Anyone solo backcountry hunting over the age of 60?

[hflier]

Anyone solo backcountry hunting over the age of 60?. Still feel like I can do it, but it seems that I don't see many doing this and I am wondering am I pushing it too far? I have 100% odds on a Arizona 6A Elk Archery hunt this year and I am trying to decide if solo is a good idea. I did this hunt 10 years ago solo and had a blast, but I was 10 years younger.

Ron

 

[Pony Soldier]

I have been hunting solo the first week and 4th week. The other weeks I have partners.

I will be 72 next month. My dad hunted with me until he was 79 and his wife convinced him he was too old.

The biggest issue is judgement. You have to be honest with yourself about limits and how far you can push.

 

[Extrapale]

I'd say go for it if your feeling good.

My dad was doing solo backpack deer hunts until his early 70s. Nothing extreme, just 3 to 4 miles in for a couple night.

He made 2 trips 6ish miles in this fall deer hunting with my brother and I at age 81.

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[GSPHUNTER]

I would have to ask, how do you feel about it. are you in better than average heath and shape, do you do strenuous exercise regularly, have you had any health issues which would give you reservations about making such a trip. If you feel like you can do it, then go for it.

 

[def90]

Get an InReach and keep on keeping on.

 

[mike.adams.467]

I hunt solo at 62; I do carry a satellite communication device now, and I am very careful with knives and where I step.

 

[mtwarden]

Anyone solo backcountry hunting over the age of 60?. Still feel like I can do it, but it seems that I don't see many doing this and I am wondering am I pushing it too far? I have 100% odds on a Arizona 6A Elk Archery hunt this year and I am trying to decide if solo is a good idea. I did this hunt 10 years ago solo and had a blast, but I was 10 years younger.

Ron

Yup- turning 65 in a month

Archery hunting (if it's warm) you'll want to very carefully consider how you're going to get meat cooled before it spoils. I usually figure four loads with a bull, if push came to shove, you might do it in three.

 

[JDMBEND]

64. This is always in the back of my mind archery elk hunting. Kill a bull 4 miles in equals at least a 28 mile pack out. And in a hurry!
No worries rifle hunting in October/November in cooler weather.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Hell yeah! I turned 65 this year and don't get me wrong......love my huntin partners but also love to hunt solo.
Garmin In Reach is your friend!

Randy

 

[mtnwrunner]

Couple of solo hunt photos.......

Shot and packed out a spike bull solo.......just a wee bit slower than I used to be.

Randy

 

[HighUintas]

I'm 36. But this is officially my favorite thread on rokslide

 

[weekender7]

I'm 67 and sure hope I have a few more left in me.

 

[DBAshland]

I’m 66 and a new hunter planning my first deer hunt next fall. It will be a solo backpacking hunt. You guys inspire me. Most of my backpacking and ski backpacking tours are solo already.

 

[Ark6]

Get an InReach and keep on keeping on.

This, get an inreach (or whatever sat Comm you feel comfortable with) it will actually make it easier to call for assistance if needed, and will make you and your family feel better, which makes you a more successful and happy hunter and them a more content and happy family. Best of luck in the hunt!


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[eamyrick]

Yup- turning 65 in a month

Archery hunting (if it's warm) you'll want to very carefully consider how you're going to get meat cooled before it spoils. I usually figure four loads with a bull, if push came to shove, you might do it in three.

65??!!!?? You got to bottle that up and sell it. Gives me a ton to look forward to if you are out working most 30 year olds into your 60s.

 

[5MilesBack]

In three years I'll be 60 and will still be bowhunting elk solo......Lord willing.

 

[motoxno53]

This is an amazing thread... I hope I am still doing it past 60!

 

[OregonSteeler]

You 60+ yr olds and still getting it done are a true inspiration to me! Love it!

 

[manitou1]

I am pushing 62 and still do a lot of solo hunting. I have limited my distances when elk hunting though. I do carry a Zoleo at all times.

 

[Phaseolus]

I’m still doing it at 63. I do pick and choose where and how far I go solo very carefully. My old hunting pards have either quit or died. Last year and this year I’ve started hunting with another Rokslider which has been great. We did a backpack archery hunt last year.