Something I've been putting off

[deerhunter338mag]

Sorry to hear this Speedy. I know how you feel. I just had my second round of spinal surgery just before Christmas and later this week, I'm off to the orthopedic surgeon to what looks like it might be a second round of hip surgery as well. Back is still not the best and looks like I'm head back to to see why there's only a small improvement. So last year was a dud for me also. But I still got on the ducks, and shot a couple of Sambar on private property to help with the itch. All them crazy things we did as kids and riding a dirt bike for work is coming back with a vengeance. Hang in there.

[SPEEDY]

That's the tough part, you keep hoping to get back where you were were, but you always end up making the best out of what your stuck with.
We might have to start the annual Blaser buds deer hobble/stalking weekend.
But I hope it turns out a lot better for you, it's way more fun having a beer around a fire and bragging about who had the toughest stalk, not who finds it the toughest to stalk.
But as long as we don't stop, we just adapt instead, I had high hopes for a quad bike helping me out, but it turns out those things are even worse then walking,
I might have to try organise a desert pig hunt, sitting at a dam with a few cold beers and some chips and dip on a comfortable chair in the shade waiting for the pigs to come to me is getting very appealing.

[Ringo]

I feel for you, and hope you are able to find peace with your new circumstances. I, too, am faced with having to "slow down" and it sucks. I am far more selective in hunts and know I can't put on a backpack and trek through the mountains for long distances like I once could. I have found, though, that even shooting from the bench can be satisfying as I search for the ever elusive 0 MOA!

You are right, too, there isn't another generation coming up. My 17 year old son loves to hunt with me, but it is not a passion for him and I don't think he will continue when I'm unable to go. I suppose it is my fault for not instilling that in him. These are different times.

[thechamp]

Well Speedy best of luck on your moving. Sorry to hear of all the ailments. As we say here, getting old isn't for sissies. End of Oct 2024 I had my 2nd hip replaced. Now waiting on doing the first knee - probably during the summer. I was unable to find time for hunting or fishing after taking on a new career but hope to do both in the near future. I gave my notice to retire last week, and it feels really great.

We don't have to out-do the youngsters. Plenty of good hunting sitting in a blind and enjoying the outdoors. Just watching wildlife is as satisfying to me as killing them.

Ever make it to San Antonio let me know and we'll find something to do. Best of luck to you!