Elderly Hunters- When to call it quits?

[wyosteve]

Keep going until you can’t! My friend just finished his slam with an AZ. desert bighorn and he’s 86.5.

 

[jkoehle1]

Probably long before i get to 90 some elk, ifykyk

 

[WyoKid]

Safety is a concern but everything that involves guns, knives, steep mountains, slick rocks and tripping sticks, getting lost or injured is a safety concern - like all hobbies/sports, that is just the risk you accept for being able to do something you enjoy and love. So, it all comes down to having the physical and mental ability to continue do it. Although, for me, if I lose my mental ability (Dementia/Alzheimer's), I told my wife to just drive me out into the woods in the winter to go hunting and leave me.

 

[North of 60]

Keep moving to keep hunting is a modified version of the motto (keep moving to keep moving) of the national senior games.

Having qualified twice for the national senior games in pickleball, i plan to continue to follow that motto and plan to for as long as i am able in all activities

Our dad died at the young age of 56 so i don't have an elderly hunter, however like others have mentioned i would involve them in as many aspects of hunting as they wanted to, and were safely able to do so.

 

[ProRoad]

My Dad just got his first Elk at 82. Many other animals have fallen to his blade since he was a kid. The Elk took one shot it in the heart at 150 so it just dropped where it stood. He would be the first to tell you that it's getting harder to do, mostly in the physical dept. He sold his airplane because he knew his eyes and quick reactions were going so I'm pretty sure most elderly know when it's time to hang it up. I know the guide told him to "stop talking! just hand signals" as he is deaf as can be so he was talking too loud. First time using a guide so I think the Elk is a bucket list item for him. I hope to go with him again before he hangs it up. He still reloads all of my hot hunting loads with the highest precision!

 

[cnelk]

“Motion is the Lotion”

 

[Choupique]

Hopefully never.

I know people who have killed deer at 89 and 86 years old.

We have dedicated old people stands at my camp. Real close to camp, real easy to get to, stay heavily baited up, barely off the ground, only the old guys hunt them.

Id say as long as you can still safely handle a gun, go.

 

[jimh406]

Everyone ages at different rates. If you are worried about safety, treat him like a child. That is, carry his gun, hunt with him, and load the gun only when necessary.

There are also a lot of things you can do to reverse or slow down aging. There are a lot of people posting good content on YouTube.

 

[Beagle1]

When you don’t enjoy it and are a danger to yourself and others. The physical limitations that come with old age can mostly be handled while hunting once you accept them.

 

[Mike Dettorre]

Obviously at some point their abilities become very degraded. However, there is a transition period where you can treat them like a very young hunter wherein you act as the guide and you don't hunt at all. For example, you carry their gun, you get them into position, you advise them when to chamber a round etc.

 

[Mtns2hunt]

Every individual is different in ability and strength. I'm 70 and suddenly everyone is my judge and jury. Every one has an opinion on what I should do and should not do.

I hunt alone, fish alone and cut wood alone. I'll probably die alone; no big deal as I have faced death many times. I'm no danger to anyone as the property I hunt is strictly posted.

There is danger in all activity and many young people fall victim. The older gents have more experience and knowledge to pull them through their activity. They think more about the potential issues. Plus I was a paramedic and Trauma team member for ten years. The one offering advice on activities should be ones doctor. Thanks for the Rant.

 

[IDbrushswimmer]

I told my wife when I’m to old to hunt, I’m going on one last hunt. It will be for a grizzly and my weapon of choice will be my pocket knife.

My grandpa just passed at 94, he still hunted until he was in his mid 80’s road hunted the last 15 years or so mostly. I don’t think he killed an animal after turning 80 but piles when he was younger.

Yep… Told my wife and kids I’m going out Legends of the Fall style

 

[Idaboy]

Never

 

[Marbles]

Hell, I hope to die with boots laced in the wilderness somewhere. If they are a danger to others, it is time to stop them. Otherwise, tell them to do everything they can, help them work around weaknesses, and if they die in the field be glad it wasn't a slow rot in a nursing home.

The one counter point is an injury in the field could land them in the nursing home, they should be aware of that risk.

If my kids keep me around like a good luck charm packed in a padded box I'm going to haunt them once I finally get released.

 

[knale87]

Hoping my kids drag me around as long as possible

 

[insanelupus]

"When the last deer disappears into the morning mist, When the last elk vanishes from the hills, When the last buffalo falls on the plains, I will hunt mice for I am a hunter and I must have my freedom." -Chief Joseph

Some folks hunt.

Some folks are hunters.

I presume those that hunt eventually stop when it is no longer something they wish to do.

For hunters, hunting is as much a part of their nature as breathing. They will modify what is needed, even if it is what they are chasing, to always hunt something. It just might look different over the years.

For a hunter, death is typically what ensures the hunting ceases. Up until then, we will always be hunting something some way.

 

[Fredcohunter]

I will adapt to my capabilities as I continue to age. I dont ever see myself calling it quits.

 

[Rich M]

I bring my mid-80s dad with me but he wants to hunt ducks/geese without getting up early.

I asked him how it feels to get older. He says it is still fun but the whole "gotta" turns to "wanna" turns to a lack of real desire. It's fun to do but getting up early to do XYZ isn't a priority for him anymore.

 

[dtrkyman]

Getting my great Nephews involved so they can pack my shit around and my animals out!