Thread: Notes for Old Codgers

I hunt alone. Once a week or so if I can. All year round. I can set my own pace and Im not holding anyone up. I can take as long as I like. No one is watching when I slide on my bum down a little drop off that most people would step over. I feel safer alone 'cos I'm the one in control. I can still carry a good pack full but pass on animals if the going to get them looks too arduous. I embrace technology that makes hunting for me easier and more efficient. I have a lovely dog for company and to help. I'm supported by a wonderful wife who makes fruit cake, and a couple of great hunting friends who plot and plan with me. I have 2 hunting sons who make me proud. I shoot plenty for a good cause but only shoot about 8% of what I see. The PLB is always on my belt. I take pills. I'm in my 76th year. I will do this until I can't.

Originally Posted by Tahr

I hunt alone. Once a week or so if I can. All year round. I can set my own pace and Im not holding anyone up. I can take as long as I like. No one is watching when I slide on my bum down a little drop off that most people would step over. I feel safer alone 'cos I'm the one in control. I can still carry a good pack full but pass on animals if the going to get them looks too arduous. I embrace technology that makes hunting for me easier and more efficient. I have a lovely dog for company and to help. I'm supported by a wonderful wife who makes fruit cake, and a couple of great hunting friends who plot and plan with me. I have 2 hunting sons who make me proud. I shoot plenty for a good cause but only shoot about 8% of what I see. The PLB is always on my belt. I take pills. I'm in my 76th year. I will do this until I can't.

Keep at it you are an inspiration to us all.

Sent from my CPH2145 using Tapatalk

If you have to lay on a table for any reason – there may be a limited exercise or no exercise recovery period. I had three events in the last eighteen months – the hip replacement being the worst. The muscles just disappear. Trying to rebuild muscle in your 70s is very difficult. I do at least 12,000 steps every day, so my leg muscles are rebuilding well, but my back, arms and shoulders are taking time. Two lots of twenty press ups yesterday and a shoulder is sore today.
A few days back, I took my eye off a greasy clay step to look at a possum trap – my good leg took off – my new leg stayed behind me, and my body went over a small bank – my walking pole didn’t save me. More Celebrix required! One more hip to do at some stage – but I will put that off for as long as possible.
So, look after the muscles that you have – it is hard to get them back!

Rapidly approaching 71 I injured the Achilles on my right leg just over four weeks ago. That was the result of an aged body and a foolish expectation that I could still push heavy stuff around like I did with ease a few decades ago. Needless to say the injury has impacted my regular walking and this morning I went for the first walk and (again foolishly) took my daughter’s young dog who proceeded to pull on the lead the whole was so by the time I got back my left side hip flexor and glute was tensed from compensating and pulling on the dog lead. I am one of the stubborn ones who despite having the intelligence to know that as we age our physical abilities wane, also has sufficient stupidity to ignore the knowledge he posses and keeps on doing stuff regardless. There is no doubt that hills are harder and animals are heavier and I am very happy that I have developed an interest in other shooting sport (pistol shooting) but even though I no longer hunt with the frequency of years gone by, I would jump at the chance tomorrow if it arose and to hell with the consequences for my ankle.

I've just turned 61 and to be honest I still haven't come to terms with turning 60 yet! I am fitter now than I've been for years due to going to the pool 5-6 mornings per week and doing 1km of aqua jogging. I don't really have the time to go on multi-day missions. Having animals on a lifestyle block makes that tricky too. so most of the time I just do an arvo mission after a goat or 2 for the freezer.

A few years back I decided that if I enjoyed hunting goats and making tasty feeds from them then when I got the stage that I wasn't able to hit the steep hills for deer then I could probably still do easy country hunting for goats. My reasoning was that I didn't want to be one of those old guys who sit in their easy chairs dreaming of their golden days because they can't hunt deer anymore. And sorta becoming morose and moany old buggers. I've seen many farmers that have moved to town and sorta willed themselves away because they aren't on the farm anymore. I also grow as much food as possible and make chutnies etc from them. It's something that I enjoy doing and can still hopefully find joy in during my later years...

Originally Posted by Tahr

I hunt alone. Once a week or so if I can. All year round. I can set my own pace and Im not holding anyone up. I can take as long as I like. No one is watching when I slide on my bum down a little drop off that most people would step over. I feel safer alone 'cos I'm the one in control. I can still carry a good pack full but pass on animals if the going to get them looks too arduous. I embrace technology that makes hunting for me easier and more efficient. I have a lovely dog for company and to help. I'm supported by a wonderful wife who makes fruit cake, and a couple of great hunting friends who plot and plan with me. I have 2 hunting sons who make me proud. I shoot plenty for a good cause but only shoot about 8% of what I see. The PLB is always on my belt. I take pills. I'm in my 76th year. I will do this until I can't.

in the ole sayin 10% of fisherman catch 90% of the fish- you and ya boys are in the upper end of that 10% aye.

