Elk hunting after 70
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: btb
12-Jul-18
I am 71 and planning my next elk hunt. I started bowhunting in Ohio at 20 years old. I have shot many different bows in my lifetime and won many tournaments including Ohio state target archery. I now live in Colorado and have taken a handful of elk with my bow and have packed some on my own. I am still good physical shape, never overweight, and can still shoot straight. I even climbed Pagosa Peak a few days ago, which is almost 13,000.
Is anyone else still elk hunting in their 70's?
From: Paul@thefort
12-Jul-18
Yea, last year solo elk hunted for 25 days in the Flat Tops at the age of 77. Will be out there again this season but a year older. Seventy eight is the NEW Fifty. Well it is to me.
Glad you see you out there getting it done. my best, Paul
From: midwest
12-Jul-18
My hero, Paul Navarre! 78 I believe and his story is very similar to yours!
From: midwest
12-Jul-18
Looks like we were posting at the same time, Paul. Hope to see you in a couple weeks!
I'll bring a little smoother whiskey this time. :-)
From: Paul@thefort
12-Jul-18
Hey NIck, and we are both from Ohio. Must be something in the water. my best, Paul
PS, I hear you will be in Ft. Collins shortly, and might be joining us for a local elk fest.
From: LaGriz
12-Jul-18
You guys give me hope! inspirational to this 63 year-old elk hunter! LaGriz
From: APauls
12-Jul-18
Paul is always an inspiration!
From: Cheesehead Mike
12-Jul-18
I plan to be in another 13 years!
From: Bigdan
12-Jul-18
This will be my first elk hunt at 70 I have two hunts lined up a Montana Breaks hunt and a unit 6b hunt in Az
From: Coyote 65
12-Jul-18
72 in 2017 AZ bull.
Terry
From: Charlie Rehor
12-Jul-18
I have three friends (age 75) from different back grounds who are 10 years older than me and still at it. I follow their lead as to staying in the game via their diet, exercise and training regiments. Most of it revolves around staying fit by reducing your weight a few pounds each year. No hard impact stuff any more, just walk up and down hills.
Staying on the porch when the youngins leave for the hunt is an event I'm going to fight as long as possible.
That said sometimes I think I hunt to avoid doing something worthwhile with my life:)
From: Paul@thefort
12-Jul-18
I agree Charlie, Yesterday I mt. biked 22 miles and then today hiked in the foot hills with a 25# back pack for 3 miles. Tomorrow is my day off but I am going kayak trout fishing and then the next day, do a mt hike to find elk. My weight is 10 more pounds than playing foot ball HS, in 1958. --now 185#.
My advise is stay strong and then keep moving forward, one foot at a time. (ok, throw in a large amount of passion for the out of doors) my best, Paul
PS. Good for all you guys and are maturing faster than you ever thought, 20 years ago.
From: btb
12-Jul-18
One other ingredient is having an understanding wife with an appetite for wild game.
From: btb
12-Jul-18
Oh, by the way, don’t smoke don’t drink.
From: Keef
12-Jul-18
Last year at 73 I shot a P&Y mule deer and a decent elk in Nevada. My wife also shot a P&Y mule deer. Followed that up with an unsuccessful Sitka blacktail hunt in Alaska. My wife and I always have annual physical exams. This year our doctor retired and the new one wanted a good baseline for all of our tests. As a result of a stress test they found an artery that was severely blocked. Two stents later I'm doing fine. The doctor said no heart damage, so I was very fortunate and thankful to God for that. The bottom line is get your annual checkups so you can keep on chasing those bulls.
From: 4blade
12-Jul-18
you guys give me hope, 13 years to go
From: lewis
12-Jul-18
Be 72 in November heading to Az in September looking forward to it.This after cardiac ablation in June anytime I feel a little rough working out I think ?? of Paul Good luck get a big one and enjoy Lewis
From: wyliecoyote
12-Jul-18
I I am right there with you guys....75 and NOT counting !!...I must admit I do look forward to water hole/wallow blinds more than before !!
Joe
From: Paul@thefort
12-Jul-18
and only 500 yards to the truck on flat ground
and only 500 yards to the truck on flat ground
Joe, I am with you,always looking forward to setting quietly on the ground or in a tree stand in Nebraska for WT after busting my butt during the Colorado elk season.
