not have to diminish to the point you can't do what you love to do. You just have to make the time to do it.
Just for background info...my mom lived to be 87. Every time she got an ache or pain she used it as a reason not to do things. By the time she passed on she was weak and tired as well as incapacitated to a degree I wish to avoid. When my time comes I think they will have to come and find me in a treestand or ground blind and drag me out. And, at the risk of raising some hackles if I have to I will hunt with a crossbow. Hunting is where it is at for me and if I have to change weapons because my body won't allow me to shoot my bows, I've already got the plan in my head.
I'm only 57,but I hear what your saying. You have to do what you can and not throw in the towel. If you can't sit for 4 hours, sit for 2 or even 1 1/2. Try to get out and stump shoot when its warm and stay active. You have enjoyed this for a long time so there is no reason you can't still enjoy the fall woods.
I'm 65 and don't like to hunt in rain. I also have been staying on the ground lately but am in the process of putting up a ladder stand for the unfavorable wind conditions. I work out at the gym but have had by-pass surgery and elbow surgery in the last two years. I still shoot every day and have put together a neat little bag target 3-D range on my property to have some fun so basically I'm still a kid at heart.
The urge to kill is not as strong but I like to take a deer or two each year for meat.
I was thrilled to learn that I haven't made it to senior status yet. It means I have at least 3 more years of pre-senior hunting and I pray that I make it to old age hunter which I believe is the next step beyond senior...lol
I hope you go everytime you feel up to it, I know that's my plan and as Bill said "I'll change to whatever weapon I have to in order to keep doing what I love!" I hope to keep going to the point that all I can hold up is a ultra light digital camera.
God bless,
Pre-senior Mudd
When you quit trying, a lot of other things may go as well. I remember my father-in-law bowhunting when he was 88; he can't hunt as much now since he is 95, but he still wants to go to the woods. Slowing down was not his choice and he didn't do it until he just couldn't go much anymore.
Get out when you can. I'll be 64 in January, and I don't run the ridges like I did when I was 34, but I still have the want-to. Just because you can't go full speed, doesn't mean you have to stop. There is a mid range you know...gear down, don't stop.
Check out Dick Wightman's thread on a recent pig hunt. He's an older gentleman with health issues, and he just got back from Texas after arrowing a javalina with a bow he made himself. If you like it, do it, within limits.
You're not 30 any more, but you're not dead yet, either.
Bill C., great post. I am 56 and have endured a lot of injuries/health issues in the last 5-10 years and it does get harder to keep up with my much younger mind. but like you I still shoot a 60lb bow, but have to stay with it, same for climbing trees, hiking etc.. one reason for some of my injuries is the weekend warrior syndrome without being in the condition i was years ago but still trying to do the same thing. It just takes more work and dedication. But I am sure there is a line somewhere where I will have to ease up.. were all diffrent, this stuff needs to be enjoyable, if ya get to where it isnt, its time to do something else, but still try to be as physical as possible... Bill, good luck with it, if ya cant shoot a bow, or hunt then just take a hike as long or short as ya want and enjoy the out doors..
Gotta chime in with Bill Carlsen on staying in shape. I work out regularly, and do a lot of hiking and biking to stay fit. I don't climb mountains as fast or easily as I did when I was 40, but I can still get the job done. And my passion for hunting is even more now that I am retired and have more time to spend in the woods. This morning, I did go out and shivered in the snow and wind, but saw several deer (no shots) and had turkeys within 10 yards (how do they know that you have already filled your tag?). Maybe if I was in my 30s or 40s, I would still be out, but I decided to come home and have a cup of coffee. The weather is supposed to warm up tomorrow, and then I will spend the day out hunting. It is still all good!
Hey Bill, father time catches up with all of us sooner or later, hopefully it's later for me. I'm 73 and have two artificial knees but I'm still going. in fact I'm leaving in the morning for Shrewhaven for a week with the "Crew". The changes I've made are,... hunting out of ladder stands and portable ground blinds. Also dropping down in bow weight, I used to shoot and hunt with bows in excess of 80#, I'm down to the low 50's now. I'm even taking my 40# Motel-T to camp this year, I'm sure it can do the job for me.
