Every athlete has there day in the sun when they are at the top of their game. I have noticed in the last five years that my shooting has gotten worse. I had to drop weight from 60 pound bows down to 45 and 50 pound bows but still can't shoot like I did ten years ago. It gets frustrating not to be able to make the shots you used to, guess I will have to move up and shoot them close.lol.
Any other older fells notice a decline in shooting as you get older.
Birthdays! But, I hope that I keep having them. Amen Brother.
Just remember,the alternative really sucks!
Wooly,man I sure know what you are talking about. I turned 61 a few months ago and took some time to reflect and came up with this; I love this sport so much that I don't care if I have to shoot a 20# bow from 5' i'm going to keep on keepin on! Yeah I know I can't shoot like in the past but dammit I can still shoot.
I'll be 57 in two months. I thought I was doing ok until knee swelling the last of Sept. After the typical Doc visits, MRI, more Doc visits he asked what kind of things I do. I told him. He advised that I should act my age! I asked him my minds age or my knee's age? I'm not about to start acting like 57 whenI've acted like a kid all my life!
Don't dwell on what you can't do anymore or where you used to be.
Look at it from what you can do and how fortunate you are to to still be able to do the things you love!
Positive attitude..!!
This getting older isn't for the faint of heart..lol
When I had to go down in draw weight it gave me a better opportunity to watch the beautiful arc of my arrow longer...lol
Hang in there!! Keep shooting as long as you want to and try to enjoy it as much as possible.
God bless,Mudd
Im down in draw weight, but I shoot better than ever. Sometimes we get in a rut as we age and "think" we have this stuff down pat. Try a shooting clinic. Maybe we will find out that we can shoot even better than ever and actually, by doing things differently, pick up an extra pound or two in draw weight at the same time. I'm 56 and have hunted every night this week, something I wouldn't have done 20 years ago.
54 and went from 63 to 51,but they still die if it is put in the right spot
I'm happy shooting 55-60 pounds as opposed to 70 pounds in my younger years, but stuff still seems to die with lesser poundages. At 63, i hope to be pulling bows for a long time to come.
I know exactly how you feel, I am down, want to shoot 50 but 45 feels so much better, I will be 70 in feb. and I sure ain't complaning, glad I can shoot anything.
I ment 69 in Feb. Can't even keep track of my own age.
My medicare kicks in the first of the year...65 :scared: But I'm having more fun and more hunts than ever. When that rocking chair finally grabs me, I want as many memories as possible. Oh yea, I'm still practicing medicine. Seems I've been able to convince my young associates I still know something...smoke and mirrors :)
Gotta keep going doing the things you love! I hope the 65th year is as good as 64th...Doc
2010
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Iowa%202010/Iowa2010018.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Deer%20Season%202010/Deer2010010.jpg)
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I went through some health issues recently and went from 6'3" 205 lbs to 6'2" 155 lbs in six months. I'm not what I was with my 55#@28" hunting bow (I draw 30"). Working on it, but I have blown the dust off my 43 to 50 pound bows lately (and just picked up another).
Sucks to get old.
I'll be 59 in June, ,Can't do things like I used to but I still do everything I always did. The important thing is to stay active....I see folks at the gym every day that are older than me but very active and you can see the difference compared to folks that are not active. Toby Keith said it well in song , Not as good as I once was, but as good once as I ever was.......drop down in weight, get closer, do what ever it takes to enjoy what you like to do. Now where did I leave my keys ???
Yeppers, I think my bride of 40 years wants me in the rocking chair at 61.(we are both 61). It is not my intent to spend my days there, as I would rather go out rolling off the roof so to speak. That being said, I find great enjoyment in sharing our passion with the younger crowd..
Pass the bottle of glucosamine..... :coffee:
Mike
My dad always liked to quote Steve McQueen- "Growin' old ain't for sissies!"....Phil
I am 64. Have not really changed dra weight but.... I am staying between 45-50 or so lbs.
My bigest problem is health related. Since my open heart stuff 7 years ago I have done well untin this year. Had a stent put in. I now find myself running out of air mor quickly.. COPD from what my Dr. tells me.
I am not going to quit but I have modified my methods.....
I an 64 years ago and my effective range has dropped from 25 to 30 yds down to 15 to 20 yards and my current hunting bow weight is a set of Bear T/D limbs 44# at my draw length. Yep things have changed a lot have to hunt closer to the roads and the back yard now days.