From: Whocares
12-Jul-18
First of all, awesome bull, Terry! Second of all, Paul, you are an inspiration and I enjoy your stories! I'll be pushing 72 hard this coming elk season. Will have the whole season to play. I hunt solo and live in a spike camp for the month eating and traveling light. been doing this for many years. Actually, I agreed to guide for two hunts this year. Something for variety. Work out regular back here in Minnesota. Climb hills for a couple miles 4 or 5 days a week at a local ski hill. Get knee or hip injections on occasion. Not yet a candidate for replacement. Always busy. Live for my Fall in the mountains of Colorado. Actually out there 3 or 4 times a year. Just livin the dream since I retired a little over 12 years ago. Oh, and I have no bad habits, other than one little one - I lie a little.
From: swede
12-Jul-18
I will be 71 early this September. I sure plan to be out on my birthday and beyond. I have to work harder at 70 than I did at 50 to stay in shape. Some things don't work as well, but it is not a big problem.
From: Norseman
12-Jul-18
Great Work! You are all an inspiration to this old 50 year old!
From: t-roy
12-Jul-18
Very impressive guys! I wish you all good health and success this fall!
From: Jaquomo
12-Jul-18
Great to see! Paul is a finely-tuned machine. He is what everyone hopes to be at 65, a decade and a half past that. Yikes!
From: Retired-11-2000
12-Jul-18
Be 73 this October. Planning on going along on bow hunt with friend. Have Oct hunt for deer and elk. On a banana but loving it.
From: del_binari
13-Jul-18
Nice! you guys are setting the bar for the rest of us slackers... 62 this year and I figured I would start spending my hard saved $$$ on guided hunts after 70, but you have me rethinking that. I hope I feel as good as you guys look at 70+...
From: MF
13-Jul-18
Paul, As stated you are an inspiration. How do you get your pack on with the recurve strapped along side?
From: BULELK1
13-Jul-18
I think if a person maintain your work outs, eat well, do not do anything in excess like booze ect Age turns into just another number.
Enjoy and live smart.
Good for you Paul
#LovinLife
Robb
From: SBH
13-Jul-18
Awesome stuff. Great work guys!
From: oldgoat
13-Jul-18
Not yet, but sure hope I am!
From: ElkNut1
13-Jul-18
Yes sir, I love seeing threads as this especially as I get older, I hope I can follow right behind you guys, congrats on still putting in your time & getting it done!
ElkNut/Paul
From: buc i 313
13-Jul-18
Stoved up this year with surgery. Hope to be in Idaho, next season.
Just a youngster at 75 :^}
From: LKH
13-Jul-18
Approaching 71 and have a couple elk hunts planned but nothing like what Paul does. It's the packing that's getting to be a problem. Packed half of one and a quarter of the other last fall and it wasn't too bad but I limit my range.
Hip on one side and knee on the other are issues. Turned down a chance to guide a young guy last fall. Just didn't seem right to be hobbled by your guide.
From: Kodiak
13-Jul-18
Paul looks like a young 50.
Amazing.
From: Dyjack
13-Jul-18
Inspirational. Good to see this thread. Loved hearing Paul on kifarucast. If you haven't heard it yet you should check it out.
You guys are badasses for keeping at it.
From: eddie c
13-Jul-18
as others have said, you older guys are an inspiration to us younger guys. i'm 57 and just hope i'm still able to chase whitetails and turkeys at 70.
From: ground hunter
14-Jul-18
Last year was my only time out, the doctors had to fix my heart, but back at it..... I am 68 this year, and plan on hunting a long time. The burn in the belly, will always be there
From: Knothead
14-Jul-18
This is the stuff I like to read or listen to. My dad used to tell me when I was a kid that you'll learn more from listening than talking. You guys still getting it done, congratulations and keep coming with the tips and your experiences. Happy Hunting!
From: Boris
14-Jul-18
I am planning on being in Colorado next year. I am retiring in May 2019. That will be the end of school at the university. My only problem is the wife. But, I have been showing her the SPOT. She has been reading up on it. She likes it. Not sure if I should get the SPOT or the SPOT X. I do know this, as we get older. We tend to do things with a purpose, not run and gun.
From: drycreek
14-Jul-18
I ain't an elk hunter, but Paul is still my hero. There's enough of him to go around. Congrats to all you guys my age that still elk hunt. I ain't fit to hold your beer !