I'm thinking you just gotta keep puttin one foot ahead of the other until you can't lift your foot anymore... ;)
Bill,
I feel your pain and know how you feel ! I'm 70 and have leg and back problems and can't walk very far. I just use a stool put back in the brush. Don't go out very much . Been hunting 65 years (46 with bow), and the fires going out.
That being said, I was out this AM and saw a really nice buck about 40 yards away. That really perked me up and rekindled my fire somewhat.
Hang in there !!!!
I'll turn 65 this next month. I shoot bows around 50# and like some have said must shoot often to stay loose and tuned. If I lay off shooting too long things start getting stiff and my form starts trying to go south. I still hunt from latter tree stands but find it a little difficult trying to climb trees any more. I also use ground blinds more often than I use to. I still want to attempt one more elk hunt before my knees get any worse. It has been my life ambition to take a bull elk with trad equipment which I have not yet accomplished. I have always tried to do it on my own and have found locating the elk to be the biggest difficulty. Hopefully one more shot before I am unable. One of my best friends who was very instrumental in my love of archery passed away at 83 this last month. Till his death he shot his bow in his back yard, and a few weeks before had purchased a new longbow.
"I'm thinking you just gotta keep puttin one foot ahead of the other until you can't lift your foot anymore... "
I'm with you Ron.
I will be 63 in Jan and I have health problems, I mostly hunt old logging trails and ground blinds a 150 yards or so from the less traveled back roads. I am now limiting my hunts to 2 to 3 hours at a time both morning and evenings giving myself extra time to get to my blinds.I will give up bowhunting when they have to pry my bow from my dead hands. I can only handle bows in the 45 lb range since my stroke but limit my shots to 20 yds or less. Just keep going Bill dont give up..
thanks guys for the feedback my checkmate firebird recurve is 50 lbs at 28 inch draw and my actual draw is 29 inches. My compound is a hoyt and set up for 58 lbs.
I was able to sit this morning for 3 1/2 hours and it sure was worth the time. I had a 8 point buck chasing a doe around for almost a full hour. Each time he would push her around the hill she would get closer, I could have had a 20 yard shot on her, but let her pass. He came within 30 yards but I never shoot with the recuve over 25 yards and he never gave be a broadside shot. He was quartering away and I sure wanted to let the shot go. But maybe within the next two weeks he will come on by.
I came in for coffee and lunch and then went back out for another 2 hours. But the rain started, so I came in. I had a buddy one time shoot a big buck in the rain and we never could find it. So when it starts to rain I come in...
My 72 year old 3D shooting buddy sent me a email and said do not give up, he and his sons will help me up the hills next year at the 3D shoots....So he will be over later on the weekend to hunt.
Bill,
I hate to see anyone "give it up" But most folks remember what "used to be" and are reluctant to make changes. I'm only 49 but I'm not in the shape I was 20 years ago that's for sure!!! Mainly my problem is a "bad back" and I can't sit for much more than an hour or two,so I'm pretty much confined to hunting on the ground. One of the tricks that I started using several years ago,when I found a "hot spot" and wanted to stay there all day was to find a tree in just the right place,then put a seat of your choice at the base of the tree.(I use a 5gallon bucket) Then, I clear all of the leaf litter and debis for 10 feet completely around the tree.That gives me a 20 foot circle of bare ground where I can get up and quietly move around as needed to loosen up the back,get the kinks out and start the blood pumping again. Then,I sit back down for as long as I can.(then do it all over again,as needed)
Another trick is to pick 4 stand locations that are roughly in a square. They can be as close as needed 50-100 yards apart,or as far as you can manage 300-400yards. When you need to get up and move,you can stillhunt from stand to stand around the perimeter,or criss-cross from corner to corner. Mix it up a bit so that a smart old doe(or buck) laying bedded can't watch what your doing and pattern you. The main thing is to addapt your hunting tactics to allow you to still be "out there" as much as possible.
