The saying, “You’re only as old as you feel,” has merit. Research shows that our state of mind directly impacts our mental and physical wellbeing. Your body believes what your mind tells it. As an aging hunter, this is a profound revelation. Your mindset can make you feel old and tired or young and energetic. Easy choice for me!
Mental attitude
Don’t let your age define you. Define your age by your attitude. At 68, I look forward to the opening day of deer season with every bit as much enthusiasm as I did when I was 24. I approach getting older as a challenge. My mindset is to think positive, be active and most importantly, to feel young.
Physical aspects
Eat right, exercise and get a sufficient amount of sleep. These are essential for a strong body. Walking, jogging, lifting weights, bike riding and swimming are a few ways to achieve physical fitness. Be persistent. Aim for five days a week of exercise. Aches and pains are inevitably going to occur. If anything gets too serious, don’t ignore it. Get it corrected ASAP.
Hunting plans
Forty-four years of deer hunting experience has taught me to hunt smarter not harder. I find that scouting trips are when I expend the largest amount of energy. Walking through the swamps of South Louisiana in late summer, for hours at a time, is quite taxing. Accordingly, try to get out there right at daylight and then plan to shut it down by 10 a.m. For an afternoon scout, the last few hours of daylight are optimal.
Hunting partners
The people you hunt with play an important part in your ability to extend your hunting career. I hunted with my dad into his 70s. Towards the end, knowing how much he loved to hunt, I coaxed him to continue until his knees finally gave out. These days, I hunt with my 16-year-old grandson. He shares my passion and has boundless energy. I delight in his youthful eagerness and exuberance. He definitely keeps me feeling much younger than my actual age.
Accept help when you need it
Set aside your ego. None of us are invincible. As we age, we are going to need some help at times. Accept it graciously. Be thankful to those who do offer help.
Is it your passion?
Without a real passion for hunting, this just won’t work. As my lovely wife, Ana, often tells me, “We all do what we want to do.” Simple statement, but it rings very true to me. You have to want to hunt badly enough, enduring some pain, possible medical adversity and other setbacks, to ultimately achieve the goal of hunting later into your life.
Cherish each hunt
Despite all of my efforts, one day it will be over. My body will no longer allow me to hunt. That is a sobering reality. This realization allows me to appreciate each hunt in a way that I didn’t as a younger hunter. It allows me to cherish my time in the woods with my grandson. I know when my day comes he will continue on his journey, without his Pop. Just like I had to do without my Dad. The circle of life will continue.
Thankfully, that day has not yet arrived for me. My fire still burns. I look forward to many more adventures. I hope you do as well. Good hunting. Be safe and God bless!