From: elkster
14-Jul-18
Glad I read this thread. 53 with 2 fresh stents, one in widow maker, and wondering what the future holds. Elk hunting has meant so much to me, and the thought of never hunting the high country has been awful. You, who are still at it past 70, are an inspiration.
From: Bowboy
14-Jul-18
Anyone over 70 hunting elk is an inspiration. Lot of guys give it up and turn to fishing or golf!
From: lewis
14-Jul-18
I suck at golf but can still fish decent but elk brings a lot to the table in more ways than one good luck ?? all Lewis
From: bigbulls6
14-Jul-18
You guys are amazing great inspiration!!
From: Bigdan
14-Jul-18
lewis and I will be the old guys in 6B this year
From: wapiti1
15-Jul-18
I will be 70 next and have a Ca Antelope tag, 2 CA deer tags, An AZ Archery tag, a CO Deer tag in my pocket. I was lucky in the draws this year and I'm trying to figure out timing for an OTC Deer hunt in Idaho. I ride my fat tire bike for my cardio and living in the Sierras gives my legs a workout. Do it while you can, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
From: Franzen
15-Jul-18
Great thread. I'm half the age of most posters on this thread, yet somehow I can't help but think a number would put me to shame on the mountain. Here's to many more years for you guys!
On another note, it was raining this morning, so I didn't go on my early Sunday morning pack hike. I decided to make a cup of coffee, and get on Bowsite instead. Even worse, it was a lazy man's cup of coffee on the Keurig. ;^) Something makes me think a guy like Paul would have just gone ahead and got it done.
From: ElkNut1
15-Jul-18
Bowboy, lol, so true!
Good luck Lewis & Danny!
ElkNut/Paul
From: LKH
15-Jul-18
Corey, one of my favorite sayings is "If I'd known I was going to live this damn long I'd have taken a lot better care of myself".
From: Paul@thefort
15-Jul-18
Corey, interesting insight about getting it done. Here it is Sunday morning at 7:18 am and I am trying to figure if I should peddle the bike two miles to the gym (opens at 8 ), work out and then bike back home OR just go for a 5 mile hike with Chase the wonder dog. One thing I have noticed over the many years, is that my body NEEDS and DEMANDS exercise and I feel real guilty when I do not do it on a very regular/daily basic. Almost like a drug, I got to have it /do it!
When I move to Colorado (age 51) I knew I had at least 20 years of elk hunting guaranteed. ( a huge part and a huge incentive in my life) Well that 20 years went very fast and was over 7 years ago, so now I take one year at a time and try to keep in the best mental and physical shape I can so I can still continue to elk hunt ( deer, pronghorn, turkey, ducks, geese, fish, etc) and be a good member of my family.
I have been losing too many of my friends lately, many younger than me, and if that is not a great incentive to keep living/breathing, and enjoying life, I do not know what it is.
This is a very good thread and I can only hope it might open a few eyes on the importance of life and the many challenges that will be thrown one's way. Staying in good shape will surely help one to navigate the path.
The Bike/Gym it is. my best, Paul
From: welka
15-Jul-18
Great examples for all of us! I will be lucky to be walking at 70, but plan to go as long as possible. Switching to NM from the NW has helped (can't do big mountains anymore). Good luck to all.
From: Knothead
15-Jul-18
Franzen, For some reason I imagine Paul drinks his coffee differently than most of us. I think he put some coffee beans in his mouth, chewes them up real fine and then washes it all down with warm water.
From: Paul@thefort
15-Jul-18
Actually the only coffee I may drink is a decaf coffee mocha from Starbucks once a week, extra pump, no foam, no whip cream, extra hot. I take a book to read and then watch out for Yoga Pants. Hey, I can look, can't I ? :) So yea, "drinks his coffee differently than most of us". It is all about the journey ,------- well, sort of like elk hunting or just like, life in general.
From: map1
15-Jul-18
Elk hunting the high country at 70 is badass....just left the beach at Lake Huron (Michigan) sad how many are fat, I mean real fat. From my travels out west seems people there are the fittest for sure.
From: ColoBull
15-Jul-18
I can see myself still hunting beyond 70 - just few years to go. I can also see a lot more elk walking away from the encounters. It's just the best time of my life, still. As so many say - the hunting part is fun, but the harvesting part can really suck. I recall a former partner taking a big bull about 5 miles in, the day I went home to see my son's first football game. It was an exceptionally hot year. It took him 3-4 days to get it out, by himself. By the smell of it when he got back home, the last two days were wasted. I helped him cut it up, but politely declined to take any of the meat ;). That smell still haunts me... There ain't enough seasoning in the world to cover THAT up!