BTW, My Dad is 77 years old and lives over in Middleburg. A double hip replacement has made it completely impossible to walk accross uneven ground. He was never a bowhunter despite all of my proding over the years,but he gun hunts almost every day of the season. He "porch hunts" LOL!!! Actually he is still as "die hard" as he was 50 years ago. He gets up in the morning and gets dressed in his hunting clothes. Then he starts the coffee pot and cooks himself a hot hearty breakfast.(he swears by ham,eggs&toast.Says it sticks with him the longest) Then he heads out to the porch with his breakfast,sits in a comfortable chair with his gun leaning against the railing and his binoculars around his neck. He eats his breakfast and drinks his coffee as he watches the field,hedgerow and woodlot behind the house. If he happens to get lucky,he calls one of the neighbors to come up and get it with a farm tractor and bring it back to the house.
As I have said Bill, I hate to see anyone "give it up" It's just a matter of addapting your hunting style to your limitations. It may not be "how it used to be" but it's still HUNTING!!!!! :archer:
Good Luck Bill!!!!!
there are days i feel the same Bill..but i got some new medicine for this diabetes..the feeling is returning a little in my hands ,but i still can't feel my feet ..so i limit myself to hunting from brushpiles i made on the ground...it works and i'm not done enjoying the woods :pray: :rolleyes:
DON'T GIVE UP,MY DAD IS 77 YEARS OF AGE.HE STILL LIKES TO BOW HUNT.I TAKE HIM OUT AND SET HIM UP IN BOUBLE BULL BLIND WITH HIS LONGBOW.HE STARTED TRAD HUNTING 3 YEARS AGO,HASN'T SHOT 1 YET .BUT HE STILL GOES A COUPLE TIMES A YEAR.HE STILL SHOTGUN HUNTS.AND WE RUN THE BIRD DOGS 1 OR 2 TIMES AT GAME FARM.[EASIER WALKING FOR HIM].JUST TAKE IT SLOW,AND ENJOY THE VIEW.GOOD LUCK,CHRIS
QuoteOriginally posted by sweet old bill:
At 68 I am just starting to think that I have to call it over with the bow. I stioll am like that kid who can not wait to hunt and work all year long shooting to make sure I still have a good skill base with the bow either the recurve and or the compound. I just like shooting. But now it seems I have all I can do is get to the stand, the legs do not seem to work, I get there and the best I can do is stay in the ground blind for about 2 hours and then walk it. Maybe it also the weather with all the rain, legs hurt, back hurt etc...I have even missed 3 days so far of just not going out in the heavy rain.
My question is does anyone else have the same problems with now staying on stand for most of the day ? Or is my problem just a old age problem.
Bill
Bill,
Since I am going on 66 sure do believe that I understand some of your aches. But then I read an article or a post about how to stalk and realize that in fact walking slower and taking time to breath on the uphill's is just better hunting strategy. I am not slow, just hunting better. LOL Cannot say what would be best for you, but my intent is that as long as my legs will take me into the woods, I am going to go, good luck and remember to be selective about what you shoot since you have to carry the dang thing out.
it's all about your luck with health (and genes, too) over the years and decades, and what you've done to 'stay in shape'. and how physically active you remain on a day to day basis, coupled with your diet and mental outlook.
i'm turning 64 this december, and dropping down from mid 60# bows to mid 50#'s was a requirement for me nearly a decade ago. as time do wear on, most any modern stickbow at 45# holding weight can surely take deer, hog, turk and small game.
knowing your limits is critical. i tend to stay out of trees whenever possible - i do prefer spot 'n' stalk and building ground blinds.
i'm far more susceptible to cold and wet, thus clothing and footwear is super important.
the bottom line for me is that there are many aspects of trad bowhunting to enjoy, even a few hours afield is satisfying these dayze, and the kill is always the icing on a tasty cake.
as always, ymmv!
Hi... Scattershot mentioned my recent post re the Big Bad Wolf Hunt. I'm 71 and handn't bowhunted. I knew my limitations re walking too far, or any rough country stuff, and limitations re draw. Tried to crank those into the equation so as to be able to go on my first hunt... flat land (Texas) and animals likely to succumb to my lighter weight bows, i.e. javelina. As planned, it wasn't a physically challenging hunt and I did fine... in fact, i think I'm in love with javies! As to bows, don't give up, find the right game... see the oldpharttsarchery.com site section on "Shoot Lighter, Shoot Longer. We may not be able to do everything we did when we were 30... or 50, but don't give up. Adjust as you need to and keep going. When I was at low ebb, I was shooting 3D with a 19# bow, but I was shooting! I'm shooting 28 to 32 now, and went up to 42 for the hunt, which was OK for the few shots I took. I wear my my Old Phartt's tee shirt proudly!
