Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

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Dewey
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Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Dewey » Sat Jan 03, 2015 10:43 am

This is something that I think about a lot lately as I get closer to 50 years old. I like to think that my best years are yet to come but also realize that my prime years physically are likely behind me. What I didn't know in my younger days of my 20's and 30's was made up with shear determination and huge amounts of physical work. Once I turned 40 I could really tell it was getting much more difficult to get to remote marsh spots I hunted when I was younger. It's amazing how you feel invincible and suddenly age really catches up with you. You younger guys better take a chance to enjoy those years because they go by before you even realize it. Take care of yourself, my back is pretty screwed up from dumb stuff in my youger days so that will only get worse with age.

I still love putting in the hard work but that work gets harder every year. Getting older sucks but I have accepted it. Hunting smarter is now my approach and hope that can extend my good years.

Anyway just sitting on stand reflecting on past seasons and wanted to ask that question..........Have you reached your prime years yet or have they passed?

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Zap
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Zap » Sat Jan 03, 2015 10:48 am

Past prime.... :cry:
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SamPotter
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby SamPotter » Sat Jan 03, 2015 10:50 am

At 33, I sure hope not... I'm probably more or less in my prime physically, but I still feel like I have a lot to learn. I've heard it said many times by older hunters, "Hunt smarter, not harder." There may be a lot more "prime" hunting years than you think Dewey. BFFI isn't the most important ingredient to kill big bucks anyhow...
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Ghost Hunter » Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:17 am

I turn 52 this year. I can tell that the endurance is not there like it use to be. I still maintain my pace an distance, but recovery is a lot slower than what it use to be. I ran last summer during the 100 degree days an enjoyed it in a torturous kind of way. I have plans of dropping about 30lbs that should put me at about 190 by October deer season. Lighten up on my equipment some an that should help.
I'm reason they call it hunting and not shooting.
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby bigwoodsmn » Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:38 am

I hope not..

My main Pheasant hunting buddy is 64 and he made 5 trips to SD this year...he pounded the sloughs all day today, in the snow, and he does it year after year. Pretty cool.

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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Master Chief » Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:42 am

I really hope not! I hope I am entering my prime years.

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Terry
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Terry » Sat Jan 03, 2015 11:55 am

I don't think I am even close. Physically yes, but I have a lot to learn and accomplish.

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cbay
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby cbay » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:21 pm

Not even close as a hunter (i hope). But at 45 the body is gonna disagree with me as time goes by.
Thank goodness for scouting though. That keeps me in better shape for season.
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby exojam » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:28 pm

I hope not but my goals will not be the same as most on this boards are.
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Stanley
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Stanley » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:38 pm

Not gonna lie, I have reached the apex and am heading into the antapex point of my hunting career. I don't have the drive or the physical capabilities I once had. I could really tell the difference in the hills this year (knees and feet) compared to even 5 years ago. I did do some scouting today in prep for next year. Killing part is, I have a tag for this year but no desire to fill it. I enjoy trail cameras, plotting and planning as much, or more than the hunt. The old grey mare ain't what she used to be.
You can fool some of the bucks, all of the time, and fool all of the bucks, some of the time, however you certainly can't fool all of the bucks, all of the time.
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Jackson Marsh
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Jackson Marsh » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:46 pm

Physically I can still do what I always could do.....but it hurts for longer after the fact. A guy has to keep physically active to stave off that crap for as long as possible.

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Bowhunter4life
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Bowhunter4life » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:53 pm

As a hunter I feel I am always learning and try to take something from the woods each time I go. Physically though I'm 31 years old and hope that my best days are still ahead of me.

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crankn101
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby crankn101 » Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:56 pm

Not even close, once my daughter goes off to college im going to be a hunting and fishing machine. :dance:



At least thats my plan.... :pray:
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Crazinamatese » Sat Jan 03, 2015 1:26 pm

What would Brett Favre do? :D Just when you think you had enough and gave it all you had, thats the time to come out of retirement and throw down hard. :mrgreen:
The cave you fear hides the treasure you seek!!!
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Re: Have you reached your prime as a deer hunter?

Unread postby Arrowbender » Sat Jan 03, 2015 1:37 pm

Although my prime is definitely not ahead me, I am not admitting that it's behind me.

I sure wish I had known half of what I know now 20 years ago.

I do know that you do not need to be in your prime to enjoy chasing and killing deer!


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