Seniors Can Do It Too

When I was in high school and hunting everything from pheasants to deer, I knew that hunting was going to be a big part of my life. Initially, deer hunting consumed most of my leisure time, but soon other big game became my primary hunting dream. I was reading everything about big game from Canadian sheep hunting to African safaris and my favorite dream hunts were for sheep, moose, and caribou. Two years out of high school when I had a good job, I found the names of outfitters in the only place that existed back then to look for them-the ads in the back of Outdoor Life and Field & Stream. I wrote a letter to a British Columbia outfitter and asked him how much it would cost to hunt sheep, moose, and caribou on a combo hunt. Several weeks later the outfitter answered my letter, but the prices were well out of my reach.

As the years rambled on, I always had those hunts in the back of my mind. Meanwhile, I hunted mulies and whitetail in the States, but it just didn’t fuel the fire I had for hunting in BC for truly big game. When I began approaching retirement age, I decided to give moose hunting a try and started looking for an outfitter. I investigated several operations, but one kept coming up as a gem of what I was looking for. That’s when I chose Brad and Lori Bowden of Cariboo Mountain Outfitters–and what a great choice it was! Brad promised 100 percent effort and near 100 percent record at showing his clients a legal bull. His additional promise of a warm bed, hot shower, and great food along with his all-out daily effort sure hit home for an old timer like me. It wasn’t long after talking to Brad that I booked the hunt, and soon after that I was on my way.

The flight from Minnesota to Vancouver and then on to Quesnel went without a hitch. Brad was at the Quesnel airport to pick me up as planned. His truck was loaded with a four-wheeler in the back and his jet boat hooked up behind. We were on our way to Cariboo Mountain Outfitters’ north hunting area. Brad’s hunts in his north area were set up so we could hunt by boat on the river system or truck/ATV in the mountain area, utilizing whichever area was seeing the most rutting activity. Hunting the same area was another hunter, Brian, from BC whose guide was Ian, and my guide was Brad, himself. We hunted hard the first few days on the river and in the high country. We were seeing moose but just one bull, a 3-year-old. Brad kept telling us to be patient, the rut was only a day or two away and the activity was about to begin in earnest.

On day four in the high-country, Brian and Ian managed to score on a 40-inch plus bull with a great shot from Brian’s 7mm, after Ian called the bull in.

On day six Brad suggested that we hit the river again. Brad knew many little “honey holes” on the river from many successful bull encounters during his days of guiding. At daylight we tried a spot on an island, with Brad calling toward the shore where we would have a good view of any prowling bull. Nothing answered so we hustled up and got to our second calling spot on a small lake on the river system. After Brad’s first cow call in that new location, a bull grunted directly across the lake from us. He was headed our way but would have to swim the whole lake to get to us and I had my doubts that he would make the trek. But leave it to Brad, who said he would pull him across the lake and right into our laps. And man did his plan work great! The bull started on the far shoreline at about 300 yards and slowly came across the lake, grunting every few steps, as Brad cow-called him into range. The bull was all lit up when he came out of the lake near us, leaving just a 65-yard shot. The first shot was a good one, but it took two more to put him down for good.

We gave all the usual high fives and handshakes and to say I was a happy camper would be an understatement A special thanks to Brian and Brad who were ranging the bull across the lake and taking videos of the action. With Brad’s gear, including winches and ropes, and his knowledge, we had the bull out near the boat in about an hour. We then quartered and loaded him on the boat. Total time was about two and a half hours. It pays to have an organized outfitter and his equipment to do the heavy lifting! I want to let the older portion of the population from age 60 to 90 know that these hunts are not physically out of reach for most of us. I am 66 years old and counting on going on another moose hunt in BC next year, and probably each year after until I cannot physically do it. Brian, my hunting partner was in his early70s and was in even better shape than I was.

Brad and Lori have many senior clients, and believe it or not, even a few that are over 90 years of age. So, if you want to get that great feeling of accomplishment again or are still dreaming of a hunt that you always wanted to go on, get into the swing of exercising a little and contact a good outfitter. Keep in mind that 80 may be the new 70 and you may have more than just one hunt in front of you!I can fully recommend Brad and Lori Bowden’s Cariboo Mountain Outfitters in Quesnel, BC. Brad has been guiding and outfitting for more than 40 years and has everything needed for a fantastic hunt including three different guide areas. He has great assistant guides and guides many of his guests himself. Lori is a great cook and organizer around camp. She is the Swiss Army knife around the main camp and complex.

My advice for seniors and all other hunters looking to get that great hunting feeling back, is to start the journey now for next year. It takes a lot of planning to get ready and that’s part of the exhilaration. Don’t be scared to call your choice of outfitters and talk to them several times to get started on possibly the best hunt of your life! Like Brad says, “You need a purpose in life to stay young.”