Fellowship of the hunt: Dr James Kroll said on TV that most men and ladies lack the upper body to shoot a vertical bow after 55 or so? I am sorry I missed that since I am 56 and killed one last year with my bow! Questions 1. Do you agree? 2. If you disagree, why? 3. Would you buy a new bow 50-60lb to stay in the game? 4. If you are past 56 have tactics changed, X-cross, ground blinds ect? PSR
I am going to be 49 next hunting season and probably the last season for my 340. My next bow will be 70 pound as well. If you are fit and healthy there is no age limit.
1. Do you agree? I disagree with him completely. What does age have anything to do with it? 2. If you disagree, why? I know plenty of hunters over 55 who still consistently hunt with a bow and have no problems whatsoever. It's about training your muscles. A body in motion stays in motion. 3. Would you buy a new bow 50-60lb to stay in the game? Absolutely, you really only need about 45 lbs to kill a deer. 4. If you are past 56 have tactics changed, X-cross, ground blinds ect? I'm not there yet but I will not change a single thing, besides maybe draw weight, as long as I can still pull back a compound bow. When I can't, then I'll try the crossbow. Ground blinds shouldn't be overlooked for anyone, they are a great tactic for certain situations and have nothing to do with age or equipment.
Uncle Ted is shooting 45# now.... I agree with Dr. Kroll on deer management for the most part.. But on this he his wrong in many cases..
I'm 49 now and have no problem pulling my 65# bow, I'm thinking of buying a new but and figure it would be my last. I probably have another 10 years to climb trees
I would probably agree that most people over the age of 55 have lost a fair amount of muscle mass and are not nearly as strong as they once were. Probably about 85% of the population, but active people are different. Most of those 85% aren't out climbing trees and bowhunting, they are sitting around watching the Wheel of Fortune and scheduling their next doctors appointment. Age is a factory, but lifestyle is the driving factor.
I completely disagree. Although I have been pulling a 70 lb bow for the past 15 years, I have no doubt even a 40lb compound would easily kill a deer. In fact, the next bow I get will be a 60lb bow. I am trying to treat my shoulders kindly as I age.
I'll be 59 in August and can't imagine not shooting my bow. It really is about being in shape. If I come to a point where the compound isn't realistic, I'll just use my CB from there on. I'll deer hunt until I can't.
Will celebrate my 65th b-day this coming June. Have to admit, it is a bit harder climbing into my high stands and walking a bit farther getting to them, as I am basically too lazy to work out LOL... But this was a fairly decent season and am expecting just as much in years to come!!!!! I shoot around 57lbs.
1. You're never too old to bowhunt. 2. I shot a round of 3D with two dude in their 80's last month. 3. Yes, in Pennsylvania you can hunt legally if you're drawing 35# or more. If you want to stay in the game, just be realistic about what you're capable of. I'd rather draw a 40# bow and put a deer on the ground than protect my pride with a 70# bow but lack the ability to draw it on a cold day. 4. Some guys I hunt with are well past 56. Some moved from hanging stands to ladder stands. Some only hunt blinds when the temperature drops below freezing. Generally speaking, the only thing they all gave up was stalking because they are at a greater risk of breaking something if they fell or rolled an ankle or something.
My wife will be 61 in March and she still shoots 55 lb, she has started hunting out of a blind mostly but then she has never liked hunting out of a stand that much to begin with. I'm still shooting 70 for now but I can say my right knee gave me fits this year and if I dont get it fixed by next season I will need to replace my climbing sticks with double foot pegs and ladder stands or spend more time in a ground blind next season. I'm looking into a new bow at this time. My neighbor Jack turned 79 in Nov and still shoots a 60lb compound. He did give me all his treestands last season and started hunting ot of a blind! But then the Doc could be right, everyone I have seen bowhunting the last 2 seasons has been packing a crossbow!
For me, too old will be if I can't get up and walk. If I get to where I can't draw my bow cause of age, I will buy a xbow. I'm 37 right now...so hopefully have a while. Hoyt Faktor 30 Bowstring Depot Field Staff
My mentor is well over 60 and draws 58 lbs. He hunts more than I can and took 5 trips for bear, moose and whitetails last year... age is no limiting factor with good health and a rigorous routine... he works out regularly and eats well. T
With the technology that they're throwing in these bows now, I can see hunters being able to draw a bow back until they don't want to anymore.
