January. Since getting back from Alaska I've had considerable pain in my right knee every day. It's definitely a meniscus tear and also damage to the MCL. I've gotten 3 opinions on what to do and all of them say surgery is the best course of action. 5 days to go until that happens. Unfortunately I've been warned the meniscus (medial) may have enough damage that it needs totally removed. That would not be good for my future hunting and especially the ability to pack heavy loads. Losing a meniscus can affect joint stability and hasten wear. The MCL tear will be evaluated and probably left alone, as it's not completely torn. I'll know the answers when I wake up. Right now the main thing is to get the pain GONE. We'll see where it goes from there.
I've long been a user of good Lacrosse rubber boots on my moose hunts. I never worried about the ankle support thing, and never had any issues. However, I've come to learn that poor ankle support (boots) likely put knees at much greater risk. I'm studying this, and I'm also considering a totally different type of boot for next season....assuming Covid, politicians, and my knee all agree to let me hunt again.