So 3 years ago I was guiding a sheep hunter and we climbed up into this pass and for some reason this green steep hillside was full of what I call snotweed. Every three or four yards I was falling on my butt, swearing like a sailor. Covered a fair amount of ground searching for a legal ram. Got above a group, but nobody was legal. On the way down without half a sheep in my pack my hips were killing me. I decided then and there I was too old for this crap. However I took a year off. The next year I spent 4 or 5 days showing the young new guide how to get around the area to help him out. I did way better than the hunter who was my age. The ankle which I had to wrapped for years didn't bother me and I felt pretty good, although I didn't do any serious climbs. This year I say; What the heck and have my boss book me a hunt in an easier area that I had let all the new guides have for about a decade. I'm definitely a lot slower, the pain was manageable and I was able to pack my half of the sheep out in a reasonable amount of time. I actually I got around pretty good. My bad ankle did not bother me or my hips were not screaming at me. Since both the hunter and I were geriatrics we took break days to recover from a rough outing day.

What I'm saying is maybe you just need a recovery break and learn to go at things at a new pace your body can handle

You might just need to turn the "page" and read a new chapter

It's a tough decision, I can still work on the boat at 69, but knees, arthritis, and constant nagging pain, takes the fun out of things... Haven't been to my hunting camp in 3 years, my son moved to Texas and won't be back or I would have given him the property, my wife finally convinced me to sell the property, and it's breaking my heart, but I can't climb that mountain or walk on uneven ground anymore.

Some guys break down faster then others, attitude will only get you so far, You do what you can do. I had a good run, too bad the body wore out...lol

Reading this thread has made me realize how lucky I am to be able to still run traps, do a lot of walking and work hard. So thanks for that. At 54, it certainly isn't as easy as it was at 20. But I agree if you lose the drive for some hobby whatever it is, there's no point beating a dead horse
I know of a guy with only one leg who still traps. I guess it's all in how bad you want to do it.

I have lost passion for certain activities. I used to love squirrel hunting. Now I rarely shoot one, and they are right beside my house.
But there's always other things to discover also.

Interesting thread. Sometimes when one things end another thing begins. I think in the end the important thing is staying busy with something.

Can't think of anything I've given up yet at 75 but I don't climb as high when I bow hunt and I don't set as many traps as I once did. I don't ride my bike as far as I used to either. So, rather than giving anything up a person might be able to just step down a few notches and take it a bit easier as you get into those "Golden Years".

I've always prided myself for going into little sht areas that others over look and get a decent deer,turkey,coyote or a handful of coons,same w/ fishing can't expect to catch a 20 pounder in a little creek but strive for the best it has to offer weather it's a 3/4 pounder or a 2 pounder.as I get older these areas are gold mines to me,this evening I was 150 yrds off the road in a little sht area people drive bye, right before dark a nice buck came out between the road and I, I only had to drag it 25 yrds. Are there bigger bucks sure there are but to take this one out of a spot everyone else overlooked. Is priceless to this kid. I don't remember who wrote it but it was a coon trapper and if he had to take over 8-10 steps to set the trap he didn't set. I've went that route as well same for coyote, wet coons are a thing of the past unless they get rained on but I usually unset or pull out before a rain. I try to run all my traps at dark very early morning no one's out you can take your time and try to enjoy what time we got left.

I am younger than many of you but I have lead a hard life and been busted up a lot along the way. Back broken, pelvis in 7 places, both arms, a leg…..you get the idea. I spent my life carrying heavy things up steep hills and don’t regret a minute of it. I no longer set an alarm, I just get up when it hurts too much anymore. I had grand dreams in life but now an evening sit in the deer stand behind the house is enough adventure for me!

I'm only 60 but have health issues , for 10 years , this said i will not give up , I might slow down ,but I will not give up !!!!!!!!

Priorities in life change but the observant soul builds a strong foundation as they go.
Most folks I know, sadly bounce from one thing to another searching for what they have no idea.

If I ever give up trapping, it's because my eyes no longer open.

Blessings,
Mark

The difference between 62 and 66 is noticeable for me. I am still out after stuff but I am more about just being out than what I bring home. It is a lot easier to give now that I am older, less for me and more for others.

What are you wearing to the Prom ? Make sure you get her home on time.

64 here. Retirement starts end of January. Selling house in town and moving to rural Ak. I am deathly afraid of sitting in the easy chair, getting fat, and dying early.
Part of retirement is back to the trapline, which is in wilderness, Ak. Exercise and work will hopefully keep us in shape and extend life. Neither the wife or I have old injuries that plague us in old age. We do have age related aches and pains. Hoping to do the trapline thing for 10 years!

I’ll hang it up when they plant me in the permafrost. Even if it means crawling to 1-2 traps. I look forward to the day when the kids can do the bulk of the trapping and I can cherry pick all the good spots.

For me the reality of losing agility and strength really started showing up about age 70-71. I am nearly 74 now and my shoulders and upper arms and hand strength has dropped off a lot. I walk a lot so legs are strong but agility etc. is really way below a few years ago. My vertigo is showing up more as I age too.

Bryce

I’d say if there’s no joy in it but for sure when you’re a danger to yourself or others when doing something, the sad part is some people don’t realize it until it’s to late.

I was remaking a set tonight. After getting up and down a couple of times it makes a person think. My knees are not what they were years ago. It almost breaks my heart to think that some day I won't be able to trap any more.

I've lost a lot of upper body strength. I remember a time when if I happened to fall I'd bounce off the ground, now I stick. It's like slow motion when I fall but I'm still not fast enough to react to it.