How old is too old to apply for physical hunts?

[MS 9x56]

Only your body knows for sure. It will tell you when the time comes.

 

[wolfpup]

Yes, if I had been diligent about workouts in my younger life, I think I would be in a better position today. Too much sitting over the years results in a core/back that just isn't what it could have been.

Somewhat off topic from the OP since I turn 40 in the fall, but this one hits hard since I too ride a desk for a living. I have weight to lose, but I have bucket list hunts I want to accomplish in the next 10 years just in case I am not as agile from 50-60. Anybody else hovering 40 need to have a come to jesus talk with ourselves and make the changes now.

My plan is to implement a core strength workout with Yoga and weight alternating cardio. On top of that, I think for my 40th birthday, I want to get full comprehensive examine meaning head to toe blood work, organ analysis, bone density. A full workup to see what needs work past the annual exam.

Let's get off our behinds, or kudos to you if your already doing this, so we can be posting epic hunts into our 50's and 60's like we all dream about.

 

[Tradewind]

Life is won in the will....and how well your knees survive.

Routine has been everything for me. Once I got off it, I was surprised how fast
things went down hill. Back at it. Gains come slower. The gradual build is best
for me. that and trying to keep up with attractive people younger than myself.

Ran into a trail runner last year while out scouting, who said she was a lot slower
these days following an accident. Still, took all I had to keep up but was great incentive.
Should have gotten contact info. I'd be in shape by now.

I tell myself I'll quit when I cannot get up the mountain, but I probably just take up
road hunting, like everyone else.

 

[Bigjay73]

As long as you can still ride in a vehicle, walk whatever the legal distance off of the road is in your state, and see your sights, you can hunt.

 

[B&CTom]

One thing to consider, too, about applying for some of these special tags- due diligence in researching opportunities can uncover hunts that are much easier than what people tend to thing when considering the species. There are a bunch of moose areas that don't really require exceptional conditioning, and there are areas where even mountain goats and rams are more accessible. As far as conditioning, I think mimicking your real world hunting conditions goes a long ways toward keeping or getting yourself in shape. I've hiked and hunted with a large number of folks, many much younger, that worked out routinely at the gym but weren't in "mountain shape," and struggled mightily

 

[El Jason]

Hard and physically demanding is rather subjective and you likely won’t get a very definitive answer. I think that is a highly variable and personal question.

To the question posed to Randy, what you do or don’t do in your 30s, 40s and 50s will become evident. Pay the piper now or later. When I was in my early 30s my fitness was slipping rapidly as I allowed work and family demands to dominate my life without making time for fitness.

At about 35, I made a conscious decision to reverse that and began running again. A lot. I got in great shape, lost 30 pounds, could hike all day…..but then the chronic injuries started cropping up. Over the next 8 years I began increasing the strength training I did. Injuries decreased and physical performance did not.

Fast forward to today. Three days a week I do a short (20 minute) HIIT workout with kettlebells. You could easily do this at home. At first, I was reluctant to try it. My norm was a 60-75 minute weight workout, that was what I knew and it worked. I’ve been doing this KB workout for almost three years now.

Push day, pull day, run day, total body day. Hunt or mountain bike over the weekend. We hike the dogs 2-3 miles 4-5x times a week. The fitness level I’ve been able to maintain really surprised me in a very good way. I’ve watched my same age friends slow much quicker than I am.

Father Time has no mercy. Invest in your health now or you’ll regret it later.

 

[Dave N]

I like the “no motorcycles” comment

They’re a source of serious injury the way I see it.

Oh, come on, guys! A good ride on a bike works wonders for your head and can be a lot of fun. Says the guy with a Harley for sale. Actually looking to upgrade to a trike. Found a nice custom with a 383 stroker in it. It HAS to be safe. The wheelie bars are there for protection, right?

 

[406dn]

I've been checking to see if I've drawn a moose or sheep tag, the last couple of days. I turn 75 in a week and change. I am fairly certain that I can do justice to either tag. I did tell the gal as FWP that it is likely I die with a lot of bonus points for sheep.

My much younger brother and I hunt for elk every fall. It is this hunt and my desire to continue to field trial pointing dogs from horseback, that motivates me to stay in the best shape that I can. I could, but likely would not continue to hunt elk, if I did not own horses. They are an old man's best friend, when it comes to hunting in the mountains.

I do take applying for a sheep tag, on a year by year basis. It's been a long time since I've applied for mountain goat. I killed two, over a half a lifetime ago, and feel that's my share of that resource. I have drawn three times for moose, but I put in for cow tags.

The bulk of my exercise program is resistance training. It has done wonders for me. I also do one workout a week, cardio mixed with strength. I climb and descend a long flight of steps, holding a 30# dumbbell in each hand. This week, it was climb and descend the stairs 8 times. Step ups have also been a good addition. I do step ups on a 24" box, holding a 20# dumbbell in each had. That makes mounting a horse really easy, by comparison.

No one can hunt, as an old man, as they did in their prime. You can figure out how to do it thou. A man at the gym hunted elk into his 80's.