(http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h186/CaptainDick/stevenspass11-1.jpg)
Dad's 76 now and is usually is out a couple of times a week then also on Saturday. Knocks off around noon. I bought him another ladder stand this year and that makes three. But he will still use his stick and hang on stand.
I'll be 68 next month and can sympathize with most of you as far as aches and pains. After reading about how a few of you are, I feel very lucky to be in the shape I'm in. At THIS time my health is pretty good with the exception of being overweight. You that have had bypass surgery, stroke, or have diabetes or some other debilitating disease have my sympathy.
My problem is after retiring, I do not exercise regularly. Before retiring, my occupation required physical labor that kept me in shape. Now I need someone behind me kicking me in the butt to make me exercise. It is pretty easy to sit in the recliner and say "I'll start tomorrow".
I elk hunt every year in Colorado and usually get into better shape for that but I just have to force myself. I still shoot 60 pound bows but not with near the accuracy of yesteryear.
Bill, I know just you feel. I'm in my 70's, COPD and diabetic with bad knees. I no longer go out on rainy days and only good for about three hours on cold winter days. I still like being out there with nature, but my hunting is more like taking my bow (or gun) for a walk in the woods anymore.
66 here. going pretty good but I don't have the killer instinct the I did when younger. still get all excited when the game is coming. still get ready for the shot. still a good shot. just before the shot I think dang I am gonna have to clean this thing and drag it out. :) . think I watch it a while and see how long it stays around. some time it hangs around long enough, some times it don't.
I have gone for 65# to 40+#.
I still love to get out there. it's just sometimes I forget why I am there and start shooting at squirrels. easy to clean, easier to carry out and taste better than deer.....plus ya get a lot more shots.
rusty
Bill Hunting is not just done out of trees, or a mile in. Hunting is what you make it to be.
If two hours is all you can do, plan on two hours. Go the first two and last two of the day. Maybe mosey on out to your ground blind, nice and slowly. Get there when you get there, and just enjoy what you can do.
Maybe don't give it up, but just alter your ideals a bit.
ChuckC
I'm 67 and I have not been out so far this year only because of a hectic schedule that includes baby sitting 2 grandaughters 4 to 5 days a week. I am stressed simply because I have not had the time to go hunting this year. Aches and pains are just part of life and when you enjoy doing something you just need to make it fun to be out there and that means whatever it takes to make it easier for you to enjoy the experience. The key in my opinion is not so much in getting a deer as enjoying the woods and the experience and if that takes good weather, then go out only when the weather is good.
I understand what your saying; I have been down that road and feel better today for a couple reasons. I will share a couple stories with you. First, these are some of the best comments and heart felt recommendations I have read anywhere. Second, Bill C. is right on.
In 1998, I had a bad car accident when another driver failed to stop and pulled in front of me. I hit the front 1/4 panel of his 3/4 Ton truck at 45 mph. Thankfully, I was wearing a seat belt, but was still knocked-out and ended up with neck and shoulder problems. Consequently, I missed a few years because I could not shoot without pain. Exercise and stretching helped and eventually was able to shoot again.
In 2004, I injured my right knee and it would swell up at the thought of exercise. After 1 1/2 yrs it started feeling better, but something happened and it swelled up the size of mellon. Then someone suggested taking Glucosamine - Chondroitin which helps repair joints (according to some sources). It worked and my knee better within a month, but I lost muscle and strength in the legs from not exercising and being as active.
I am back exercising, walking, jogging, biking, weights, stretching and shooting more. I still shoot 54 - 70 lbs and regulary with 66#. I use the heavier weight for conditioning. At 67 I still look forward to bird hunting with my dogs, big game hunting, and fishing. I feel better and can to do things with the kids and grandkids. Staying active is a blessing.
