Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire I'm no longer a killer

To be honest I haven't been very good at it for some time.
This week trying to climb out a canyon in knee deep snow I decided that at 72 I just can't do it anymore.
Birds and Fish best beware, but I've hung up the rifle.
It was a hell of a good run while it lasted.

I know the feeling. Decided its squirrel hunting this year.

Well, hell, Tracks. Hunt where it's not snowing!

You can still swing a shotgun and a rod, so you ain't dead yet.

yeah! at 65, now Ive noticed for the last 12-15 years that the COLORADO canyons are getting steeper every year

Every time you blinked, you took a picture

Pick up a bow and you can hunt in September. No snow, no horrible cold, bones ache less.

Think about it.

I know the feeling. Next year, at age 65, I plan on going on my last wilderness elk hunt.

I do plan on more hunting, just not THAT kind.

donsm70

Yeah, I spent the last few minutes of Wednesday as the Sun went down adding some final memories, knowing it was the last time.

I used to hunt solo, whether for deer or birds or whatever. Just didn't have a hunt partner. A few years back this very week a rancher acquaintance of mine told his wife he was going to amble around his back 40 for a muley. They found his body the next Spring.

Shortly after, I was out alone as always and after wheezing my way up a slope, remembered that guy as I waited for my hammering heart to slow down.

Haven't hunted since. To tell the truth, I don't really miss it much.

That brought a tear to my eye. I just can't imagine. I know the day will come, but damn, I feel badly for you. It's sad to hear, and think about.

Bob

Sir, you have my highest regard and respect! I can only hope that I am breathing at 70, yet alone chasing critters. It's a big and tough decision that will certainly challenge each of us if we are honest. I must admit that I am still floating that river called denial!

I would love to share a campfire and hear about how it was "back in the day".

If not bow, then MZ, and if not that special drawings. IF you want to, there is generally a way.

Even depredation tags before seasons open.

But if not, in a way sorry to hear it, but in a way we all know its coming.

I don't shoot as much as I used to, and its not so important to tag one these days, and I know my days are numbered also.

We hunt with a grand gentleman in Alaska. He no longer can get around that well, but he still enjoys camp, and be danged I'm sure that with a moose, he might could shoot one sitting in camp, they certainly have come through before.

In the end, even if I couldn't climb and walk, I THINK I'd still like to be in camp at least.

Best of luck!

Jeff

pushing at 68, with a bad ticker. My days of tree stand hunting are gone. I can't do the mountain hunts any more.
Still can meander along, still hunting, and swamp wading. Couple more years, and that will probably get too much as well.
I have had one heck of a good life though, and have no complaints.
They can always just sit grandpa down on a stump, to wait for squirrels.

I know the feeling. I'll be 72 in two months and am scheduled for a total knee replacement after Jan 1. The knees just don't work like they used to. Aging is a bitch.

There are far worse ways to spend your time than chasing birds and fish. You might consider adding predators to that list, as well.

If I had a deer stand ....and deer.... I'd let u hunt in it.

I am the oldest male member of my family to have never had a heart attack. I have arthritic joints. My time is coming. Last weekend one of my hunting partners little girls burned herself. When I took off running to get there hs 4 YO son was watching. Afterward his dad told me the son said I can run really fast for an old guy.

I hope I can do it gracefully.

I understand and respect your decision. I salute you for being out there as long as you have.
One thing you might consider doing is sharing your passion for the outdoors with the younger generations. Hunter safety/shooting sports organizations need experienced volunteers like you. Just something to think about.

Well said, EFrench.

Just hit 67 a few weeks ago, and hope I have a few more in me. Another 20 would not be enough. The real pain will be when I liquidate the gun safe and retire my fly rods.

I have firearms and fine fishing equipment that was passed to me from a death bed about 20 years ago. While they are indeed treasured and bring forth the finest of memories each time they're handled, I've never been able to use them. He was 83, flew bombers in the Pacific, and made a difference.