 

[Gr8bawana]

Everybody is different. Keep yourself in good shape and there is no telling how many years you could be climbing those mountains after sheep and goats.
I was 62 when I got my desert sheep tag and wasn't in that good of shape after months of PT for a broken ankle. It turned out the hunt wasn't that physical afterall. Lots and lots of glassing then sneaking up to the rams which luckily were not up on top.
This year I've got 20 bonus points for mtn goat and at 64 I better draw the tag pretty soon because those mountains are getting steeper and higher every year.
I'll keep at it as long as I can. After that I'll go with my son and brother and be the camp beertender and cook.

 

[Dan O]

Well no sheep permit for me. Had 25 bonus points so next year I'll see how I feel I just turned 72 so it's year by year.

 

[406dn]

Well no sheep permit for me. Had 25 bonus points so next year I'll see how I feel I just turned 72 so it's year by year.

I'll be dipped, no sheep tag, but I did draw another tag for cow moose.

 

[MTGunner]

I was just reading the comments in another thread about moose, sheep and goat applications and I saw several members here indicating that they are getting up there in years and are considering not applying in the future. As I write this post, I’m 54 and hoping to retire in a couple years and then utilize my new freedom to hunt significantly more than my current vacation allowance affords me. As I think about this, I wonder how long I can expect to be capable of mountain hunting over great distances with only my trekking poles and a good pack.

So I’m looking to the old timers here to give me some hope that I can continue hunting well into my 60s and hopefully even into my early 70s. And yes, I’m sure anyone can hunt until they are 100 if they just get in a vehicle and hunt high fence. I mean real hunting that requires stamina and physical ability. What do you think? I’m looking for real experience and examples. Thanks

I’m done at this point as I did not draw a sheep tag. Will be 79 all too soon. But, you have to weigh your health, your desire and mental attitude. The ball is in your court. MTG

 

[cgasner1]

tomorrow isn’t promised let alone next fall. Im toeing the line between saving for tomorrow and hunting today. I don’t plan on slowing down so hopefully I can just keep plugging away. I’ve seen enough people’s health turn and the flip of a switch that I worry more about that than the actual getting old.

 

[Bob-WY]

Not a number but a combination of mind set and activity and some genetics.

Before i ledt WY my hunting partner was 75 and going strong. He plays oickleball, swims, golfs (no cart), hes always doing something and thats with a pacemaker.

Stay active, stay core strong, stay flexible. After that you are at the mercy of biology. Me at 62, have 2 titanium knees and a bum shoulder. Ive always been active but body parts are wearing out.

 

[belshawelk]

I am 57 and my buddies still call me the billy goat. Not as fast and i have to workout more on a regular basis and watch every step a little closer but I can still go up, down, sideways with the best of them.

biggest difference is I don't put myself in sketchy situations like when I was younger and dumber.

 

[mtmuley]

I can still move in the mountains. It's when the critter hits the ground age comes into play. Breaking one down is doable. Easy. Packing is something I can still do. So far. mtmuley

 

[Pucky Freak]

I resigned myself to the reality that I can’t just eat whatever and maintain longevity. Mental illness and a high-stress job take years off my hunting life as it is. Since Jan just 5-10% of my daily total calories are refined carbs or seed oils. No matter how much I eat I hang around 165 lbs at 5’11”. I went from sleeping 7.5 hrs a night to 6.

At my dad’s funeral several years ago I ran into his friend’s dad, who had to have been at least 90. He had been deer hunting that fall, in a tree stand…wtf. A lifelong hunter, he travelled west for an annual mule deer/antelope hunt for many decades. He was a talented marksman, and the legend of our iron range deer camp. Probably my earliest inspiration to hunt western states, which I kicked off in 2006.

 

[T Chris]

Well I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and I am optimistic that I can expand the window of continued hard hunting through my 60s. I had previously assumed that in my early 60s, I’d have to slow down, but I’m inspired by the examples I’m hearing. I eat okay, but workout consistently and can absolutely keep up with my group of 40 something hunting buddies even though I’m the elder at 54. Next year I hope to retire and relocate to a state with greater hunting opportunity and make the most of my active years before I have to just be a fisherman. May you all draw sheep, goat or moose tags before your own expiry dates.

 

[Caseknife]

I will be 65 this fall. Definitely slowing down, but when an animal hits the ground and has to be packed out, may take another trip or so. My chief hunting partner is a year older than me and gets around like a goat. He is about 140# and came to the realization about 10 years ago that packing over 100# was for younger guys. Eat healthy, get your sleep and try to stay in shape and flexible and you should be good for many years.

 

[Straight Arrow]

Maintain mobility = "move it or lose it!" Keep working physically = 'still cut firewood, lift, rake, shovel, keep arms & legs working. Hike, jog, run, climb, challenging yourself ... but with realistic and safe goals. Climb up those mountain elk slopes! Maintain love of hunt with eyes, binos, camera, rifle or bow. Be careful where you put an animal down, so pack-out is realistically doable.
"Don't let the old man in!" (Clint Eastwood)

At 81 yo, yesterday cut out and moved the the large fir that blocked the trail. Climbed to the top of the ridge to view the mountains. Hiked two trails, enjoyed views of grouse and deer.
'Looking forward to another hunting season: antelope (hopeful of permit), deer and elk. Savor every outdoors enjoyment of nature as a true blessing.