You all know how the Garth Brooks song goes - Well, this post from Cory over at Outdoors International got me to thinking about the sad state of me. I can’t remember ever being concerned about being in shape before. It just flat never was something for me to worry about. Other people worried about it - not me. I was a basketball playin’, baseball playin’, hikin’, sometimes hyper, always active teenager. When hunting season rolled around, I went hunting without thought of whether I was in shape for it or not. Now, with this one post, Cory brought my world tumbling down around me.
Generally, I’ve continued to hunt the rough and rugged country that I’ve always hunted, and this led me to figure that I still don’t have a problem with being in shape. But when Cory asked what happens when a bull rounds up his cows and leaves - I realized that for the last few years, that has meant game over for me. I’ve gone off and started searching for another bull, because I reasoned with myself that there is no way a human can catch up to a bull. Which is sound reasoning, except that the fact is, that bull probably won’t be going far - and a human can, in fact, get on what Cory calls, a “level playing field” with the bull. I read a lot of Cameron Hanes’ blogs and books because he is at the extreme end of the spectrum. If ever there was a guy that would think he could out distance an elk - and make people believe - this is the guy. But, in reality, I’ve grown up hunting a lot of the country he hunts. I’ve likely bivouacked, near some of the places he’s bivouacked - and I’m in no way saying that I’m in the kind of shape he’s in. Not even close - but mentally, I think I’ve still got it. Or had it. But deep down, I realize, that I don’t hunt the way I used to. I am slower in getting places. I consider things I never used to consider, such as “is it worth it to hike all the way around this ridge to get to that bull, or could I just try to sneak up this little path in plain sight of the bull?” I try taking shortcuts where I never would have considered shortcuts before. And as each year passes, and my waistline expands year by year, I’m beginning to understand that something needs to happen - and soon. This topic seems to be making the rounds, lately, as I remember reading this blog about getting prepared for the upcoming hunting season from another Oregonian recently. A recent post at Blessed Crazy Life was about setting goals - and now I have a reason to set a goal. I didn’t realize how much I miss the days of hunting the way I used to hunt. I miss thinking that there is no place I can’t go - and no place I’m afraid to go. That’s not to say I’ve been hunting easy country the last few years, but I’ll admit to more than once looking into a canyon and deciding, “Ain’t no way I’m going down into that thing. Probably no elk down there, anyways.” But no more. I resolve to begin exercising. I no longer want to be confined by lungs that are 4 years removed from a very active lifestyle - and the greatest part of all, I don’t have to be. I know that age takes its toll on everybody, but the saying that you’re only as old as you feel is not good for a 25 year old that feels…well, out of not wanting to offend anyone - I’ll just say, older than 25. Much older. I know my dad has slowed down the last few years and that is something I never thought I’d see - but he’s still going places most 60 year old folks wouldn’t even think of going. For a 25 year old to be slowing down is inexcusable - I should be at the peak of my abilities - and by this hunting season that’s just where I plan to be.
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I use to be in really good shape. I played softball and volleyball for years. As we age some of our priorities change and exercise sometimes ends up being last on our list. Then you realize there’s just no time in the day. I guess that’s my excuse.
I’m with Hunter’s Wife. I lost a bunch of weight a few years ago, and then marriage came and a bunch of it came back.
I think I’m with ou though. It is time for change.
I am on the same quest as you Tom, I have been trying to get in shape for the upcoming hunting season as well. It is hard work, but I know that if I have more energy I will be a better hunter.
Reading this post made me realize that I hunt differently now as well. I take shortcuts and I think about consequences before I hike somewhere. It really messes up the hunter’s instinct to not go where you feel you should, because you don’t want to hike up a certain hill. I am 26 and I agree, I am way too young to be out of shape and slowing down.
Here is to us getting in shape and enjoying the prime of our lives Tom!
yep, that is another thing I’m working on - I’ve started walking again, it isn’t much - but it’s a start!
The Reaper has been standing over your shoulder all along… you’re only now starting to feel his breath. You’re realizing your mortality. Psychologists will tell you it’s a natural part of aging, so don’t sweat it.
In the meantime, those “shortcuts” and “second thoughts” are all part of growing wiser. You don’t HAVE to chase that elk for 20 miles, especially if there’s a good chance there’s another one in the next canyon. And you know too, if you don’t kill that big bull, nobody’s gonna starve…. tends to reduce the motivation a little.