I didn't hunt for a number of years due to a back injury, three herniated discs. I found I couldn't draw my compound and not torque my back, I had the age to hunt legal with the crossbow but didn't take hunting serious anymore and really didn't put any effort in it. But this year was another story and this past Saturday I tagged a buck 5 point in Kankakee county, first since 2001, long time guys. Well the buck had to go deep into the thickets and after following an excellent trail I found my kill, now down to the business of dressing it out, as I'm on my 70 yr old knees it hits me I have to drag this guy about 100/150 yds to the truck, no trail, no road back so I had to drag several yards and clear a path, drag several yards and clear a path I had to stop numerous times to rest, I'm not 35 anymore. Finally made it back to the truck after shooting it at 11:45 AM and now it's 4:15 PM No water, food or snack or the PROPER TOOLS for such a recovery, The First thing I did yesterday was buy a deer cart, second put myself together a proper back pack with ropes and machete, energy bars and a good pair of knee pads for the 70 year old knees, I really didn't realize how much I missed the hunt.
Welcome back to the hunt and congrats on your buck! Your absolutely right dragging a deer out of the woods is no easy task. Over the years the "venison stress test" has claimed a few lives and prompted more than a few visits to the emergency room. I would add, see your doctor and make sure you are fit enough, you don't have signs of coronary artery disease and you are modifying any risk factors before the season. Good luck!
I know what your talking about being past the 77 mark myself. Can't do the up-down hill walk, even on a clear road any more. Fairly level going is OK and no problem up to the stand one trip a day. Fortunately, 95% of my hunting is in areas where I can get the end of a 100' rope from the quad to the deer, when it happens. Plan is to use a large plastic lawn dump cart to haul it out with. First thing first - got to shoot one.
The cart will be huge....a recovery bag is something I think is a good thing for all to have handy after harvests. Even back at the truck, gives you a chance to go back, change or down a few layers for overheating, hydrate quick maybe eat a tick, grab bag and cart and hit back at it. I am still young and think a cart is a good investment because I don't always have pops or someone to help me and I'm not a fan of doing it solo even at my young age.
because of 2 back surgeries and a shoulder surgery I have a handicap permit to utilize an atv in the county forests I hunt I am the most popular guy in camp
I couldn't agree with this more! I'm 60, but still in good shape. I hope I'm still at it at 70 as well.
So glad you started hunting again! Don’t let that experience deter you. Even us young guys will struggle if we don’t stay strong and in good cardio shape. I can see a big difference in the last 5 yrs. I had a few surgeries and quit working out. My plan after this season is to get back into impeccable shape. I’m only 35 and feel like I’m 50 lol Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Glad to see you're back at it and congrats on the deer. Being north of 62 myself I understand the changes we go through as we age. I try to keep myself in good shape but there are still things I can't do now that I used to do. For instance, I have made the decision that this will be my last year with the compound. I also try to make sure I have the right nutrition and plenty of water when I go afield. All the things I never considered when I was younger. Hunt on my brother! Blessings. ..........Pastorjim Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk
Thanks for the welcome back. The pump is in good shape and I don't think I could of done any dragging if it wasn't for self imposed physical therapy, walking.... first 50/75 yds then 1/4 mile then 1/2 until after a year 3 miles, yep it does feel good to be out.... Thanks
I know what your saying, in fact my son who use to hunt with me reminded me that I was dragging my game UP HILL, wow I forgot about that. You know one of those plastic sleds the kids use should work well also, I've seen ice fisherman buying them at toys are us, look into it and take your time and good luck.
They won't let us "flat landers" do that on state or county property, but that's the land of Lincoln .
I say the same thing, there's a portable deer cart that turns into a stand it's called the "TRANSFORMER" HUNT POD I think i'll look into it for next season, I found it after I bought the regular cart.
Injuries and surgeries will and do take a toll on the body no matter what age, Good luck on your goals.
