'The More mature hunter's"

[WoodsHunter]

Here's a question...
Does anyone feel that when a person (hunter) reaches a certain age (60-70-80 whatever) that they should take a test and get certified that their still, well, still with it. Here you have a possible hunter that may not have the best eye sight in the woods carring a 30.06, a little scarey.
A lot of the guy's (and ladies) that are driving a car today if tested the license would be pulled on the spot. :naughty: I know it is a touchy subject, but when is to old just that, too old ? ? :huh:

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[ub1243]

a certain age is a tough thing. i know hunters well in their 70's, but i also know a guy who went nuts at 25.

it's a valid point, just like driving a car. but thats a tough battle. and one that will push older hunters out of the game, we need numbers.

[BarnesX.308]

My dad is 78 and as sharp as a tack and covers more acres than any young bucks I know.

I think the incidents of hunter accidentally shootings are pretty low compared to how many folks hunt and how many days they are afield. If you subsetted out the amount of those shootings that involved someone in their 70s, 80s or 90s, I think it would be statistically insignificant.

I want my dad to be able to hunt as long as he is willing. If he has bad eyesight, we'll get him glasses. ;)

[onthehunt]

My grandfather is in his 80's and still hunting. We all have to help him in and out of the truck and walk him to his blinds but we would NEVER tell him he is too old. He never told me I was too young to tag along with him on hunts. Years of experience taught him to be safe. That is never an issue. I think the day that he won't be able to hunt will be his last day with us:thdown:

[Setterman]

This is a valid point but I suspect the same point can be made for everyone that hunts. After spending my first and last pheasant Opening Day at Black River a couple of years ago, I would question the viability of half the jazbo's that are out there, especially on opening day's.

My Dad is 83. We still bird hunt every weekend and then some. He walks as far as I do, and he's still a fair shot on woodcock and pheasant. He's been hunting since he could hold a firearm. I don't think he needs to be tested for anything. He still trout fishes and wades streams by himself, albeit with a wading staff now.

I was shot once a few years ago while birdhunting by a member of our club in NJ. You'd have thought that being in a small club, on private property, that you'd be safe. Unfortunately, some people seem to allow excitement to rule their cognitive thought processes.

Maybe what we need are more game wardens in the field spot-checking people. I seem to recall seeing more of them during the 60's than I do today. Now it's a rarity that I ever run into them.

[WoodsHunter]

Glad to see some of these responses about getting old and hunting, that means there still hope for me. I also was hit with shot about four years ago while pheasant hunting in Pa. The elder did not even see me, luckly I saw the pheasant, then the flash from the muzzle, put my head down then felt the shot hit my coat & hat. No damage, but scary. Walked over to the gentlemen asked if he got the bird, na, damn things are too fast. Asked if he saw the other hunter in line with his shot, response, what hunter. Wished him luck and continued huting. Always wondered if the old 'fella was still in the field. Anyone hunting out there just watch, you never know...
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[Setterman]

Glad to see some of these responses about getting old and hunting, that means there still hope for me. I also was hit with shot about four years ago while pheasant hunting in Pa. The elder did not even see me, luckly I saw the pheasant, then the flash from the muzzle, put my head down then felt the shot hit my coat & hat. No damage, but scary. Walked over to the gentlemen asked if he got the bird, na, damn things are too fast. Asked if he saw the other hunter in line with his shot, response, what hunter. Wished him luck and continued huting. Always wondered if the old 'fella was still in the field. Anyone hunting out there just watch, you never know...
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The fellow who shot me was in his late thirties, a bit younger than me. He was swinging on a pheasant that was flying across a field at eye-level. I was opposite him by about 80 yards or so. I took a couple pellets to the chest and shoulder but one pierced my cheek. I was lucky he was only using #7 1/2's. I guess I'm luckier he wasn't using #4's, it would have been a slightly different story. What was interesting was the reaction of the old-timers in the club. They chastised the guy and threw him out. Safety is something they cherish and they only exhibit a modicum of excitement when necessary in the field. Time and experience are both good teachers. I like having my Dad around, for I still learn from him.

[RUSS0079]

I come across a guy named Bill, everyyear. Bill is well over 87 years now. He looks like he's maybe 60. He has killed more large bucks in Rickett's Glen then most kill on private farms. He hunts hard, large expanses of land. I can proudly say he has made me a better hunter. I think its the responsiblity of the family, to observe an older family member that hunts to make that decision. I am not a supporter of the goverment gettin involved in all my business. Just my opinion.
Russ

[WoodsHunter]

What I'm saying is that we all seen the older(mature) drivers behind the wheel. Usually the first response is, what the hell is he/she doing, then it's they should pull their drivers licenses they have no business driving.:naughty:
In some cases this is true. In some states when a elder is in a accident they may have to be re-tested. Now it may be possible that same person driving is driving to their favorite hunting location, shortly they ll be in the woods with a rifle.:eek: Just a thought ! !

[grtwhthunter/fisherman]

did you ever hear the saying the older the wiser?this person has seen it all and most certainly knows when its time for quits. a deer is brown has 4 legs not 2 . driving on other hand is different your doing 55 to 65 stop go and things beyond your control.:)

[WoodsHunter]

Not sure about wiser, but I do know the older I get the more things are breaking down. Reflexes, eye sight, hearing, fine it a little hard (legs) to get up in the morning, it all works against you. Not saying that there are not some sharp 60, 70, & 80 year olds out there but your not in your 30's & 40's anymore. The things that you depend on for hunting are basicaly the same things that you depend on for driving. Like I said in a few states if a person reaches a certain age, has a auto accident they may have to be re-tested. I don't think there is anyone that wants a hunting accident just to say "Hunter Joe" (Plumber Joe's brother) was able to hunt until he was 85 until he shot someone. Also like I said I was shot once during small game season, luckly I didn't get hurt, and adding more luck it wasn't be game season or the outcome would of been a lot different. When I asked the elder about the hunter in the background when he took the shot he said he never saw me. Not easy pulling the plug on someone thats been hunting for 50-60 years but who makes that decision ? I think the guy in the hospital would have the first vote ! ! :naughty:

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[hobo]

I have never heard of any hunting accidents related to anyones old age, has anyone else?:huh:

[WoodsHunter]

Hobo,
As I stated, I was shot with bird shot on a pheasant hunt a few years back, couple of speckles, a little pissed, but nothing else. That was a accident, I hope..don't think the guy did it on purpose ? ? He was ...well over 70 something ! !

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