Ha.. Just wait until you're in your 70's and see how you feel then. o_O
Now, at 74, all my old hunting partners are either deceased or have put away their guns. My children and grandchildren don't hunt (one does fish, at least) Cancer really knocked the stuffing out of me a couple of years ago, but I survived. Between the effects of that and just plain old age I don't have the physical strength or the stamina needed to spend all day climbing hills, pushing through thickets, or to haul out a deer by myself. But, more than deer hunting, I miss small game. I grew up chasing rabbits with beagles. As an adult I switched to bird dogs and hunted pheasant, grouse, quail, and waterfowl. I no longer have a dog and I miss the dogs and bird hunting terribly.
However, I'm not done yet. I can't hike for miles in the back country like I once did, but I still roam around for a mile or two. I don't go up in the trees anymore due to balance issues, but I sometimes sit in a ground blind overlooking a deer trail from dawn to dusk. I'm content just watching the birds and squirrels and sometimes having a mouse run over my foot. I sit and think, read a good book, and watch the wildlife. Whenever I can get out in the woods away from the noise and congestion of this modern world, I'm happy. Bagging a nice buck is a plus, but not necessary for a good day in the woods.
Every day in the woods is better than the best day at work. ;)
Oh, one other thought.
I put away my modern guns (except for classic SxS shotguns) over 30 years ago, and took up traditional (old style muzzleloaders) (None of that in-line garbage for me!) Flintlocks, round balls, and real black powder. I don't take any shots at longer than 75 yards.
It certainly adds the challenge to big game hunting that I crave.
I tried bow hunting back in the 1970's but didn't take to it.