From: Knothead
15-Jul-18
ColoBull. I'm not disappointed at all when I come home empty handed. Actually, I'm a little relieved that I don't have to deal with a dead animal. I'm disappointed when I don't have multiple close encounters. Getting that heart rate up is where I am at.
From: lewis
15-Jul-18
Paul you sir gets my upmost respect your discipline speaks volumes I salute you now if I can get my ducks in a row which I have been doing pretty good by the way hopefully I’ll be keeping on close to what you are achieving.Good luck all Lewis
From: AZBUGLER
15-Jul-18
Great inspiration guys! And here I am worrying already that I’m running out of time at 45!
From: ground hunter
15-Jul-18
Paul, my lab is named "Chase"..... he is only 62lbs, but he is a grouse and woodcock machine, but gets to hunt all the time......
The difference with the age at 70, is we are all retired, no hurry on the hunt, when I feel like taking a nap, I take one...... I am a year away from that age,,,, ha ha
I also take precautions on where I hunt, how the game is coming out, and arrangements made when necessary,,,,, we owe to the game we kill.............
I am very satisfied with a nice fat cow, and good meat,,,,,,
From: elknailer
29-Jul-18
been chasing elk since '86. this year will be my first at 70.
From: Dale06
29-Jul-18
I’m a young 67. Have not hunted elk in years, because I have been after moose, big bears and other stuff. I sure think I will hunt elk again, and in to my 70s.
From: spike78
29-Jul-18
I’m 40 and I bet Paul could whoop me on a mountain hike. Hats off to you Paul!
From: cnelk
29-Jul-18
Paul and I went up Friday afternoon, pitched a tent and did some scouting for elk. Came back yesterday after hiking 5 miles between 9k-10k+.
A real pleasure way to spend the day.
From: ahunter55
29-Jul-18
Not chasing Elk anymore but many, many, adventures in my past (over 30 trips). My last was at 68 I think. My knees are definitely shot & I attribute that to Mile & half mile track + cross country (school years) & 8 years of Military (Navy/Marines & Army) + 32 years heavy, tough steel mill job. These are things that make a difference in our lives physically & maybe unfortunate accidents or disease. Otherwise, I still enjoy a 28 field round up & down hills, 3-Ds & plenty of hunting other game (Deer, Antelope, Hogs). 15 States & 2 Canadian provinces, so I've humped a ton of hills & mountains. Oh, 2 adult kids bowhunting & 15 grandkids (2 thru 28) with 4 involved in archery helps to. I'll be 77 this Nov..
From: wyobullshooter
29-Jul-18
Paul, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a smile on your face. Proof positive that a great attitude goes a long way! Between Brad and yourself, the elk don’t stand a chance!
From: Peej
29-Jul-18
My dad hunted elk with a bow up until three seasons ago when he was put out of commission from a stroke. He was 77. He killed his last elk at the age of 75.
From: BB
29-Jul-18
Just got back from one of my elk hunts last night. Spent over a weeks time at high elevation, with some bulls. Had a great time and got a few shots. Here's a bull I shot just yesterday, on my way home.
Have a great bowhunt. BB
From: midwest
29-Jul-18
Awesome shot, Bill!
From: Bowboy
29-Jul-18
That's a great bull Bill thanks for posting.
From: Gator
29-Jul-18
Looking forward to another fun filled season. Elk, antelope and two states for whitetail @ 79+.
From: GregE
29-Jul-18
73 this year and heading to Wyoming.
Got some help on tap to help pack- that's more important than it used to be.
From: wooddamon1
30-Jul-18
You guys are all truly inspiring, very cool that your still chasing elk around the hills!
From: Wapitidung
30-Jul-18
I admire you guys. I'm turning 62 soon and still race a road bicycle which take a ton of training. Hard work but a big part of that is keeping myself fit so I can hunt well into my Golden years. Paul is correct when he states that he "needs" the exercise and that after working out for years, you body just has to have it. Love the endorphins.
Wap
From: Mark Watkins
30-Jul-18
INSPIRING!!!
That's what you guys are!
Thanks for posting up!
