Turning 50. What type of hunt to celebrte?

[Philos]

50-I guess that is correct...my birth certificate indicates such-hard to believe. Anyway, I am thinking of an guided elk hunt or maybe even a dall sheep hunt. This is for next fall-2013.

I am looking for suggestion from my fellow Kifaruians of middle aged wisdom. I plan on turning 50 only once.

philos

[Sawtooth]

The hardest one you can handle, whatever that may be. Challenge yourself and set goals, because as you said, you only turn 50 once. I'll be 50 next year and I plan to do the same. I also have a traverse of the Sawtooth planned from Mt. Bierstadt over to Mt. Evans, down to Abyss Lake to catch a few cutts, and then back up to the summit of Bierstadt. I'll have to wait until around Independence Day for that one. I'll probably do it again when I'm 51...;)

That ain't middle aged wisdom, because you'll get advice from guys a lot older than I.

[falcon]

You will be doing all sorts of hunting from here on out if you're 50 is anything like mine. Hunting for keys and glasses and gear you put someplace special so you would remember right where it's at.

Seems like all my hunts anymore are for enjoying friendships and making moments that last in heart and mind. Challenge is good, when you're resting from part of said challenge , well that's a good time for reflection on God's goodness and beautiful artwork He is sharing with you.

Have a good one and post the story and some pics for us.

[VernAK]

Many claim dall sheep hunts require a young man's legs and an old man's wallet......perhaps you have the right blend at 50!

I just finished my last dall sheep hunt at 70 and 50 would be better, no doubt. At 70, I took the first legal one but if I had been 50, I may have checked out that other ram that went over the ridge.

[Philos]

I had also thought about a Shiras Moose hunt-maybe archery hunt. I only have about 6 prefernce points in Wy. so I am guessing that would be quite difficult

[Kmassaro]

My next birthday will be 56. Where did my misspent youth, and equally misspent adulthood, go?

That being said, I'll make a suggestion or two. Number one, if you have the time, would be Africa, a plains game hunt. Number 2, if you have a burning desire to get a dall ram, would be the sheep hunt. Number 3....whatever else you really want to take. Big elk, sure. You have not told us what is important to you....that's really the question, isn't it?

I'm looking at Africa or Argentina next year.....dependent upon travel issues more than anything, in that order.

[robcollins]

My dream is Alaskan moose. $,$$$ - $$,$$$.... One day... Until then, I keep applying for Colorado moose, and keep cashing the refund checks. If moose is on your list, there are other lower 48 states with them.

Vermont's lottery is only $25 for non-residents (no idea on draw stats) http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/hunttrap_lottery.cfm

Minnesota looks like their setup is similar to Colorado, probably takes forever to draw..
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/moose/index.html

Maine might be a better bet, and application deadline is May 14, 2012, so you've got time to get in!

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/lotteries/moose/index.htm

"According to state wildlife biologists, Maine's moose population is estimated at 29,000. For the 2011 season, the overall success rate for all moose seasons (Sept., Oct., and Nov.) was 66%. However, southern Maine moose hunting had a much lower success rate as expected at 22%; this included WMD 22 and 25 that were opened for the first time. The “traditional” Wildlife Management Districts further to the north had an overall success rate of 71%. Hunters killed 2,582 moose out of a possible 3,903 permits issued. "

Didn't look at Canadian hunt possibilities, that could really open things up. Caribou might be cool too.

[snakey2]

Having past 50 my advice would be to hunt the animal/place/way you want to hunt the most. Since you have the time/money/energy I would get that out of the way because you don't know if the stars will align again to allow it. We all hope so but who knows what the future will bring for us so I would get the top on the list done. I roasted a whole pig that I raised and drank myself to oblivion on my 50th then went on a mule deer hunt. Turning 60 this year but have no plans as yet except for eating, drinking and hunting!

[Kmassaro]

Rob, if you draw that Maine moose tag, William Clunie of this MB would be a fine choice for a moose guide.

[bobmn]

Philos: Do the sheep hunt. You are young enough to still enyoy the physical exertion and more importantly your legs are still young enough. You can hunt Africa as an old man if there is still Africa hunting. Botswana just closed government land in 2013 to hunting and is courting the photo safari crowd. Check out New Zealand for thar and chamois. In another few years you will not have the legs for the South Island. In your old age you can still hunt moose and elk if you have kids or take a nephew as a packer.

[robcollins]

Rob, if you draw that Maine moose tag, William Clunie of this MB would be a fine choice for a moose guide.

Three years, that's my goal... I would LOVE to have a freezer full of moose...

[KurtB]

I'd do sheep or interior grizzly if I had the coin to toss at it. You have a 4 year headstart on me so who knows, maybe a grizz hunt is waiting for my 50th. If not, plenty enjoyable hunting blackies for cheap in Colorado.

[Quirt]

At 50 I'd get a Shiloh Sharps in 50-70 and go to the central plains and find an outfitter who will take you out and live in a Tipi or cabin tent and stalk a Buff'r. Using cross sticks and a big 50 celebrate your 50th in the spirit of our forefathers who really had to hunt. I'd rather do that than snipe an animal from 475 yards with an illuminated 8x scope and a high powered flat shooting cartridge. The older I get the more I celebrate and appreciate my grandfathers ways which he taught me when he was 50 and I was a snot nose know it all who needed every technological gimmick. He had skill and class. I'm selling off all my high powered optically equipped rifles and now hunting with a Sharps or muzzleloader and enjoying hunting more now than ever before. Something to ponder.