But I am still going to hunt somehow.
Dave
I must be senile, I was still wrong about my age, I was born 2-14-1932 what ever that is.
I'm 57 but haven't dropped bow weight yet but I know that there's a chance someday I'll get old and will have to! I'm actually in better shape now than in my 30's but I work at it. I tried to drop bow weight to the mid 60's but I just can't do it so I'm shooting my little 80# longbow and enjoying every minute of it as long as I can. Like somebody else said, I want as many memories as I can make before I'm in the position of not being able to go any more.
QuoteOriginally posted by penrosefred:
I must be senile, I was still wrong about my age, I was born 2-14-1932 what ever that is.
Hard to say. Usually they put the ones that far back in Roman numerals. My Dad was born in MCMXII. ;-)
Thats 1912
I turned 57 in November, also had a little health glitch this June, contracted Phnuemonia, which turned into Plurosy, spent a week in the hospital with a tube in my back lost 20 pounds and was weak as a kitten when I was released.
Worked hard to get back in shape and was chasing Elk in the High Country 6-7 miles a day at 10,000' by the first of September. Attitude.!! You can do things if you put your mind to it!
I am also back to shooting 60 + pounds on a regular basis,I have always worked out and kept myself in better than average shape.
I am 62, I have had 4 surgeries in last 2 years, Have one more scheduled in about a month. Also need shoulder surgery, not going to do that. I have had enough of the slice and dice. I can shoot right now due to tubes in my chest. I have dropped to 35-40 pounds, shot better than ever last year. Better shooting was due to drop n bow weight and Rods Jenkins coaching. That man knows what he is talking about. As soon as I get these tubes removed and get thru the last surgery, I plan to hit as many 3Ds as possible this year. Take care of yourself!
Few years back I started weakening due to statin reaction... went from 50# down, down, down until I was shooting 19#, but i was still shooting. I'm back up to where my favorite 3D bow is 27# and last year I wanted to prove to myself i could hunt with my bows and did so successfully with a 42#. Couldn't shoot it more than a couple of shots, but I practiced in two shot sessions till i could make those count. Still doing therapy and working for 30# as a regular weight. Point is, I'm still building and still shooting. I"m 72. If I had one bit of advice, it'd be to drop weight way ahead of when you think you need to. You'll last longer.
I'll be 57 in Feb. Still do pretty much what I've always done, jut do it a little slower now! Whats that saying, "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good, once, as I ever was!"
LD
I was 69 Christmas eve and still shoot 60 pounds. As far as health, my knees and a bout with plantar faciitis are about the extent of my infirmaries. Most of us are only as old as our minds. We have to get out and smell the roses or die in a rocking chair. I choose to stay active and exercise my mind by doing a lot of reading. Inactivity will put a person on the wrong side of the grass quicker than anything.
QuoteOriginally posted by wollelybugger:
Thats 1912
Give that man a cigar!
Just turned 58 this morning. Shooting about the same as I was at 48 which was lousy but I keep trying.
With all due respect...maybe you should re-examine the way you practice. I am 53 and shooting better than I've ever shot in my life and I've also been increasing in draw weight over the years; up to 82 lbs now. My go-to bow is 72 lbs.
Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect
Brett
I remember an older gentlemen tell me "if I knew that if I was going to live this long I would of took better care of myself" I thought it was funny in my twenty's but now after 27 years of working hard and playing even hard it was some advice I should of paid better attention to.
Thankfully I was just kidding. I actually shoot better than I ever have. I recently attended Rick Welchs school and learned more than I ever knew before. He really put me in awe watching his shooting and really helped me a lot.
I'll be 69 in March and shoot every day. I shot 60 to 80 # in the early days and had and 6oogr arrow flying around 180 feet / sec. to day I shoot 54# and have a 600gr arrow flying at 188 feet / sec.
The new material and bow design made up the difference. I can still shoot 60# but for only 1 - 5 shots accurately. Arrow flight and a sharp Brodhead are more important then #'s
That all said it's a lot harder getting my fat a$$ in the woods these days. Everything seams to hurt more.
all I know is this .......... whoever the genius was that said "Life begins at 40" was a lying SOB !!! .. 8^)
its the beginning all right ................ the beginning of the end !!!!