Mark
From: badbull
30-Jul-18
I'm still inspired by Paul and I'm going to be 80 this October. The man is a "Beast" who can only be truly appreciated by someone near his age. While I'm still trying to hunt elk in easier ways than I once did, l don't come close to what he does. l humbly take my hat off to him. Best of luck to all you old guys............Badbull
From: Ken
30-Jul-18
You older guys are inspiring. I'm glad my wife doesn't come onto Bowsite. I'm 55 and keep telling her I need to go on as many physical mountain hunts as I can while I still am able. She might call BS if she found out I might have another 25 years :).
From: Tracker
31-Jul-18
At 66 I'm a youngster. Still going strong but having problems since most of my friends are starting to hang it up. Seems like all my new hunting partners are in there 30's. Good thing is they knock down the snow ahead of me:)
From: Shortstop
31-Jul-18
You guys need to follow my 88 yr old father over the mountains this fall!!
From: Brokenarrow129
01-Aug-18
This is a great thread. I don't get on here much, but since I'm going to CO for my sixth solo elk hunt next month, figured I'd see what's up. I turn 57 in Sept. and I don't feel so old after reading these comments. Thanks for the inspiration.
From: Bigdan
01-Aug-18
Every evening I spend time on my Air Dyne on my deck its getting better every day but I still have a month to go coming along but not as fast as 10 years ago. 70 is not for sissys
From: TD
01-Aug-18
I'm a tweener at 62....... the hills are a bit steeper, staying in some kind of shape a bit more work...... but too young to get any old guy sympathy...... =D
I keep thinking I'm closing in on Paul...... he just keeps pulling away every year it seams. I've said it for years and mean it with all due respect...... when I grow up I want to be like Paul.....
From: GBTG
01-Aug-18
What TD said about Paul!
From: GregE
09-Aug-18
Sometimes you have to pace yourself-- packing 1/3 of a boned out cow. Only 95# but had a blown out knee.
Sometimes you have to pace yourself-- packing 1/3 of a boned out cow. Only 95# but had a blown out knee.
Yep, Paul is an inspiration and gracious too.
Bike pic was 2 years ago. Others are older but telling .......
From: Barrera
10-Aug-18
Wow you all are truly amazing. It's guys like yourselves that are the foundation of this great country. You all truly inspire me and I look forward to hopefully being as blessed as you guys some day and taking along my grandkids in the woods. I'm 35 have 3 sons but I know it's coming quicker than we realize. If any of you ever draw a NM tag and need a hand it would be a honor to be your pack mule. Great thread and would be awesome to hear how you have adjusted your hunt tactics over the years. Keep it up. Amazing!!
From: Paul@thefort
10-Aug-18
Barrera, To answer your question concerning "adjustments". I came to Colorado to live at the age of 51 and to bow hunt elk, etc. I had been in the State to hunt twice before. The first fifteen years of elk hunting I did a lot of hiking and scouting. Not so much anymore as I rely on some of those older spots. Hunting the Flat Top Wilderness Area for the past few years expanded my hunting areas and if I was to continue to solo elk hunt I needed to be prepared mentally and physically. I have ALWAYS been sort of a jock and continue to train to be in physical shape and be as strong as I can without over doing it. It really is about being strong and being confident in one's self. If I was not confident, I might have given up a long time ago but here we are today, still going after the pot of gold. I personally like the challenge of solo hunting as it makes me rely only on myself to get the job accomplished; so one develops skills to do that.
When I moved to Colorado at the age of 51, I stated, " I have 20 good years to elk hunt, OH BOY!". Well that 20 years went by quickly so now I take one year at a time and every year, I ask myself, "am I ready and am I still confident in my abilities". So far, so good.
So how have I adjusted my hunt tactics over the years? It is still, just one foot in front of the other, on the flat or going up hill. Maybe the flats are not as long or the hills not as steep or the steps are not a quick, but I am just as excited about this coming season (pronghorn, elk, deer, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, geese) as I was years ago, so the excitement has not left me, the passion has not left me, the desire and the accumulative hunting skills have not left me and I refuse to give up.
So enjoy your sons, your family and your life, as the time will surely go quickly. And then now and in the future, continue to re-access your passions in life, and ask your self, " am I ready for another year----really ready for all of the challenges life with present to me".
Wait!, I thought I heard an elk bugle, ----got to go!
my best, Paul
From: Barrera
10-Aug-18
Awesome. I will keep that phrase"am I ready for another yr" with me in my later years. Keep us posted on your hunts and be safe.
