Is it too late?

[Labs07]

I am a new member to this site but this back country/high alpine hunting really intrigues me!  I have been hunting for many years and am now 47 years young and would like to give this type of thing a try!  I am in good shape for my age but not 20 anymore.  Is it too late to try this kind of thing?

[WaltAlpine]

I am 46 and just got back from a grueling high hunt. The only ones in our group that had an "easy" time of it were in good shape, and in their 20s and 30's. I read up on this site about this kind of hunt after being invited on this trip and I wil repeat what the other advisers said. Get in shape x3...do everything you can to lighten your pack...be prepared for a harder hike down.
You are not too old if you have even a decent history of hiking. A lot depends on how long and how much elevation gain and loss you find yourself into. My trip was about 7 miles, the first almost 4 of it was severly uphill switchbacks. Like 3,000 of gain. I was with an older, experienced hunter who is in better shape than me. We got back to the truck at the end of the hunt and were beat down physically, but immediately started planning the same trip for the next year. Massively rewarding even though we came back empty handed.

[7mag.]

No, it's not too late. It's all based on the individual and his/her limitations. I just got back from a solo back pack trip where I had to carry most of my water with me, making my pack weigh in at 71 lbs. I am 37, and not in great shape. I am on medication that makes me gain weight at a ridiculous pace, and I've put on 30 lbs. in the last 3 months, making me a good 40 lbs. over weight, and I still did 7 miles a day in some rough country. If I can do it, any body can. Just be careful, take it slow, and don't take any risks. I am sore today, but more motivated than ever to lighten my pack and body, and be in better shape for next time.

[fillthefreezer]

i saw some guys last weekend older than you up there. there kept pace with us for the first 3 mi.
slow and steady and just do it!

[Labs07]

Good to here!  I like the wildreness, I spent a lot of time in college in the bob and scape goat wilderness!  That was over 20 years ago now but man what a great time I had with my fraternity brothers on a few of those trips!

[fillthefreezer]

Good to here!  I like the wildreness, I spent a lot of time in college in the bob and scape goat wilderness!  That was over 20 years ago now but man what a great time I had with my fraternity brothers on a few of those trips!

i dont think i like the sound of that...  

lots of older guys very into backpackin too on some of the hiker forums...

[Labs07]

Okay that sounded a bit like broke back mountian I must admit after reading it over again!  What I meant to say is we had a good time hunting and enjoying the scenery!  LOL!

[teamhughes2007]

No way, just pack light and take it slow and steady.  My dad is almost 67 years old and he made it in with us...pretty stickin' good shape for that age.  However, my brother and I did load up our packs to reduce his weight.  With proper weight distribution we all held about the same pace.  This is his 3rd year and right now he's planning on next year already.  Just make sure you get out and do some hiking ahead of time...you definitely do not want to go out there cold turkey.  I would also find a hunting buddy to do it with...a lot safer that way.

[Austrian Hunter]

My friend Joe is almost 50 and hikes like a goat, lol.  I don't think you too old! Just take it slow and get in shape! The adrenalin will take over and carry you. 

[Skyvalhunter]

Never too old but don't bank on success look at it as a hiking trip but you are carrying a rifle.

[Ridgerunner]

Hiking trip with a backpack that's what it is for ninety percent of guys anyway.

[Maligator]

Never to late to get after it...just work those legs and get on that cardio!!! 

[WaltAlpine]

Never too old but don't bank on success look at it as a hiking trip but you are carrying a rifle.

 

[BLUEBULLS]

too old? NO WAY!

My dad is 55 and he's the only one I can talk itno going if it's more than 10 miles.

he'll even shoot dink bucks 12 miles in.

I'm hoping to be able to do it until i'm at least 60+

[Miles]

Get after it.  You're not getting any younger.

[JLS]

You're only too old if you decide to be.  I do much harder hunts at 40 than I ever did at 30 or in my 20's.  Keep in mind that it will take longer for you to get in top shape, and once you're there do your best to stay in top shape.  Maintaining it is oh so much easier than doing the roller coaster routine.

[Rowsign]

Take a look at the results of any big marathon. Scroll down to the 60 plus and 70 plus age section. Most of those guys would not have any trouble keeping up with most of us! Just saying......... Think young, be young!

CJS

[RadSav]

Slow old and smart beats fast young and dumb 80% of the time.  The young mountain goat types give me grief all the time.  Some worry non stop that I'm going to have a heart attack or that I will break my leg due to my numb left foot (back surgery related).  Others get fed up and leave me in the dust.  That can get an old broken guy rather frustrated.  But they usually pack more meat of mine off the mountain than I do of theirs.  My frustration with those young punks goes away really fast when bone hits the dirt.  I'm sure it pisses them off, but hey that's the price you pay for not listening to the older wiser hunter

As long as the pain level does not eliminate your enjoyment of the hunt you're never too old.  Though I do find as I get older and feel more broken that those antelope and treestand whitetail hunts hold much more of my attention than they did in my youth.

[Labs07]

Thanks for the encouraging words all!  I think I might have to give this a try next year...we will see how it goes!