One more story. After my mother got cancer, my dad became less and less active. During the last 15-20 years he was inactive. He loved camping, travel, hunting and fishing. Eventually it was hard to get him out if there was a game on the TV. I decided that was not for me. I would walk rather than sit and read before watching TV. Because I did not live close to dad, I could see a change taking place each time I visited. His problem was not staying active when he could. He lived to be 87, because he never had any health issues and was blessed with good genes. He just hated exercise and aging finally got the better of him.
As others have said, it is a good idea to get a physical before starting on an execise program, and find a personal trainer to help you get started. Hopefully, you will avoid injury, strains etc if you do it right. The body will respond if there is a fire burning. It is still not to late to get started. Good luck Bill.
thanks all it good to see other still have the fire, but also the pains and how they are coping with the problems.
I have to concur it seems 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon will be my goals.
I spent a total of about 7 hours out yesterday and it was just one of those days when you expect a big buck to walk out, had ground fog and in the high 40's for most of the day, they got some light rain showers in the early afternoon. I had a group of turkey in the afternoon come off the hill to feed on the cut corn field, they did not see me in my home made ground blind that is brushed in and got about 35 yards away. The spent over 2 hours in the field and then moved off. That about ended my day as we started to get some heavy rain showers, so I packed it in and walked out.
I got out my wool pants and heavy wool check shirt ( back / red )out of it plastic storage box. It smells of pine from the woods. I put a few brances of pine in with the hunting togs...Now I am ready when the snow showers start...
my thanks again to all, I wish all get out there hunting, hunt safe, get a good buck or doe, and most of all good health to all.
Bill
You all inspire me. Im 52 and my knees hurt bad. I take Sinvisc injections in them and that helps.I sometimes wanted to quit because of the pain. The passion of the hunt not the kill helps it more than anything. Maybe I do have a few more years in me. You all hang in there. I like Ron's quote.
"I'm thinking you just gotta keep puttin one foot ahead of the other until you can't lift your foot anymore... "
I was 65 on Sept. 24. On Sept. 30 I was lucky enough to have a dream come true and shot a 65 5/8" moose here in Maine with home made equipment and a 51 year old Bear Razorhead. Who would have thought that this would happen at age 65. The achs and pains seem to go away when I am in the woods. As long as I can put one foot in front of the other, I'll be out there. Hope to see you all out there sometime too.
Well, after reading this site I usually have chores to do. Today I am taking 150#'s of corn out to our property. It requires using a game cart to get it to the canoe, about 1/2 mile paddle and then getting each 50# bag to its location (it's legal to bait in NH and our property has no natural food....yet). It would be easy to stay home and listen to the political cable stations but it is almost rut time and our trail cameras have seven or eight bucks showing up and most are in daytime! In the morning tomorrow Laura and I plan on being out there at day light. Like I said previously, if you sit still too long you'll be stuck in that spot and regaining the strength and energy to get going does take longer as you age.
I am not saying that the aches and pains most of us complain about are not real. However, I went to my doc last year as I had really bad leg pain and had trouble just walking across the mall and standing in a stand was almost impossible after 15 minutes so I set all my stands for sitting shots. Well, my doc sent me to a spine specialist who said surgery could make things worse so he sent me to a specific Physical therapist. Within a month the pain that I had been having for five years was gone and now, about a year later, I can stand for an hour in my stands if I want to. One of my personality characteristics is that if someone tells me I can't do something I want to do I find a way to do it.....I guess that is why I bowhunt.....it is a challenge. When my body starts to tell me I have to limit myself I get the same attitude....it just ain't gonna happen so I seek out the pros who can help me work around it or make it better.
I guess all I am saying is that getting old and how you deal with it is a decision just like which bow you will shoot. Aches and pains notwithstanding, not adapting and not giving in to them doesn't help. LIke my mom...her pains made her complacent. Her complacency made her immobile. In my case, the pains I have will probably will be with me till I'm gone so I have decided that hunting with pain is better than sitting around in pain...the pain is still going to be there so I might as well do as much as I can for as long as i can. My life is full, I share my hunts with my wife (truth be told I get more excited when she does well than when I do). I have decided, if you haven't already guessed, that while I manage my pain I am not going to let it detract from the things I enjoy. My doc even told me that to stop working out, being active, etc. will only make everything deteriorate to a greater degree.
