With hunting that is.
You see, it has become very difficult for me due to some physical situations.
Three years ago I had to drop from 60# bows to low 40s#. The problem is a condition in my hands that causes my tendons to be very tender and enlarged.
I also have a sciatica that gives me fits as well as a lower back problem.
This past spring bear hunt was very emotional for me because I couldn't even recover my bear without LD ( Caddo ) doing most all the lifting and pulling.
The past few years I have let a few shooter deer walk by because I didn't feel up to taking care of the deer after the shot.
So I'm seriously thinking of calling it quits after 49 years of hunting. 

Swap to small game

Although everyone's condition is different, I will tell my story. About ten years ago, I injured my right knee, it was swollen for months and the wrong activity caused it to swell more. A lack of exercise, because of the swelling resulted in atrophy of several leg and hip muscles, and I experienced pain from the sciatic nerve in one leg. I sought help and with the right exercise and stretching have over-come 90% of the problem.  I would suggest seeing a physical therapist and get on a program to get you back in the game. I also started eating better, a balance of protein, carbs and fat in each meal.  Still working on it, and eliminating salt and sugar which means no processed foods, no soda etc. I am off all medications and feeling better. Seriously, explain your problem, have them check your flexibility and strength, as a starter. This may sound a little crazy, but I cut the cable TV, watching it means your sitting and not exercising. When I get to 100%, I will install a new 4K TV and Amazxx Fire Stick which are in boxes. Don't put it off, start feeling better.

Bud I love to help my older friends.  They feel as you do but it is my honor and privilege to assist them. To help and take care of their game.  If you have friends whom will assist allow them.  Most times the giver is blessed as much by the interaction as the receiver.
Enjoy it as long as Yahweh allows you to.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Wishing you the best, Dale.

Graps.....  You ever need help tracking, gutting, dragging, etc., I would be more than happy to help you out!!  Although we've never met in person, it would be my pleasure to give you a hand and we're not terribly far away, with me being just South of GR.  Please let me know if I can help you get some additional years out in the woods!!

Mark

Mark..

I know this is not considered traditional, but what about trying a release; like a Winn-Flight. It attaches around your wrist, so you can pull back without the fingers and it makes the draw weight feel about 10 pounds lighter, and all you have to do is squeeze the trigger.

Graps, I hope your situation improves and you don't have to give up archery/bowhunting. Good luck!

May your desire and physical condition permit you to pursue your passion.

Age and all the ailments that can go with it are on the horizon for many on this forum.  It means we are at the stage in life where like it or not, we're going to have to give up or modify some things we've acquired in terms of hobbies and privileges.  I've seen my bow weights decline from around 60# to 45.  I don't hike as far or work as hard on a hunt.  I seldom take a shot anymore.   But I love the time in the woods around sunrise and sunset.

For me, one way I've tried to compensate for such changes is to find other areas of interest I can grow while some of the old favorites fade a bit due to physical limitations.  Good luck on your journey.

It's a day that will come for us all. Dislocating my shoulder last weekend brought mine in view. While I think I'll be back from this one, "that" day is a lot more real. Hopefully I have the will to make the changes needed to stall it for as long as possible. When it comes, I'd like to mentor if possible.

Best in your journey wherever it takes you.

Trad site and passion here. But I also shoot trad because I love the woods and hunting. There are other ways to enjoy both. Comes to that day, I will still find a way to be out there if possible. I have friends who have.

Dan in KS

Hey, Dale, I'm in Muskegon and sometimes hunt a farm in Sparta. I'm with Mark on this, you need help with anything just holler. If I'm not up at my camp I'd love to shoot over and give a hand. PM incoming.

Graps.  Hang in there. I know where you are coming from I will be 72 in 16 days. I also have lower back problems and sciatica. I don't know about your hand problems but I have neuropathy and some loss of feeling in my fingers. I lost my hunting partner 3 years ago to cancer so I mostly hunt alone now. I do have people I can call if I'm hunting close to home. I made a deer cart that I can use if my back is not to bad. I use a total gym to build my core up and go swimming at least once a week. Don't feel bad asking for help getting old has some advantages.   Hang in there if at all possible.  Js                     

As Mark and wooddamon have offered I will offer too. I'm located in Marne so only about 15-20 from Sparta. PM inbound.
I can only hope I have that many years of hunting.
Cody.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Graps, I'm a polio survivor, and I'll be 70 on my birthday. I'm also recovering from a heart attack 6 months ago. I can only walk by locking my left knee. I use a walking staff in one hand, and use my bow in the other hand to help me balance in the woods. I only hunt from easy-to-climb ladder stands, or a ground blind. For getting deer out I use a 4 wheeler to drag them, or the electric cart I bought last year to reduce the noise in the woods. If I can't get to them with a machine, I call a friend or relative to help (they like venison too). I use my cart to get close enough to my stand to walk the rest of the way. Before my heart attack I had gotten sluggish and weaker, and for the last several seasons I used a 40# recurve and killed several deer with it. After getting the gunk out of my heart I'm stronger, and shooting 50# this year.

Don't be ashamed to ask for help! Getting older gets to us all, and our friends and loved ones know that and are always willing to help out, especially if you share the bounty!

Graps that's a damn shame... I hope you are able to work it out somehow that will allow you to keep hunting. Good Luck

Hang in there dale, you know what's best for you. Sometimes it's a "Whatever it takes" kind of situation. Hoping the best for you!

LD

Dale,
I understand your feelings. I've had a stroke, 90 and 50% blocked arteries and blood clots. I'm in cardiac rehab now as I recently received 2 stents. I'm exercising 5 days a week and have totally changed my diet to a heart healthy one.

Lord willing, and I lose some more weight and get strong enough, I plan to chase elk again next fall.

Do what you reasonably can to keep hunting. As others have said, hunt with friends/relatives, smaller game, etc. good luck and God bless.