Originally Posted by ANTSMAN

in the ole sayin 10% of fisherman catch 90% of the fish- you and ya boys are in the upper end of that 10% aye.

I think its a genetic fault

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.

Just turned 68 a few days ago and want to know @Tahr's wife's fruit cake recipe. It must be good stuff.

Greetings and thank you one and all for your comments and observations,
I am particularly impressed with the number that soldier on in spite of advancing age and in cases infirmity. In my case it is a type of arthritis that has resulted in periods of joint pain, especially my back and neck, since my late teens. I have found nothing better for this than walking in the bush and it is fortunate that two of the Kaweka road ends are 50 km or less from home. @Tahr your mention of OCD is interesting as I think that most hunters have a touch of it. OCD jokes circulate in my family and they are not all about the same person.
It is cold, windy and wet in HB today so it would be miserable at Makino today. Perhaps next year.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I've just turned 61 and to be honest I still haven't come to terms with turning 60 yet! I am fitter now than I've been for years due to going to the pool 5-6 mornings per week and doing 1km of aqua jogging. I don't really have the time to go on multi-day missions. Having animals on a lifestyle block makes that tricky too. so most of the time I just do an arvo mission after a goat or 2 for the freezer.

A few years back I decided that if I enjoyed hunting goats and making tasty feeds from them then when I got the stage that I wasn't able to hit the steep hills for deer then I could probably still do easy country hunting for goats. My reasoning was that I didn't want to be one of those old guys who sit in their easy chairs dreaming of their golden days because they can't hunt deer anymore. And sorta becoming morose and moany old buggers. I've seen many farmers that have moved to town and sorta willed themselves away because they aren't on the farm anymore. I also grow as much food as possible and make chutnies etc from them. It's something that I enjoy doing and can still hopefully find joy in during my later years...

Greetings @bumblefoot,
At 61 you are a little young to be called an old codger but we are happy to have you aboard. I do appreciate your stories on hunting, gardening and cooking. I have had a small vegetable garden this year which will be extended over the winter. Nice to have fresh young carrots again.
Regards Grandpamac.

This old codger is 72 and today I went out with a rifle that's twice my age. I've had radiation for cancer a hip replacement and broke my Achilles 14 months ago. From the car the climb to this spot that was sheltered from the strong southerly took 3/4 hour back down 15 minutes .

Two came out 200yds away.



While I was dicking around with my phone camera the dog was trying to tell me there was one just over there.





I watched for another 1/2 hour but no buck showed up they were still feeding when I left, I will have another look on Monday the hunt is more fun than the kill these days.

shiiiiit look a the size of those torpedos!

Originally Posted by time out

If you have to lay on a table for any reason – there may be a limited exercise or no exercise recovery period. I had three events in the last eighteen months – the hip replacement being the worst. The muscles just disappear. Trying to rebuild muscle in your 70s is very difficult. I do at least 12,000 steps every day, so my leg muscles are rebuilding well, but my back, arms and shoulders are taking time. Two lots of twenty press ups yesterday and a shoulder is sore today.
A few days back, I took my eye off a greasy clay step to look at a possum trap – my good leg took off – my new leg stayed behind me, and my body went over a small bank – my walking pole didn’t save me. More Celebrix required! One more hip to do at some stage – but I will put that off for as long as possible.
So, look after the muscles that you have – it is hard to get them back!

Buy yourself an Ebike and pump the track to Omokoroa, you’ll build thighs, calves, and with the right setup, strengthen your back

I’m having a great weekend in Kinloch we are enjoying the cosyness of Covid, a first for me. I’m thru it be she is about 1/2 way. Played around of golf with my son and grandkids on Friday, first time in 10 yrs I’ve picked up a club, even managed a birdie and the walk was good

Originally Posted by Maca49

I’m having a great weekend in Kinloch we are enjoying the cosyness of Covid, a first for me. I’m thru it be she is about 1/2 way. Played around of golf with my son and grandkids on Friday, first time in 10 yrs I’ve picked up a club, even managed a birdie and the walk was good

Take it easy. It nearly killed me because I over did it after recovery. Lost 7 kg. 14 weeks later and Im still on an inhaler from it to keep my lungs clear.