From: SteveB
11-Aug-18
63 and probably in the best shape of my adult life. That said, I’m wiser these days and won’t push beyond what is wise. I’ll ek Hunt as long as I can!
From: HFlier
08-Jan-22
Question for all of you. Do you still pack your Elk out solo? I am going to be 60 this year and should draw AZ and curious about this.
From: wyobullshooter
08-Jan-22
I’m 68 and yes, I still pack my elk out solo. If it weren’t for a quality pack frame and my trekking poles, it wouldn’t be possible. That said, regardless of age, you need to make sure you’re in great shape, both physically and mentally.
From: Dale06
08-Jan-22
I’ve elk hunted the past three years. I’ll turn 71 in three weeks. I have an elk hunt starting Sept 15 this fall and sure plan the same in 2023 and beyond. Been bowhunting since 1978.
From: elkster
08-Jan-22
I'm still a youngster at 57, but I packed mine out this year solo. Some conditions must be met for me to be able to still pull this off.
Two trekking poles as mentioned above.
A frame that's up to the task.
And most importantly a shorter distance (1.25 miles) than what I used to do when I was a young buck ( 2 miles and more ).
And after having two stents placed, I won't consider putting the strain on myself unless I'm in good enough condition. I begin working out about 6 months before sept.
From: Zim
08-Jan-22
HFlier, I’m 61 and can no longer pack an elk out solo, but primarily because of shoulder strap pressure on my pacemaker. But two bulging discs in lower back don’t help either. If it weren’t for those I’d still be packin. But instead I need to plan ahead accordingly.
From: midwest
08-Jan-22
HFlier, depending on the unit, AZ shouldn't be too bad for a pack out. Not from personal experience but from all I've heard, most units are relatively flat and you'll never be too far from a road.
Hope to find out myself this year! :-)
From: jdbbowhunter
08-Jan-22
Very impressive, archery elk hunting isn't easy at any age. Keeping yourself in shape physically and mentally are key to all of it. IMO. But the guys still doing it at 70+ is inspiring!
From: swede
08-Jan-22
I limit myself on how far I go (1 mile downslope or easy ground, or 1/2 mile up a 30%-40% up climb) from my truck, but at age 74 I can still pack out an elk on my own. In 2020 I packed out my elk solo, but in 2021 I had my cousin with me. I will use help if it is available. I do not plan to retire from elk hunting anytime soon.
From: PO Cedar
08-Jan-22
Be 70 in a couple days..hunt CO/ Utah..let a small rack legal bull walk at 12 yards in a wallow in hopes the big one with it would give me a shot..ate tag soup but had a great season in the high country...
From: Stick
08-Jan-22
I hope to go this year and will be 72...missed last year due to partner's illness, first time in 15 years. I need to start earlier this year getting in shape. Hardest part of my hunt is the 28 hour drive getting out there. Best of luck to all of you no matter the age.
Mike
From: BULELK1
09-Jan-22
Yes, I still pack out elk solo, boned off and leap-frog loads @ 67....... I'll be 68 in 6 weeks.
Year-round, dang near daily, if possible, workouts and maintaining a very balanced diet along with very little to none on booze/cigs ect. is very valuable for longevity and endurance as we age.
Yes, me and the GF still 'Bang-O-Clock' once a week---------->haha Giddy Up..
I'm almost 2 years out from having Covid (Late January 2020) it does affect your lungs/breathing and of course oxygen levels in your muscles. When I lap swim, I have to have the first lane or the last lane so if my breathing gets screwy, I can grab onto the side of the pool------in the deep end.
Keep the faith Hflyer,
Robb
From: SteveB
09-Jan-22
3 years to go for me. If God allows I plan to hunt elk as long as I can. I don’t see an end in sight.
From: Wild Bill
03-Mar-24
I'm 68 and looking forward to my next solo DIY elk hunt. Personally, I think the biggest obstacle for 60+ hunters is our physical conditioning. We need to be able to walk non-stop up to 5 miles a day. If we can walk 5 miles at home, we'll be able to hike 2 miles non-stop in the mountains. In my opinion, 2 miles non-stop hike is the minimum for covering mountainous terrain.
