The old man is creeping in

[fairchaser]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

 

[CBU93]

Definitely a defining moment when that happens…best I can advise is do what makes you happy. Life is too short to put yourself through the misery if the ROI is not there. Just because you CAN push yourself to do something doesn't mean you should or have to.

 

[Wrangler95]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

Know what you mean,Im 71 years old!

 

[MrJim43]

81 and looking at 82 next month. Still trying by at a very reduced rate

 

[Savage Knight]

I highly recommend looking into a hawk crawler cart. I wish I had one 20years ago! They make a world of difference!

 

[megalomaniac]

One of my hunting buddies is 74. He killed a buck Monday, and I had to remind him NOT to touch that buck until I called another friend and we would load the buck for him.

He blew out 2 disc's in his back 2 summers ago trying to tilt his 200hp outboard up when the trim motor went out, he has no business lifting anything over 35lbs.

But he is still a hardcore hunter!

 

[Kevin Snook]

Getting old sucks!!!

Just saying…

 

[Winchester]

My Dad is 81 as well and we got him a xbow for his 80th bday. He was reluctant at first as he was still killing multiple deer every year with his compound but now that hes used to it he seems to like it, and its increased his effective distance quite a bit. We also now dont allow him in a loc on without a lifeline attached from the ground up. One of the biggest things I see is his balance has really went downhill last couple years.
I can only hope to stay in as good of shape as he has. Im 54 and some days I feel it myself.

 

[deerfever]

Know the feeling! I am one of these guys that will walk as far as I have to and get away from people. Now I find myself making any excuse I can not to lug a tree stand with me. . I have discovered that if you find a good backdrop or natural ground blind and stay still , you would be surprised how close deer will get to you on the ground. Going to a place in the morning that I am already gearing up for the walk!!!!! Don't know how I will get one out if I kill one that I want down in there but I guess I will deal with that if it happens.

 

[david k.]

Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc?

You call me man.....you know I'm only 20 minutes away and I need to know all your good spots anyway......

 

[oldmanelrod]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

I am 72 and stayed in good shape, used a tree climber until a brain tumor, non malignant thank you Lord, in July 2024. I went hunting for the first time yesterday, 12 Nov, in over a year. I have been walking up to 3 miles for several months. I have my walking strength back but my balance is not what it used to be. FATHER TIME has jumped on me with both spurs. It happens and now I will and you will adjust our hunting style.

 

[The Ol Professor]

Getting old sucks!!!

Just saying…

"Don't begrudge getting older; it's a privilege denied to many." Mark Twain.

 

[Omega]

Man, I'm way ahead of you guys, at 61 I feel my age every day. Of course 21 years of falling out of airplanes contributed to how I feel but still, age does not help. I can't imagine how I will be when I reach 70.

 

[Crappieaddict]

Age is just a number, in my case a rather large number, but still a number. I can still do most things, just not as long or fast. That being said, my first hunt is planned for tomorrow morning.

 

[themanpcl]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

welp, it happens right after you are born...lol...i think the same thing every hunt. it is good to have someone you can call if you need help. i have a jet sled and "should" be able to eventually get one out if i can't find anyone free to help. another option is bringing bags and cutting it up in the woods and just tote out the meat. just count your blessings that you can still walk and get into the woods and let the rest happen. pretty sure when you see that booner, you won't feel old anymore...lol

 

[Grnwing]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

I am not too far from there. If you need a hand, I d be happy to pack out a deer for you. Send me a DM if you need a hand. I respect your drive to hunt and think that is important to keep that drive fueled!

 

[sll]

I'm 58……haven't deer hunted in 8 years. I was setting in the woods on my last trip thinking that I didn't want to be there. It was a strange realization since I would have taken a ball-peen in the woods if there were a hammer season all my life. Time definitely changes man's way of thinking.

 

[DayTrader]

I pre-game exercise with Cardnyl electrolytes and sip more from when I get back until I go to bed so I don't wake up screaming from foot and calf cramps. Does great.

 

[Snake]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

You now have my mindset brother I'm 71 with a very bad back which makes your legs feel like they weigh 100 lbs each . Days are counting down but God has blessed me . Took an in season scout the other day and I had to take a couple days off to recuperate. I have a great place to hunt covered up with deer but if you kill one which I did couple years ago that just about kilt me . He wasn't a toad either so I can't imagine getting one out that lives on that property. On my property I just about can drive my four wheeler to it . Got to pick which one to shoot though the surrounding property which I can hunt & recover on has deep hollows but can't take my ATV .

