I'll be 60 in June. I'm 5'10" tall and 150 (or a bit less) pounds. I can still pack out an elk from anywhere even if I don't like it. I eat a whole food, low inflammation, plant based diet. I work out for what I call "lean strength" with an emphasis on cardio/stair climbing and push ups/pull ups added (an Arabian will bury a Quarter Horse in the mountains). Mental toughness can't be taught. Desire can't be taught. Some aspects of endurance are just genetic gifts. I have many of these gifts in spades. I realize they are gifts. I haven't had anyone help me pack out an elk in 21 years. All mine come out miles-in from public ground, and unfortunately sometimes from super-steep, blow-down ridden hellholes. I don't like those spots. Last bull I packed out was when I was 55 from one such hell hole. Took 3 trips. I can still carry 80+ lbs, but don't like it one bit. I missed last season due to Covid (first missed hunting season in 33 years). I passed on a number of lesser bulls since my last 6x6 kill in 2016. I'm happy not to punch a tag. I'm likely not the toughest or smartest elk hunter. I'm not a meat hunter (though as far as red meat goes, elk is as good as it gets). I hunt for the best, oldest specimen in a given area I can find. If I can't find that type animal I don't pull the trigger. A couple key guys in my life really gave me some helpful bits of information that helped me early on... I've tried to pay that forward to a couple guys I think deserve the information.
Couple rambling thought's...
Good post, but the bolded point is debatable. I think I've taught it to my boys.
I also think every Marine from my Boot Camp platoon would think otherwise.
I agree with Brad, mental and physical toughness can’t be taught, either you got it, or ya don’t.
Ping pong balls for the win. Once you've wrestled everything else in life is easy. Dan Gable I keep my circle small, I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies.
