Getting older—or dealing with bad knees, hips or backs—doesn’t mean your hunting days are over. Hunt Nation offers senior-friendly and mobility-friendly hunting adventures across North America and around the world, including hunts with vehicle access, ATV-accessible blinds, permanent shooting houses and very little walking.
Let’s face it: none of us are getting any younger. Each year, the hills seem to get a little higher, the mountains a little steeper and those long hikes a little less appealing.
For some hunters, age isn’t the issue at all. Knee replacements, bad hips, back problems, previous injuries or other mobility limitations can make a physically demanding hunt difficult—or simply take some of the enjoyment out of the experience.
But that doesn’t mean your hunting days are behind you.
Hunt Nation works with hundreds of outfitters around the world, and many of the adventures we offer can be tailored specifically for older hunters and hunters with limited mobility.
In fact, many of the following hunts were personally selected by Hunt Nation founder Butch Manasse, who is still going strong at 83 years young!
The key is choosing the right hunt and the right outfitter.
Here are eight Hunt Nation adventures that deserve serious consideration.
Wyoming #235 – Mobility-Friendly Pronghorn Antelope Hunting
Pronghorn hunting can be an excellent choice for an older hunter who wants an exciting Western big-game hunt without spending days climbing mountains.
[Wyoming Pronghorn Antelope Hunt #235]
With a large antelope population, this Wyoming hunt offers considerable flexibility in how the hunt is conducted.
Depending upon the hunter’s physical abilities and preferences, hunting can include blinds or spot-and-stalk techniques. In the right situation, shots can sometimes be taken within mere feet of the vehicle.
That flexibility makes Wyoming pronghorn a particularly attractive option for hunters who still want a classic Western hunting experience but need to limit strenuous walking.
Why senior and mobility-limited hunters should consider it:
- Large antelope population
- Hunting methods can be adapted to the hunter
- Vehicle-assisted hunting opportunities
- Potential for very limited walking
- Classic Western big-game experience
Florida #89 – Year-Round Exotic, Hog and Alligator Hunts
Hunters looking for maximum accessibility should take a close look at [Florida Exotic, Hog & Alligator Hunt #89].
This large, fenced hunting preserve can accommodate hunters of virtually any age and offers hunting opportunities throughout the year.
Florida also has an obvious advantage during the winter months: while much of the country is dealing with snow, ice and freezing temperatures, Florida can offer much more comfortable hunting conditions.
Depending upon the hunter’s interests, opportunities include exotic species, hogs and alligators.
It’s also an excellent choice when traveling with a spouse or family members who may not hunt, because numerous non-hunting activities are available nearby.
Why it’s a great accessible hunting option:
- Accommodates hunters of virtually any age
- Year-round hunting opportunities
- Multiple species available
- Warm-weather winter destination
- Nearby activities for non-hunting companions
Alberta #286 – Black Bear Hunting From Baited Blinds
A spring black bear hunt is another excellent choice for hunters who want a genuine wilderness hunting experience without extensive hiking.
[Alberta Black Bear Hunt #286]
Most spring—and some fall—black bear hunts are conducted from blinds overlooking established bait stations.
Even better for hunters with mobility limitations, many blind locations can be accessed by ATV right to the blind.
That means a hunter can experience the excitement of an Alberta black bear hunt without hiking miles through rugged country.
Hunt Nation also offers similar baited black bear hunting opportunities in Alaska, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Idaho and Maine, giving us considerable flexibility in matching a hunter’s physical capabilities, travel preferences and budget with the appropriate outfitter.
Ontario #345 – Accessible Whitetail Deer Hunting
Few types of big-game hunting lend themselves to hunters with limited mobility as naturally as whitetail hunting from established blinds.
[Ontario Trophy Whitetail Hunt #345]
Most whitetail operations conduct a substantial portion of their hunting from blinds, and many blind locations can be reached by ATV.
Once you’re there, the hunting is largely a matter of patience.
For someone who can no longer comfortably hike mountains or spend hours walking uneven terrain, this can provide an opportunity to continue pursuing quality big game without giving up the excitement of the hunt.
Hunt Nation also offers guided whitetail hunting opportunities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Idaho and Texas.
That variety is important because no two hunters have exactly the same limitations.
Our job is to help find the hunt that fits the hunter—not force the hunter to fit the hunt.
Colorado #376 – An Exceptionally Accessible Elk Hunt
For someone who has dreamed of hunting elk but is concerned about the physical demands normally associated with an elk hunt, [Colorado Bull & Cow Elk Hunt #376] is one of the most unusual options we offer.