 

[GumbyGuy]

I'm 58……haven't deer hunted in 8 years. I was setting in the woods on my last trip thinking that I didn't want to be there. It was a strange realization since I would have taken a ball-peen in the woods if there were a hammer season all my life. Time definitely changes man's way of thinking.

I'm there now, want to one day and don't the next

 

[Smo]

I'm 68 and over weight…
I have a bad back and both shoulders & knees ain't what they once were..

I was fortunate enough to buy a spot of land here before the craziness started.

By owning my property , I'm able too groom it so most deer use my trails as travel corridors.
I place my stands at locations just off these trails and if I'm lucky enough….

They fall in the trail and I take the tractor too bring them home.

 

[rifle02]

My dad used to say "getting old ain't for sissies"!
I just find ways to make it easier on myself. Ride a machine into and out of the woods. If it's a place where I can't do that, I don't hunt there. At 73 I generally sit in a blind or on a ladder. And the ladders are never moved, they stay in the same spot. If it's not the best spot in the woods too darn bad. The ladders are where they are and I am not moving them. I think about it but then I have to have a list of people I have to call to help and I never bother. But at least I'm out there in the woods on my own terms.

 

[BSK]

At 63, I don't have the endurance I had just two years ago. But I try to stay in shape and I'm still out there. But there won't be any dragging/loading deer by myself anymore!

 

[Shikari75]

I decided to go check out an old spot in the new state forest yesterday. Since e-bikes are not allowed I decided to hoof it. It was a nice day for walking and I was only carrying a gun and a walking stick. A good 45 minutes each way.

This morning I can feel it and the reality of toting equipment and possibly a deer out is sinking in. I'm going on 69 years old and while I exercise and try to stay in shape, age is definitely a factor now.

When did this happen? My mind is now thinking of spots closer to the truck and hunting from the ground. Who could I call to help me get that big buck out, etc. I know I'm blessed, but dang this sucks!

I'm right there with you! Will turn 69 in Feb. Recovering from a herniated disc, having to use a hiking stick to make it around the woods and strictly hunting out of a ground blind right now! Lucky
my sons have volunteered to help drag one out when needed!

 

[TnBob]

At 63, I don't have the endurance I had just two years ago. But I try to stay in shape and I'm still out there. But there won't be any dragging/loading deer by myself anymore!

I'll be 63 in January and have way less endurance than three years ago. Rotator cuff surgery took the sap out of me but I shot a little buck this morning and did OK. It was only about 100 yards from the road. Hardest part was loading him into my truck. I'm gonna feel that tomorrow. Lol

 

[Stalkhunter]

Man, I'm way ahead of you guys, at 61 I feel my age every day. Of course 21 years of falling out of airplanes contributed to how I feel but still, age does not help. I can't imagine how I will be when I reach 70.

Brother I feel it a 62 being almost the bionic man I should feel great lol. Marines grunt took its toll on me. Always asked 1st Sgt why the heck are we jumping out of a perfect air craft that can land. Guess wh got pushed out lol

 

[Stalkhunter]

I'm 68 and over weight…
I have a bad back and both shoulders & knees ain't what they once were..

I was fortunate enough to buy a spot of land here before the craziness started.

By owning my property , I'm able too groom it so most deer use my trails as travel corridors.
I place my stands at locations just off these trails and if I'm lucky enough….

View attachment 301100

View attachment 301102
They fall in the trail and I take the tractor too bring them home.

Sweet lol

 

[Stalkhunter]

63 in February lol can't wait not. Told the wife the rib pain is getting worse guess it's time for blood work before dark place comes up.

 

[Omega]

Brother I feel it a 62 being almost the bionic man I should feel great lol. Marines grunt took its toll on me. Always asked 1st Sgt why the heck are we jumping out of a perfect air craft that can land. Guess wh got pushed out lol

I got that a lot from aircrews, my answer was, "there is no such thing as a perfectly good airplane; there is a reason they pay you more to stay on, than me to get off"

 

[rifle02]

Last Saturday the opening of ML, I shot a small doe. Not a fawn but must've been a yearling. I just wanted to get started and break the ice so to speak. I made one brief half hearted but unsuccessful attempt to load it into the back of the ranger. I used the winch with the rope back over the roof. Tipped the bed and hauled er up. When she was more than halfway in I tipped the bed back forward, untied the Rope and slammed the tailgate, done. The deer really was not heavy but too heavy for me to do easily so the winch made it easy peasy.