LOL
keep fightin till the end !!!!! ....... 8^)
And remember: age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill. ;)
I turned 65 earlier this month and God has graced me with good genes and so far good health. I've never had a serious issue of any kind and still shoot mid fifties poundage bows and have no aches and pains but I do try to walk briskly for 45 minutes or so 3-4 times a week and can feel the difference when I don't. My wife can REALLY tell when I don't and becomes an excellent incentive for me.
At 67, I've dropped bow weight from the 82# that I was shooting in 1992 down to where most of my bows are 55# - 57#. I still shoot these with ease. I did notice this year that some of my git up and go actually got up and left without me. Guess it's because of my bum knee.
However, I do know this, "I may not be as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was."
:thumbsup:
It is interesting how we all feel about what it is we do.. Not the bow weight but the activity.
I really think "runnin" with my students keep me going.....
63 with an artificial hip and a cranky knee but I actually get out more now than ever before. I just seem to be at my best out in the woods even if I move slower and hunt closer to the trail. I never was a great shot or shot heavy bows but at 20 yards and under my 48# and sharp arrows get the job done. I am going to build myself a new bow this year and move up to 50-52# if I can.Keep on truckin!! Bob
Interesting thread. I had a shoulder injury several years ago that resulted in the doctor telling me not to lift weights or shoot bows over 50#. I followed his instrux as long as I could stand it, then began to exercise again. I switched to a Bowflex to lessen the chances of reinjury and I shot only 50# bows...until this month. I've been feeling so much better that I bought some 62# limbs for my Dye. After 3 shooting sessions of 12-15 arrows, no problems. Sixby is building me a 70# Eaglewing hybrid I hope to hunt bison and buffalo with.
I walk about 15 miles weekly and use the Bowflex and some light dumb bells 4 times a week. I'm beginning to wonder how much stronger I can actually get. Very much looking forward to retirement, so I can shift into an even higher gear for the remainder of my time on this rock. I'll be 55 years young in February. I did give up playing basketball a couple of years ago...but that's the ONLY concession I'm makin' to age!
:bigsmyl:
I am 61 and still do many things I used to do, just differently. Adaptation! Still shooting 52 lbs hunting and gone from a V-Twin to a Goldwing.
I'm almost 72 now,Shooting as good as ever, which isn't very good,After surviving stoke, 4 cancer surgerys,CHEMO,broken leg,I'm just loving each new day the LORD has given me!
Be happy you can still shoot. My dad and I used to shoot when I was a kid and now he not only cant shoot but he cant walk around in the woods either.
It's good to see active folks....My Dr. told me at 54 that he was proud of me for getting in shape and taking care of my self at middle age. I asked him if he really thought I was going to make it to 108.
Most of you fellas have a few years on me but I feel the aches and pains a little more every day. It takes me longer to do alot of things but I still get em done. I blame it on the type of work I've done. I've always said that oil field years are like dog years!
As far as shooting my bow, I'm shooting better than I've ever have. Shoulder issues have been a problem though. I've dropped in bow weight.
I like to shoot 70 lbs but 60 feels so good I just go ahead a shoot 45 to 50!
;)
Happy Birthday Lowrider !!
And..... Happy New Year!
God bless,Mudd
I'll be 75 in March but I ain't slowin down at all....no I'm not!....well maybe just a little bit... :rolleyes:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Ron%20at%20100.jpg)
I am 62 and I still shoot pretty good.
I will be 64 in Febuary and have been shooting since 1968. I still shoot but not as much as I use too but it is still fun. Our son will be getting out of the Army in June and he has started to shoot again. I will shoot more then than now. One of my reasons I don't shoot as much now is cause I don't have anyone to shoot with. Plus my priorities is different.
I'm 65 - beat Tippit to Medicare by a few months - have two artificial knees - better then the OEM models btw - and shoot in the mid-40#range. And like most of the rest of us apparently, I firmly believe that the point of life is not to arrive at your funeral well rested from the rocking chair, but to slide in at the last minute, beat up bow in one hand, arrows in the other, screaming "Yeehaw, What a ride!!!!"