These hunts take place on a private Colorado ranch using specially constructed permanent shooting houses positioned to take advantage of elk migrating through the property.
And when we say accessible, we mean accessible.
You can drive directly to the front door of the shooting house.
Once there, you can hunt, eat and sleep in the same location.
When an elk is taken, ranch staff can even assist with game retrieval.
For the right hunter, this can provide an opportunity to experience an elk hunt that might otherwise seem physically impossible.
Why this hunt stands out
Very few elk hunts combine:
- Private-ranch hunting
- Permanent shooting houses
- Drive-up access
- Minimal walking
- On-site sleeping and eating
- Assistance retrieving harvested game
If mobility has been keeping you from planning another elk hunt, Colorado #376 is one we would strongly consider discussing with a Hunt Nation consultant.
Argentina #290 – High-Volume Dove, Duck and Pigeon Hunting
Every serious wingshooter should experience Argentina at least once.
And fortunately, you don’t need to be an endurance athlete to do it.
[Argentina Wingshooting Hunt #290]
Argentina is famous for its extraordinary bird populations, including doves by the millions, along with abundant ducks and pigeons.
These hunts are typically conducted from blinds that can be accessed by vehicle, which means very little walking may be required.
That combination of tremendous shooting and relatively low physical demands makes Argentina one of our favorite international recommendations for older hunters and hunters dealing with mobility limitations.
Hunt Nation also offers similar waterfowl opportunities in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Texas, along with dove hunting in Texas.
Texas #353 – Accessible Exotic Hunting in the Texas Hill Country
Another extremely versatile option is [Texas Hill Country Exotic Hunt #353].
This family-run, fenced hunting preserve offers an impressive variety of exotic species from around the world, along with native Texas game.
Depending upon availability, hunters can pursue species such as:
Aoudad, axis deer, sika deer, blackbuck, fallow deer, whitetail and wild hogs.
One of the major advantages for a mobility-impaired hunter is transportation around the property.
Safari vehicles are used to travel around the ranch, dramatically reducing the amount of walking necessary to hunt.
It’s an especially good choice for someone who wants a relaxed hunting experience with multiple species possibilities rather than committing to a physically demanding mountain hunt.
Kansas #255 – Guided Turkey Hunting From Blinds
Turkey hunting doesn’t necessarily have to involve covering miles of ground chasing gobblers.
[Kansas Guided Turkey Hunt #255]
These guided hunts can be conducted from blinds, substantially reducing the amount of walking required.
Baiting is also legal in certain jurisdictions, which can be especially useful when birds aren’t cooperating with traditional calling techniques.
For an older hunter—or someone with knee, hip or back issues—a carefully selected blind location can turn turkey hunting into a very manageable spring adventure.
Hunt Nation also offers guided turkey hunts in Nebraska, Wyoming, Texas and Florida, allowing our consultants to recommend the destination best suited to the individual hunter.
Limited Mobility Doesn’t Have to Mean Limited Hunting
One of the biggest mistakes an older hunter can make is assuming:
“I just can’t do these hunts anymore.”
Maybe you can’t hunt exactly the same way you did 25 years ago.
That’s different from not being able to hunt.
The important thing is being realistic about your physical abilities and choosing an outfitter who understands them before you arrive in camp.
At Hunt Nation, we can discuss factors such as walking distance, terrain, stairs, blind access, ATV or vehicle access, lodging arrangements, shooting positions and game-retrieval assistance before recommending an adventure.
And that’s one of the advantages of working with an experienced booking agency rather than simply finding an outfitter on the internet.
Tell Us What You Can—and Can’t—Comfortably Do
Don’t be embarrassed to tell us that you can’t walk a mile, climb steep hills or sit on the ground anymore.
We need to know.
If you can comfortably walk 200 yards, tell us.
If you need to hunt within 50 yards of a vehicle, tell us.
If stairs are a problem, tell us.
If you need an ATV to reach your blind, tell us.
Our goal isn’t simply to book you on a hunt.
It’s to help put you on the right hunt.
With hundreds of hunting adventures available through Hunt Nation, chances are very good that we can find an opportunity that matches your interests, budget and physical capabilities.
And if Hunt Nation’s 83-year-young founder is still thinking about his next hunting adventure, maybe you should be too.
Ready to Start Planning?
Contact Hunt Nation and tell one of our consultants what you’d like to hunt and what mobility considerations we need to take into account.
We’ll help identify hunting opportunities that allow you to keep doing what you love—without turning the trip into a physical endurance test.