I have said all this simply to encourage those of you who suffer with the onslaughts of aging to reman active. If you can't walk like you used to learn to hunt suburban deer. One of my most productive stands was a few hundred feet from my neighbor's back yard.
I guess I could go on, but I've got a lot of corn to move around this am. Keep moving and do the things you love.
Although I have not quite reached senior status, (58 years old) because of some minor health problems I have modified my hunting. Such as ladder stands instead of climbers and less time in the stand than when I was younger. I think twice now about rainy or extremely cold days etc. I still have the total desire as if I was 20 years old but the aches and pains do come to play from from time to time. I mostly try to enjoy my time in the wood more so than my sucesses.
I love my time in the woods and will not give it up even if I have to go on hand and knees. At age 67 (68 in march) its not the kill but the process of the hunt that keeps me going. I've had a heart valve replacement, a knee replacement. And both shoulders worked on and now my other knee and ankles are giving me trouble. I will not give up. When I go I would like to be in the woods setting on a stump with bow in hand. That's as close to heaven as will most likely get. :scared:
Jerry
I'm Only 34 and I love it when the wiser older gentleman of the sport tag along (or should I say "I tag along"). It Slows me down and makes me look forward to growing old myself. At this point in life I envy you fellers. Still got the drive and the wisdom is endless and priceless.
Great post and the best of luck to all and I hope you can all enjoy your time in the woods no matter how much or how little till the end of your days.
Kris
I too enjoy the inspiration and the true love of hunting by these guys, Im only 47, but know the day will come where I will be facing the same questions. Bill, your not even close to letting the fire go out if you spent 7 hours in the woods the other day ! And the best part is reading about you seeing the buck chasing the doe and also seeing a group of turkeys, Im am learning to enjoy that part of hunting as much (if not more) than actually shooting something. Who knows, maybe on your next time out, you will see two bucks fighting or that buck chasing will run by at 15 or 20 yards, That to me is reason enough to be outdoors and enjoying it !
I will be 61 in a few days and every year my legs get a little worse but I wont quit, just keep on going. I can remember my father in law at 90 just about begging me to set him on a stump during rifle season, if his eyes were better i would have...PR
Howdy Mr. Olmesdahl,
In my 70s, old age and battlefield wounds have finally caught up with me. Like yourself, I have found it necessary to slow down. Walking with a hiking staff (actually it is a "fighting staff" belonging to my Wife that she lets me use) provides a great deal of stability and eases some of my discomfort. No longer use tree stands at all but have always preferred hunting on the ground anyway. I no longer hike to the next ridge line just to see what is over there. Nevertheless I make every effort to get out every day that I can. Can't handle my 65lb HH Longbow anymore so had a 50lb HH made. Can see a 40lb in my future. Still, that is better than not hunting at all.
This morning it is 9 degrees (F) and 8" of fresh snow. Dressing appropriately, fully intend taking a trail walk and look for our small Red Squirrels and Hare. If I am really lucky maybe a Fox, Coyote or Wolf will put in an appearance. Will only travel a mile or so and it will take me a several hours of plodding along to do it. Probably take the flintlock as I have neglected shooting the bow for over a week now. Just the same it is better than sitting around watching some satellite tv hunting show.
As others have stated: it is better to get out in pain, than setting around the house in pain. Please, take the time to get out and enjoy what you are able. All too soon things may be different.
Best Wishes
I'm 62, but still the same weight I was at 20, and still doing the same amount of stuff outdoors, but I got a little upset the last couple of years 'cause somebody made the hills steeper, the dead deer heavier, and the mornings colder.
I have all the respect in the world for all of you old farts! When times get tough and the knees arent working ... Make sure to take the time to take your grandkids, neighbor boys, etc hunting...teach them how to shoot the stickbow, and how to hunt...teach them all the lessens youve learned over the past. I'm 40 and got started into traditional archery on my own... i've hunted for most of my life with guns and compounds, but less than 5 years with trad gear...I think often of how much i wish i could of started with tradgear as a kid.. and it is you old farts that i love to hear around the campfire and I take in every word spoke.. There is so much to be learned from the fellows that have been there already.