QuoteOriginally posted by dragon rider:
I'm 65 - beat Tippit to Medicare by a few months - have two artificial knees - better then the OEM models btw - and shoot in the mid-40#range. And like most of the rest of us apparently, I firmly believe that the point of life is not to arrive at your funeral well rested from the rocking chair, but to slide in at the last minute, beat up bow in one hand, arrows in the other, screaming "Yeehaw, What a ride!!!!"
EXACTLY!!! I hope to die hunting, lovin' on my bride, or sleeping...my favorite three things to do...and don't ask me if they're in order!!!
:biglaugh: :archer2:
The mind is ageless and dreams are forever. It's the body that is the tattletail. Pushiing 68 and intend to keep shooting bows as long as I can. My doctor encourages me to get out and shoot and hunt. Like Mr. Wightman the statins have had their effects on me and I now down to drawing 41# to 44#. Keep on trucking guys.
I was just talking to South Cox on our last adventure about getting older we are both 41 and i said we are half way there give or take a few years we have to start doubling up on our hunting adventures because im to damn young to feel this damn old
Yes, there are more aches and pains now, but some of "our" shooting "worse" could be more related to eyesight declinethan other physical decline. Therefore, concentration is more critical than it was in past years. Put some bifocals on and enjoy!
I think shooting is more enjoyable now than ever...
I went into the second century of life and the forth decade of this fine sport.
I think the thing is to keep active that helps alot of things. And remember what the old bull said to the young bull!
i'll never die or get old.i want to live forever and fly around the moon lookin for a good campin spot. :D :D :campfire:
I walk a mile every other day. I shoot 20 yards, two arrows per round, 42 rounds = 84 shots and 1 mile of walking.
Mudd I just got back on here. Thanks for the birthday greeting. Had knee surgery on the 22nd of Dec. and am walking around on it. Still a little sore but hope to be back in the woods soon. Happy New Year....
Have you had your eyes tested recently?
I was suffering with some amount of decline in my shooting accuracy at anything more than ten yards
Turned out I wasn't picking a spot because I couldn't SEE a spot well beyond that distance
New glasses fixed me right up
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Hammond:
Have you had your eyes tested recently?
I was suffering with some amount of decline in my shooting accuracy at anything more than ten yards
Turned out I wasn't picking a spot because I couldn't SEE a spot well beyond that distance
New glasses fixed me right up
I'm junior to most all posters here at 45 but my physical health isn't declining, yet. It's my eyes. I need to get my eyes checked again and have my perscription changed. Seeing fuzzy targets is hard to pick a spot and release. Left eye is dominant and the weakest eye. Gotta do something....
Currently shooting a recurve at about 52#. At that weight I can hold the draw for a while if necessary.
Keep on truckin' all...
Turned 67 this season. KIlled a bear, a buck and a turkey after dropping down to 55#. I had a mile to haul my deer out and the same with Laura's, except with hers the river was high enough to use the canoe. Hit the gym 4X a week (except during the hunting season). When I was kid I remember reading a quote that went something like, "If I knew I'de live this long I would have taken better care of myself". I actually like the working out so it's not a chore for me. Ron W is right, I think. Keeping active and working out can go a long way keeping you active and healthy and in the woods.
The bad news is I've had to drop bow weight to 45#; the good news is at 62 I'm a lot more patient and able to sit still longer for closer shots.
"The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails."
- William Arthur Ward
Adjust the sails!
My right shoulder was so messed up by my early 50's that I could barely shoot a bow. While waiting a few months to get surgery on my shoulder when I was 53, I shattered my left collar bone and substantially damaged my left shoulder. I had the surgery on my right shoulder and was healing up when I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer just after I turned 54. At that point I didn't think I would have to worry about getting old any more or ever shooting a bow again (because I thought death was imminent). But a year and a half later I was cancer free and back to shooting my bows. I am now 58. For the last year I have had bad elbow problems that have kept me from shooting as much, and I just had knee surgery two weeks ago from a hunting injury in September. I never thought I would have problems like these, but I do. I'm glad to still be alive and able to do physical things, including shooting my bows. We all need to be thankful for our blessings, because all too soon we will lose more of our abilities. Some of you guys who are much older than I am and still in the race are my heroes!
Allan
oh yeah my shooting has slowed down some but hey i keep going even though the body is cracking up. :biglaugh: some days i feel old as dirt.
