A bit of my background

Mtn_Infantry said:

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your health conditions. If Africa is something you want to do, there might still be a couple options for you, just be very up front with the outfitters.

While I don’t know your health challenges, I do know there are lots of African outfitters well versed in handling hunters of all ages and medical challenges. Many outfitters keep AED’s on hand due to the avg age of their clients being in their 60’s and 70’s. Both Namibia and South Africa are likely your pest options, and also have some top medical facilities readily available. I personally know three hunters who suffered heart attacks/strokes in the last 12-18mo while hunting in Africa. The toughest part for many is typically the travel.

As an example, there are a few outfitters with tracked wheelchairs for wheelchair bound or mobility impaired hunters. I also know of a Zim Outfitter who made a sedan chair and hired a bunch of locals to carry it and extra PH or two in order to elephant hunt an 80year old hunter who used a walking aid.

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tarbe said:

Thanks for making us all think a bit on our temporary abilities.

Even our memories fade though. I might argue it is what we do for others that lasts. I think you have figured that out!!

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Mooselodge said:

Mtn Infantry
Many thanks for your suggestions. If I had just a mobility problem you are correct. A few different ways to handle that. I have a serious vestibular problem also but canes and sticks deal with that.
The brain changes in different ways with “Old Timers Disease” not just memory.
Reaction time
Decision making time
Lack of short term recall like Instructions from a PH or buddy for that matter

All of these relate to safety issues in my mind and are a No Go for any hunt , anywhere today .

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Rimbaud said:

Your post moved me, as I am sure it has many other members. What you shared reminded me of a line from Out of Africa in which Karen Blixen, the heroine and author of the book, remarked that she was a mental traveler. Perhaps, my friend, you can watch some of the wonderful movies made of Africa, some hunting shows, and dry fire one of your rifles at the bufs, and lions, and many other animals that will move across the screen. Gather your family for movie/hunt night. Make it a party. Have fun. Shoot straight. Out of Africa is a wonderful film, and I’m sure that our members have other recommendations, too. From what you shared, it seems that you have lived a full life. Thank you for sharing some of your story.

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Mooselodge said:

Rimbaud,
I have been blessed with a mind capable of bein immersed in the subject I am reading , like walking , stalking and shootin right next to Capstick, Corbet or Pondoro Taylor. During and after reading a book I believed I was right there in the heat and the dust .
That will do for me . Travel is a major issue for me with all the terminal crowds, long lines, walking from terminal to gate in crowds etc. causes confusion and irritation.
My middle daughter took me to Iceland last February and it was a remarkable trip ( no elephant hunting) but the air travel was traumatic for me,
At work I nearly lived on aircraft ( pre 911) flying all over the US and internationally..
Today if it can’t be driven it’s a no go. Even city driving is beyond me . I have one daughter who lives in Manhattan. When I see her and the grandchildren she sends her driver to Philadelphia to pick me up and bring me back home
Lots of mental changes for the worse. I lived this situation with my father over the last ten years of his life. No Surprises here been there done that !

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