I'm 65. Everything is sore the next day but will limber up with movement. I don't do trees anymore, but I love my ghillie suit and my hunt anywhere chair! I go very slowly wearing the chair mostly and sit down with the chair when I find a good place. I'm not killing much but time, But I'm seeing a lot of deer and some are close enough to swat with the bow! I feel invisible. It is a bit hard to get the shot away without them seeing the movement but I'm working on it! Good luck!
"somebody made the hills steeper, the dead deer heavier, and the mornings colder"
Ain't that the truth!
Turned 66 last weekend. This year it seems that I've enjoyed the preparation and hunting more so than I have in the last few years. I think this is the reason:
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e285/bard9l/IMG_0415.jpg)
Meet Ben. He's the 6 year old grandson that has truly taken an avid interest in hunting and archery. I didn't know there were so many questions to be answered. :bigsmyl:
We put up tree stands, made ground blinds (so he can be with me while hunting) and he's a great little person to have around the campfire in the evening. Don't know how he can have so much energy, yet keep it bottled up in a ground blind for 3 hours at a time. Guys, this is what keeps me going!
Danny
Mr. O'Shay,
You are one LUCKY/BLESSED person!
Best Wishes
I'm 65 and get out whenever I can. Can't do the hills like I used to, dropped bow weight down to 50 and live in a friendly climate. A few aches and pains-so what; it's all good.
Ric Oshay..thats is exactly what i was talking about in my post ... You are building so many fond memories for Ben.. and i'm sure he will hand them down later ....Ben's a luck boy!!
Ric Oshay......
Thats an Awesome reason to get out there ......
Thanks for passing your wisdom on !!!!
That boy will never forget it !!!!!
Bill,
At 66, I thought I was pretty much finished as an active bowhunter. On several different kinds of medication, back pains, no stamana, etc. Then I decided to lose some weight to see if it would help with my knee and hip pain. On the first of May this year I weighed 219 with a 40-inch waist, and I started dieting and doing isometric exercises. I just spent 3 1/2 weeks bowhunting in Oklahoma and feel like a kid again. Climbing trees to hang stands, scouting for miles at a time, I just can't get over how good I feel. Since May, I've lost 44 pounds and gone down to a size 34 waist. My doctor has taken me completely off the meds I was taking for blood pressure and choleserol. I had no idea that the extra weight I was carrying effected my health the way it did. I'm extremely thankful that I feel so good. I'll never stop bowhunting until I just can't do it any more. This is my 53rd year hunting with stick & string. Don't know how many more I'll be blessed to have, but I'm going to savor every minute!
Tom Kidwell
jacobsladder,
Is this what you are talking about? The REAL joy of being older.
A couple of sessions of this.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_0854.jpg)
and this....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_0728.jpg)
turned into this this year....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_0872.jpg)
for my three grandsons.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Archery/IMG_0874.jpg)
Ric O'Shay - Thanks for your post. That was great. I have a five year old grandson, also in Texas, who's long on energy but not quite ready yet to sit for any length of time. Keep up the good work with Ben and you'll be immortal - someday he'll be telling his grandkids about hunting with you.
TomK - congratulations. That's a lot of self discipline to achieve that goal.
FWIW, I'm 64, have two titanium knees (better by far than the OEM stuff)and plan to keep pushing on, especially with the kids, as long as I can go.
Tomahawk 953, I have sent you a PM Hawk2
Sort of late to post, but just stumbled onto this thread.
I'll be 64 come spring. In the past 5 years I've had both knees scoped, right shoulder scoped, C4-C5 in neck fused and green light surgery for enlarged prostate. June of 2008 I had the right knee replaced. During recovery and rehab I got back into archery. This past year has been great. Lost 20 lbs., got back active and really feel good. Still climbing trees! Have to go a bit slower and think things through as I go along. I was taught to hunt by a group of men who kept at it through their 80s. Do what you can, walk, don't run. I use kettle bells for strength and balance... Don't do a lot of anything as overuse injuries are quite common at this point. Rarely shoot more than a dozen or two arrows. Hunt all the seasons, which start here mid August and run through February. Then spring gobbler season. Keep your passions alive... be satisfied to do what you can. Use or lose it.
Peace,
Swamp Preacher