356
5 year old buck +
As this is a Habitat forum, I wanted to share of an initiative that comes with a challenge--taking seniors hunting. The ministry I oversee has been blessed with some great press of late, including Bass Pro Shops, The Conservationist Magazine and Quality Whitetails for our senior deer hunts. What is not mentioned in the articles are the countless hours of volunteers doing habitat improvement.
In 2022 we started the senior hunts at three locations. Time did not allow for habitat work, and over the course of three hunts, 11 senior hunters saw 7 deer. This year, just the first hunt resulted in 15 deer sightings (including one attempted harvest of a deer and another of a turkey using crossbows). What changed? Habitat improvement. The most impactful has been "bow areas burns" around blind locations. We also did some timber stand improvement and invasive species control, along with late season food plots at two locations we will hunt in December.
These hunts require time, planning and extensive effort, but the results are worth it, as can be seen from this article The Pathway published today. If you know a senior hunter who has not taken to the field for a few years due to the challenges of aging, consider enlisting some help and appropriate accommodations to reactivate them as hunters.
One of the biggest surprises has been the number of first time deer hunters. Among the 20+ seniors afield to date, 30% have never hunted for deer, and 20% have never hunted, period. Everyone involved (participants and volunteers) have enjoyed the experience--hardships and all. Best of all, these seniors are hands-down an effective tool for advocating for hunting and firearms as participants talk to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren about of the experience (which includes enjoying several venison dishes).
I hope you will consider a hunt with someone who has not gone afield recently. Take time to learn from them, and be sure to include a savory dish that includes venison.
In 2022 we started the senior hunts at three locations. Time did not allow for habitat work, and over the course of three hunts, 11 senior hunters saw 7 deer. This year, just the first hunt resulted in 15 deer sightings (including one attempted harvest of a deer and another of a turkey using crossbows). What changed? Habitat improvement. The most impactful has been "bow areas burns" around blind locations. We also did some timber stand improvement and invasive species control, along with late season food plots at two locations we will hunt in December.
These hunts require time, planning and extensive effort, but the results are worth it, as can be seen from this article The Pathway published today. If you know a senior hunter who has not taken to the field for a few years due to the challenges of aging, consider enlisting some help and appropriate accommodations to reactivate them as hunters.
One of the biggest surprises has been the number of first time deer hunters. Among the 20+ seniors afield to date, 30% have never hunted for deer, and 20% have never hunted, period. Everyone involved (participants and volunteers) have enjoyed the experience--hardships and all. Best of all, these seniors are hands-down an effective tool for advocating for hunting and firearms as participants talk to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren about of the experience (which includes enjoying several venison dishes).
I hope you will consider a hunt with someone who has not gone afield recently. Take time to learn from them, and be sure to include a savory dish that includes venison.
