Late Onset Solo DIY

[HornPorn]

I've done a few guided hunts and done a few DIY hunts with other folks, but really like having the solitude, freedom, and simplicity of spending time with myself. Have been building points in multiple states for multiple species, for several years now. 46 years old and want to start putting in for tags without coordinating with anyone else, and just go and do my own thing. I don't have any illusions about packing out an elk by myself....would definitely line up a packer to have on call. I take a Garmin Inreach wherever I go, even on guided trips.

Rokslide at its core is a DIY site, and I know many folks go solo. My question is, how late do you think, age wise, is too late to start doing that? Or is age irrelevant? I live back east if it matters.

 

[jchamwv]

Age is just a number. I'm 52 and most of my hunting is solo. I drive 25-27 hours every September to chase elk because that has been my dream since I was a teenager reading Dwight Shuh stories. I started when I was 46. I'll stop when I can't climb the mountains anymore.

 

[butcherboy]

I’m 47 and going solo but it’s not a backpack hunt. Camping in my Kodiak tent by the truck.

 

[Djacker]

Age shouldn't hold you back. Know your limits and go do it.

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

Keep in shape, know your limits, and keep your inReach on you.

 

[rayporter]

solo at 67 was ok but after that it got rough.

 

[Rotnguns]

I've done a few guided hunts and done a few DIY hunts with other folks, but really like having the solitude, freedom, and simplicity of spending time with myself. Have been building points in multiple states for multiple species, for several years now. 46 years old and want to start putting in for tags without coordinating with anyone else, and just go and do my own thing. I don't have any illusions about packing out an elk by myself....would definitely line up a packer to have on call. I take a Garmin Inreach wherever I go, even on guided trips.

Rokslide at its core is a DIY site, and I know many folks go solo. My question is, how late do you think, age wise, is too late to start doing that? Or is age irrelevant? I live back east if it matters.

I'll be 70 next March, and I prefer solo hunts and climbs. Unless I'm going with my brother. Just be extra careful, have GPS location and tracking software like OnX, and consider an emergency communication device. Really, not much different advice for any solo hunter or hiker. All depends upon what condition you're in - be mindful and aware.

 

[Macintosh]

Forget the number and just go. Do you drive a long way solo? Do you go for a local hike or hunt locally solo? Fundamentally, there is zero difference. My 85 year old dad rides his bike solo, drives to the grocery store solo, sp;lits firewood solo...why wouldnt he drive somewhere else and do similar work solo in a different zip code?
Honestly, I'd just look at where you think there is a difference between the hunt you want to go on and what you already know you are capable of today, and either try something similar locally (a backpacking trip, etc--whatever you arent sure of) to see how you do so it's a known-entity before you go, or just go and take your time and deal with whatever comes your way. Coming from the East elevation is the only thing thats hard to replicate, but there's also tons of info on dealing with it and it's more or less a known entity that you can predict...take your time, take a few days to get acclimated before going really high, drink lots of water, etc and short of dashing straight up to 10k'+ you'll be ok if you are in decent shape. Sure, a solo trip can be a lot of work. But it's not going to the moon, and its not like you've never worked before. You know what you can do, and if you dont know then try it at home and you'll be sure. Worst case you go on a trip and feel like you arent up to some aspect of it...can't you incorporate some "plan B" aspects into your pre-trip scouting, ie some areas to hunt closer to a trailhead, some way to find help to pack out an animal, some way to keep meat cool a bit longer so you can pack over a longer period of time, etc, etc, etc.?

 

[Beendare]

solo at 67 was ok but after that it got rough.

Yeah, I’m 67 and headed out in 10 days solo. I backpacked my-new to me- unit a month ago and found some likely spots the elk will get pushed to…but the spots are further in than I would like- 5 and 6 miles.

I have solo hunted a lot so I know the drill. Its a mental thing to keep at it when you get worn down. I thinkif there is any secret, its to enjoy the process. I like being in wilderness with the sun rising or setting. It makes me feel alive and self sufficient to be hiking wild country in the dark- exilerating, especially when you bump a bear in the dark.

I know the tricks to keeping meat cold in the mountains, so if it takes me a couple days to get it out, no big deal, I don’t have to kill myself hauling hundred pound packs. I killed a big bull in AZ decades ago and a buddy helped me pack it in one load each.we weighed the packs at the butcher shop; his 142#, mine 136#
Never again!

 

[Jmoore]

I don't think it's age as much as a mental and physical conditioning game. I'm 48 and have outlasted my sons, who in shape beat me all day long but aren't mentally there and on the same token been outdone by older gents, I swear are part goat.
I hunt by myself mostly, but just have to pace myself and know my limitations.
Go for it.

 

[Jimmy]

I'd take 55 and in shape over a 35 year old who 50 pounds overweight

 

[highcountrymuley]

I'm 51 and started solo backpacking in 2017. Not that scary or big of a deal once you get over the mental aspect/ fear/ uneasiness. I started carrying a 9mm that year on the scouting trips and THAT was the biggest thing that got me over the hump... and seeing the biggest deer I've ever seen while in the woods I was to hunt. Then once u get one solo hunt under your belt it is easier. Each year can be different though, depending on a lot of factors: home life, job and financial security, mental and physical fitness . Some people like being solo - some don't.

 

[3forks]

I think that as you age, it’s easy to become less risk averse, but you can also unnecessarily limit your life experiences if you don’t continually challenge yourself.

You don’t have to put yourself in dangerous situations to test yourself, but you can set reasonable challenges for yourself that help you condition yourself both physically and mentally that give you confidence in your current abilities.

With age, you may lose strength and stamina, but a lot of people gain resolve and mental toughness.

 

[NMJM]

The biggest hurdle to solo hunts for me is the pack out. Especially early season elk. There is only so far you can go in warm temps with an elk. In cold temps not too big of a deal if the terrain is not too bad. Give it a shot and have a plan for the pack out.

 

[weekender7]

I'm 69 and about to DIY for a couple weeks.

 

[TaperPin]

Age doesn’t matter. Just stay within your limits and don’t take risks like a 20 year old would and you’ll be just fine.

 

[3Esski]

if you don't do it now, you'll only be a year older when you do. Just go.

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

It's never too late. There are old guys killing it in basically every domain. Realistically though, it does get harder at our age. It takes real time and effort to build a fitness base. It takes a while to get the experience you need. And frankly most people are very unwilling to try new things and to suck at something for a while. The main thing is you just have to do it, instead of looking for all the reasons it won't work, all the things you need to do first, etc...

 

[rtkbowhunter]

Paul@The Fort on Bowsite hunts solo every year. 2 weeks in the Colordao mountains, does other solo hunts as well. Paul is 83.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Do what you wanna do man, you're not getting any younger. I try not to let fear/unknown prevent me from doing things, so I say quit mulling it over and do it.