the Old man is wanting to throw in the towel on hunting...?

[HuskyMusky]

Help? Please?

My dad seems to be getting soft and not wanting to kill animals like he did a few years ago.

We have quite a few points in quite a few states, and I'm the one who does most of the applications for us, I just don't want him to lose 8+ points in states only to want to hunt again in a few years...

He says he'd like to get an elk, sheep, but deer, moose, goats etc... he can't see taking.


I think he's just a lil depressed currently, I guess I can't shoot the animals for him, but can't see tossing away years worth of applying. He's 60yo btw, a bit out of shape.

I can't help think that the future will be bigger and brighter, less stress and more cash in the future I think he'd want to hunt more. and maybe losing 20lbs would help too.

You can lead a horse to water but can't make them drink...?

Anyone have deal with a similar situation?

Thanks.

 

[Tim McCoy]

I'd say the desire to chase and harvest changes and often wanes as many of us age. It has to a degree with me in my mid 50's. What I do find much more motivating is time with my kids and looking forward to being there for my grandkids first few hunts. If you have kids, what I might suggest is checking on the states your father has points in, to see if they allow an adult to draw a tag and mentor a child. Oregon does this, and I believe another state just did the same. May be a nice way to use his investment in points.

 

[HuskyMusky]

I'd say the desire to chase and harvest changes and often wanes as many of us age. It has to a degree with me in my mid 50's. What I do find much more motivating is time with my kids and looking forward to being there for my grandkids first few hunts. If you have kids, what I might suggest is checking on the states your father has points in, to see if they allow an adult to draw a tag and mentor a child. Oregon does this, and I believe another state just did the same. May be a nice way to use his investment in points.

Thanks for the suggestion, first I've heard of something like this, sounds like a great idea IMO, hope other states follow suit, that would be awesome to have an older hunter with points etc... be able to hunt with a youngster/give them their points/tag. Especially KIN etc... not some random guy that wants to buy a tag.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

My Dad went thru a stage a little like that when he was in his late 60's. I talked him into going to the gym with me and we also started walking a lot. He got back into pretty good shape and we kept hunting together. He owned a duck club and sat in a blind while he was hunting and kinda got out of condition. Once he lost a little weight and could walk a lot, we started going on hikes in the mts together.
He still hunted big game with me and shot his last elk when he was 90!

Hope you can get this worked out.

 

[Tim McCoy]

If you give a list of states where your Dad has points, someone on here may know of the mentor or other similar programs. May even be possible to donate tags to hunt of a lifetime, but that is just a guess. Good luck!

 

[Againstthewind]

I think Tim McCoy is right. The desire probably wavers a bit sometimes, but spending time with family is always something that is motivating. My dad has had a few health problems that have started to get sorted out, so he is kindof a similar situation where he has been out of the game for a while. Recent trips have helped to get him back excited again, though. Well, good luck hopefully things work out. It would really be a sad deal to lose the points. Hopefully you can talk him into keeping up with those. I think Wyoming you can skip one year, but not two.

 

[2rocky]

Well first find out what he finds most rewarding. If he isn't as concerned with killing critters then let him do points only for a year, but ask him if he would come along for the trip anyway.

My Dad is 73, and somewhere around 15-20 years ago I finally passed him in the fitness part of the equation. He just had to change the way he hunted to adapt to the new situation. He sure as heck enjoys watching his grandkids kill birds and animals more than doing it himself.

Maybe his points in a party app might help a young hunter in the family go on a first hunt? That might be something to peak his interest again.

Does he like to cook? Maybe doing some Dutch oven stuff in the off season might give him something to perfect for Hunting camp and show off.

Is the camping and high altitude a problem? Geezer pleaser pads, Cots or an RV camp could make a good nights sleep easier. Sleep Apnea machines are getting more portable too.

Physical issues like knees and hips slowing him down? Low impact exercise like nordic track or swimming with an attractive female trainer might help with motivation. The physical activity increases endorphins like seratonin and motivation becomes easier.

Does he tell stories about the "good old days"? Maybe hunt some of his old Haunts even if they aren't a Blue chip unit. He is probably thinking about how in the not so near future he won't be able to do the hard hunts. Cash in those points. Does he have other guys he hunts with in his generation, or is it you and your buddies? My Dad does a Pheasant trip with 7 other guys his age. I think he looks forward to it more than Elk Hunting.

I made a lot of assumptions when I made this list but it came from my experience with my Dad. Just tell your dad that you want to hunt and you want him to be a part of it. We all go through motivational slumps. Usually related to money or fitness or both.

 

[Musket Man]

It sounds like there is an underlying problem here like he is in alot of pain or worried he cant physically do the hunt, money, time, ect. Dont just dump the points or let them go. Try to figure out why he really lost interest in these hunts.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

My Dad is 73,........ Geezer pleaser pads....... Does he tell stories about the "good old days"?

Careful guys....I'm 73!

 

[Gr8bawana]

I don't know if you guys hunt out of a tent but perhaps a trailer or RV with all the comforts would be some motivation. My dad hunted well into his 70's after my brother and I got a trailer. The last few years he went with us he didn't really care if he got a deer he just liked to go and keep our camp tidy and do the cooking. That was great because it was always nice to come back to a hot meal and a nice campfire.
That's dad on the right and our little trailer. You don't need that much to stay warm and dry and have a nice bed to sleep in.

 

[lostriverproductions]

I'm battling to try and still keep my grandpa in the field, he still has the drive to hunt but isn't very mobile at all. He is one who taught me to hunt. But you don't have to kill something to have a successful hunt, I would keep him in it and take him with you. I am sure he would enjoy the adventure.

 

[CrossCreeks]

I agree don't let him just dump the points. I think encouragement, and patience is the way to approach it. I would want to keep him the game as long as possible for his sake. Wish my dad was still around to encourage !