Not Going for 1st Time in 30 Years

[pianoman9701]

I'm bummed and my hunting years may be behind me. Too many things this year are getting in the way of hunting, not the least of which is my health. Between lymph edema, no stamina, and apnea, I'm having a hard time justifying the expense. If this doesn't turn around soon, I may start selling off my stuff. I didn't think I'd have been ready for this for another 10-15 years.

[emac]

Sorry to hear that.  I can't imagine that now but I know there will be a day that comes.  Stay positive. Maybe just try to go with hunting partners and be the campman instead of the pianoman.

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[Blacktail Sniper]

It is a hard thing to face, but maybe dial back a little, maybe just some road hunts for deer or find a spot high and pick an opening apart with optics.

Haven't been out since I was in the hospital in 2017 with no guarantee I would walk out.  That fall, I managed to make it out 1 day that year, and to be honest, was terrified to be out so far from any potential help, isolated and alone after having almost not made it just a few months earlier, I just hung it up. 

But I am actually thinking about going out some this year.  Nothing over the top as even though the health issue is behind me, the degenerative joint disease is still a very limiting factor, but I figure I can pick n choose where & when I shoot and just savor the fact that I am still in the game.   

Pretty sure if recovery is an issue, lots of HuntWa folks seem ready to lend a hand, seen it many times on here in the past.

Good luck with what ever path you decide to follow, getting old sucks, but it beats the alternative!

[jrebel]

Hope you figure this out.  I don't look forward to the day that this reality sets in.  In your position, I would strongly consider going with your hunting partners....even if it is to sit in camp and share stories.  I actually look forward to the day that I am the camp chef.....looking forward for the kids and grandkids to come back with their game and stories. 

[brokentrail]

I am sorry to read this and I can't imagine how you feel.  Hunting is a huge part of my life and can't imagine not being able to do so.  I hope that you find a way forward that works for you and your circumstances.

[Karl Blanchard]

As others have said, find your new normal but at the end of the day if the new norm isn't enjoyable then find something else. Life is so fleeting. It shouldn't be wasted on activities that don't bring you fulfillment  chin up sir, you're still above ground and that's ALWAYS better than the alternative. One step at a time in a forward trajectory 

[pianoman9701]

Hope you figure this out.  I don't look forward to the day that this reality sets in.  In your position, I would strongly consider going with your hunting partners....even if it is to sit in camp and share stories.  I actually look forward to the day that I am the camp chef.....looking forward for the kids and grandkids to come back with their game and stories.

I looked for a good hunting partner for years, found one, and he had a stroke 6 or 7 years ago. Found another one, CAB was his username, and he moved to Minneapolis. I have some friends on here. If I could figure out the sleep apnea thing, I'd make a great camp cook.

[pianoman9701]

As others have said, find your new normal but at the end of the day if the new norm isn't enjoyable then find something else. Life is so fleeting. It shouldn't be wasted on activities that don't bring you fulfillment  chin up sir, you're still above ground and that's ALWAYS better than the alternative. One step at a time in a forward trajectory 

I know, Karl, and I appreciate those words coming from you.

[bearhunter99]

Hope you figure this out.  I don't look forward to the day that this reality sets in.  In your position, I would strongly consider going with your hunting partners....even if it is to sit in camp and share stories.  I actually look forward to the day that I am the camp chef.....looking forward for the kids and grandkids to come back with their game and stories.

I looked for a good hunting partner for years, found one, and he had a stroke 6 or 7 years ago. Found another one, CAB was his username, and he moved to Minneapolis. I have some friends on here. If I could figure out the sleep apnea thing, I'd make a great camp cook.

Do you have a CPAP?  I had sleep apnea and have a CPAP now and it makes a world of difference.  I bought a 12V converter for it and take a 12V battery with me.  It is good for a few nights and then charge the battery during the day with the generator.  Just a thought - it can be done!

As Karl said find something that makes you happy.  My grandfather spent hunting season driving around looking for grouse and the occasional stupid buck that stayed in sight of the dirt road the last few years he was alive (didn't matter where the deer was as we were a phone call away....) but he was always there at his house with the fire going and coffee on every morning!

[vandeman17]

Would staying in a motel be an option so that you could bring your cpap machine? I know one of my favorite hunts is a late season montana hunt where we stay in a motel, drive 10 minutes and are hunting. It sounds like mentally you are not ready to give up so maybe there are other options

[ganghis]

Sorry to hear, Pianoman.  Are disabled tags in the realm of possibility in the future?  That might give you a quality hunt to look forward to that doesn't require the same amount of physical effort or competition with other hunters.

[Smokepole]

Sorry to hear about your health trouble, Pianoman.  I'm getting up there and can relate.  I hope you can figure it out.  Maybe it's time to scale back your activities at camp, and enjoy some leisure time in the great outdoors.  Anyway I wish you well, and hope you can get your health back soon.

[Rugsnfeathers]

I'm sorry to hear about your plight Mr. Pianoman.  I know I'm very new in this forum, but you're one of the more very visible members in here and I enjoy your comments and advises.  Well, it's not that you're going to leave the forum, but much so about your hunting future.  I'm 57 years old, and my hunting buddy is 74.  He's made the same comment about not having too many years left on his body.  Although, I think he's a very fit person and I think he could easily hunt through his 80's.  So, the past two years, my buddy and I have been mentoring young hunters in their 20's and 30's to pass on the tradition.  I'm sure you have mentored a lot as the years gone by.  Hopefully, as many have chimed in, you can still find a solution and still go out there to enjoy the great outdoors.  Does this forum on the west side of the Cascades ever get together for like a meet and greet or barbecue?  I'd sure like to meet some of the folks here. 

[pianoman9701]

Sorry to hear, Pianoman.  Are disabled tags in the realm of possibility in the future?  That might give you a quality hunt to look forward to that doesn't require the same amount of physical effort or competition with other hunters.

I have disabled license. Never really used the tags or a partner/shooter, whatever you call that. Being the first season missed, I'm just kind of bummed. Maybe the VA can figure out what's going on with my legs and next year i won't be such a whiny little biotch. 

[callturner]

A year ago my legs went to hell. I did tests and they came up with compressed nerves behind my knees and neuropathy in my feet. I knew about the neuropathy cause I got diabetes 10 years ago when they gave me statins for cholesterol . I tried them all but had to get off them. They messed up my feet and legs. Finally 2 years ago they gave me a bi-weekly shot drug called Repatha. It worked  and no side effects till last year. I quit it Sept 12th last year. I still have pains in my legs and feet but not as much. I think that was the cause. I wont stop doing what I like , I just go slower.  As far as the sleep deal they do make a portable machine.