About to turn 55. Working construction all my life, playing ball til 50, hunting hard ecery chance I had, has taken a toll on my body that has just started to show. Bad elbow, shoulder starins, bad knees, I'm still shooting 57# for the most part. One guy told me, you only get one body, you have to take care of it. My response was " when I'm done there won't be any good parts left to recycle". Live good, hunt hard, no regrets.
comming up on 55,hunt hard as long as I can
58 exercise regularly have aches I didn't used to have but still shoot my 70lb bows with ease
use it or lose it...you have to figure out an exercise program and stick to it or getting old sucks almost as bad as not getting old
Built my shoulders, elbow and hand back up over the last few years to get back to bow hunting. I went from 10 lbs bow to 50# and found out the other day I can shoot a 61/62# with ease.
Working out, eating right and staying active is the key (easy to say). Of course I have been a poor exaple of that.
Earl
I just do everything slower with a rest here and there. I'll be 61 in May and have no problem with 55#
At 59 I thought my hunting days were behind me with a bad hip and back.After hip replacement and dropping 40# I've taken 3 deer this year.Feel 10 yrs younger.Not going quietly or gently into that good night.I give this advice:take those extra pounds off and keep moving!
Well brothers of gray, keep the faith, as I had bypass a couple of years ago now I am realizing while it is an uphill battle, you CAN get there, just don't give up.
I turned 61 in Nov. and in Dec. this is what I got as a belated birthday present.
(http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/h477/njloco/IMG_1539-1.jpg)
It only took 54 years to do, first ever, and doing some of my best shooting.
Had 2 ankle surgeries before I was 20. Left knee at 35 and the right knee at 47. Right foot redone at 40 and the left foot a 48. Shoot, I am almost completely rebuilt! I had some nerve damage issues in my lower neck and right shoulder at 52 and was told to quit shooting my bows. After a long heart to heart with the doc, we compromised at staying below 55#.
Took some serious work to get back to 54# but I'm quite comfortable with it now. Shooting 585-605 grains and feel good out to 25 yards....a touch more on a good day.
Started working out again to prepare for an elk hunt this fall and just to live better/longer. I've been in construction for 36 years now and will retire at age 60 in 58 months.
Contrary to what a lot of folks believe, you can workout after the age of 50 and still make significant gains in strength, flexibility and overall health and improve your quality of life (if you want too!).
Mike
My mother-in-law had a small plaque that read,"Getting Old Is Not For Wimps".She has passed and this little quote often comes to mind.
I have heard these sayings and worked with people that lived by these and look to each day as a challenge. "The only easy day was yesterday". I also have been blessed with good health, no broken bones, sprains, no surgerys, no hospitalizations. Just bald and have to wear glasses. Go figure, in March I turn 58. In the last four years I have been in the best shape of my life. Eating reasonably healthy, exercise and getting out in the woods and a positive attitude. By the way I have bows that I shoot, from #100 warbows to #33 Hickory selfbows.
I remember being on a 3D range and seeing an older man keeping up with his grandchildren and out shooting them with his longbow. He must have been close to 80 years old. God Bless That Man!
My wife asked me, "When you turn 65 are you still going to drive a pick-up truck?" I answered, "YES!" Turning 55 this year and ready for what it takes to keep me in the woods or on the range. Traditional Archery is a big part of my life and I'm gonna keep it that way!.... So long as I take care of the "honey-do list" first. :rolleyes:
... mike ... :archer2: ...
I turned 66 last October. No surgeries, but feel weaker some days, probably from statins. (You might want to have the doc check your testosterone level). But I have a 19 month old yellow lab who expects two walks a day. We go about a mile twice a day, through fields and rough ground. I have lost weight and the doc reduced my diabetes meds. If you stop moving you just become a better target.
Richard
Glad to see there are so many of us old farts out there and that they are keeping active on so many different levels....... :thumbsup:
I'll be 58 in two months. Here is a few tips I have learned.
1) Always take hero pictures with a hat on, especially if it rained.
2) Don't wear a tight, dressy looking plaid vest if you gained a little weight.
3) Don't get caught off guard by a ruthless, light fingered photographer (like your wife).
And to those of you who might be interested in the supernatural... a couple of years ago after a rain shower Winston Churchill's ghost was caught on camera with my bear!
Getting old certainly beats the alternative.
62 and counting. Had to drop bow weight down to 45-50 pound range. But still alive that is what is good.