As you get older, or if you’ve been injured, it might be difficult to get around. This is especially true when the terrain is uneven or hard to maneuver through. Matters are made worse when you’re required to move in a slow, careful fashion while considering the terrain, trying to minimize the noise while making your way to your blind, or while still hunting. The question is asked, can you continue to hunt if you have problems getting around? In this article, we cover this touchy subject to see how we can help some less ably-footed hunters.
Is Hunting Over When You Have Mobility Issues?
First, you must honestly assess what the issues are and how they manifest themselves.
For instance, have you had a hip replacement that has left you with an uneven walk where you shift from side to side when you move around? Does it make staying on one path harder to achieve now?
Alternatively, are you having problems with lying prone on the ground or crouching to dodgy knees, yet have steady hands when holding a bow or crossbow?
Once you’ve taken a serious look at the limitations to your motor skills and balance, it’s time to assess what you’re still able to do. Considering everything, your hunting season might not be over, but you may need to accept some changes.
What Hunting Terrain is Best for You Now?
It doesn’t matter what your favorite hunting grounds were and where you could get permitted for hunting; it only now matters which ones are viable for you to hunt in. If you’re unsteady on your feet, have balance issues or unable to walk safely on level ground, it is obvious hunting hilly or significantly uneven terrain must be ruled out, unless you have transportation to your blind and help.
There are going to be places that will be flatter and considerably easier to walk. Joining hunting parties is going to be a good fit when you’re among friends who can help you. If purchasing and participating in a commercial hunting trip, then discuss with the organizers about your specific issues to discover the literal lay of the land. Even if you can only participate in half the day that’s over flatter land, that’s still more than you may be doing currently.
Using a Hunting Blind
The idea is to use one of the Ambush hunting blinds to hunt from the comfort of a covered position. Most of us are, but If you’re not familiar with hunting blinds, these are small shelters or cabins where you have an unobstructed view allowing you to see and shoot in different directions. There are access points to line up a shot from the inside using a bow, a crossbow or rifle.
Using a blind, you can stay warm and comfortable, which certainly helps with aching bones that don’t do well in the cold. It is much more comfortable sitting in a blind where you can move, watch the terrain and when ready, aim and shoot without being seen by game. Blinds help make the day’s hunt more pleasant and less strenuous.
It’s good to know that just because you’re not as stable on your feet as you once were, hunting as a pastime is not completely ruled out. Now you just need to pick the best place for your next hunting adventure.