From: Jaquomo
03-Mar-24
I'll be 70 this year and hunt solo. Even though I live at 9K feet and hike/bike daily to get in shape for the grind, I never walk nonstop for 2 miles, let alone 5. Killed my last bull 200 yards from a busy county road with vehicles zooming past. Last season I passed up two bulls I called in within 1/4 mile of a road (one while I was walking down the road) and had a big 5x6 screaming and slobbering at me from 8 yards but never had an ethical shot opportunity. He was 250 yards from a road and came in bugling past a big camp where everyone was way back into somewhere.
But I encourage everyone to get in fantastic shape and go way deep into the woods. Makes it less crowded that way.
From: PO Cedar
03-Mar-24
72 and just applied for this year's CO elk hunt..got the wife bowhunting the last 2 years..I started bowhunting CO back in 1981, Unit #76, out of Creede..been at it ever since..West Elk, Dolores, Powderhorn, and the last couple years in Wahtoya country..
From: PO Cedar
03-Mar-24
Wife is 66 and has a pacemaker..We hunt at 10,000 feet and she is quite the trooper..
From: Charlie Rehor
03-Mar-24
Some earlier posters on this thread are no longer with us. Big Dan and Keef are gone. “Enjoy your self, it’s later than you think.”
From: Groundhunter
03-Mar-24
Well I am now 73, be 74 in May. I am surfing in Maui for March. Always been a waterman. Not a good surfer, but keeps you toned. I surf inside the young ones.
They paddle by me, or talk to me on shore. They say, it's out of respect. Great vibe here. Maloha
From: Ambush
03-Mar-24
Elk hunting at seventy was great! See what its like at seventy one in a few months.
From: Paul@thefort
03-Mar-24
Interesting, this thread started in 2018, 6 years ago. Last season at the age of 83, killed a good cow elk the first day and spent the next day packing the 150# of meat out to the truck, 50# at a time. Had help with one load. Now a year later, 84 years, will be back in the Wilderness Area solo hunting. Slowing down some but the WILL and PASSION is still there. Paul
From: Coyote 65
04-Mar-24
Was one of the original posters at 72, 78 for this years hunt. Going to try and take my grandson with me as a packer.
Terry
From: bowonly
04-Mar-24
I turned 72 last fall. I took my second BC mountain goat in August, hunted Utah elk in September, then to Alberta for moose, shot a NWT muskox during October, then killed a nice whitetail back in Montana in November. Started the New Year by shooting a big mulie buck in Sonora. The trusty recurve is still getting it done quite nicely, so this year after an Alaskan caribou trip in August I am burning 27 points for elk in Colorado. Then I have a premium elk hunt lined up in Montana. It will be my fiftieth bow season so I may schedule another hunt around my yearly whitetail quest. Got nothing lined up for this spring, so maybe thinking about spring bear.
From: Zim
04-Mar-24
I’ll tell you what can spoil all your elk hunting plans by age 70. Four years of chronic plantar fasciitis, followed by three years torn right Achilles, then three years torn left achilles, then blown out right knee meniscus during 2022 elk hunt. And as if that weren’t enough, a heart failure diagnosis six months ago. Most of this occurred after this thread was started lol. Went scouting in Iowa the last three days in pain every step. Take your pick from which body part. Prior to all this I was a gym rat for 40 years. Outran HS & college kids at PU bball to age 55. Was the oldest guy in the old man’s hockey league until pacemaker ended that. The high country is over for me. Backpacking is over. Confirmed this last fall in the NM Pecos high country. Now I’m left trying to decide what hunts are realistic for me and 477 saved up points. I used to target backpack units for better odds. But now I am left researching the grampa units while my Achilles barks all night. At 65, it’s likely the rest of my elk hunts will be sitting treestands over wallows, unless my 2nd Achilles mends. But I still need units where I can physically get to the trees. Fiddling with an ebike last 2 years as a possible aid.
I’m just hoping my heart makes it to 70. That’s life. No regrets.
From: Rgiesey
04-Mar-24
Bowonly, you’d better start going on some adventure hunts before it’s too late. Hopefully a couple big bulls this year!
From: Lewis
04-Mar-24
Wow this thread sure brings back a lot of memories I still think of BigDan often I’ll be 78 in November time waits for no one Good luck all Lewis
From: Jimmyjumpup
04-Mar-24
you da man Paul. Keep it up
From: Zim
04-Mar-24
Lewis, Ya I was lucky to reserve a chair at Big Dan’s table for the 2017 P&Y Convention in St. Louis. Got there early and chatted with him a lot, as well as other notables. Good times. Wish I’d gotten a photo with him.
