The Stalkers Path

bogtrotter

Well-Known Member
Having spent sometime considering my future, I decided to retire,so after the last shoot of the season on Saturday, I became to all intents and purposes retired.

This was not an easy decision, and not one that I had intended to make , at least not yet.
however my health has not been great for sometime, suffering two heart attacks just after the end of the stag season in 2010.

Did carry on stalking during the 2011 season but realised that I was no longer fit enough,not the actual stalking I could still walk on the hill, but dragging and lifting stags was just becoming to much.
In the larder even with the use of an electric hoist the final lift of the gambrel on to the rail would bring on an angina attack, when handling big stags.

Since that time I been diagnosed as diabetic with all the associated problems, eyes feet, and an immune system that's compromised, the signs have been there for sometime but I just put them down to getting older, infections that I could not throw off , and what I thought was just normal declining eyesight, always used to shoot on six times magnification, then up to seven and now eight times tests show some damage to my eyes through being diabetic, however if I can get my blood sugar levels down to normal then I may be lucky enough to prevent further damage.

Though officially retiring I am not stopping completely, at least not yet still going to be running a wild bird shoot, and roe stalking with regular clients, and will maybe do a bit of loading at the grouse.

Regardless of where I am physically , my thoughts will always be in the wild places among the misty corries ,brooding lochans and rushing burns ,where I have always felt most at home.

I have not get quite reached the end of the stalkers path, but it's close now I can see it .
 
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A sensible decision. But there`s still places to go things to do,
just have to take it steady at your own pace.

I wont be climbing any Munroes or dragging a stag 2 miles any more.
but I can still manage a Roe deer, and hunt the low ground and woods
for a few years yet I hope.

Take care and enjoy the path and give thanks for choosing the one less trodden by.
 
Choose your path carefully and take time to enjoy the scenery, and wishing you a nice long path.
 
As the old characters fade away they never seem to be replaced.Just as yourself its upsetting to see some of the old shooters with plenty of knowledge that I know, unable to stalk. The only good thing that comes out of it is the tales they can tell, and its great to listen.
 
Boggy enjoy the time with your feet up. You have been a credit and ambasador to our sport. I am fortunate to know you personally for many years. And thank you for the teachings I recieved from yourself. from starting beating at Strathord to working with you at Keir.


Nutty
 
Good luck on your "retirement" . Does this mean that you will have more time to pass on wisdom and your vivid accounts to whet the appetite :thumb:
 
Bogtrotter, your vast experienced and knowledge has always been welcome by stalkers new and experienced on this forum, please continue with your input and may I wish you happiness in your retirement.

Best.
 
Having spent sometime considering my future, I decided to retire,so after the last shoot of the season on Saturday, I became to all intents and purposes retired.

This was not an easy decision, and not one that I had intended to make , at least not yet.
however my health has not been great for sometime, suffering two heart attacks just after the end of the stag season in 2010.

Did carry on stalking during the 2011 season but realised that I was no longer fit enough,not the actual stalking I could still walk on the hill, but dragging and lifting stags was just becoming to much.
In the larder even with the use of an electric hoist the final lift of the gambrel on to the rail would bring on an angina attack, when handling big stags.

Since that time I been diagnosed as diabetic with all the associated problems, eyes feet, and an immune system that's compromised, the signs have been there for sometime but I just put them down to getting older, infections that I could not throw off , and what I thought was just normal declining eyesight, always used to shoot on six times magnification, then up to seven and now eight times tests show some damage to my eyes through being diabetic, however if I can get my blood sugar levels down to normal then I may be lucky enough to prevent further damage.

Though officially retiring I am not stopping completely, at least not yet still going to be running a wild bird shoot, and roe stalking with regular clients, and will maybe do a bit of loading at the grouse.

Regardless of where I am physically , my thoughts will always be in the wild places among the misty corries ,brooding lochans and rushing burns ,where I have always felt most at home.

I have not get quite reached the end of the stalkers path, but it's close now I can see it .

You need say no more. Understood and with total respect.

All the best

K
 
Bogtrotter - Your threads sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience have always been enjoyed by a great many on here.
I can fully understand where you are coming from and why you have taken the decision to walk a different/less demanding and less stressful path in life.
Whatever path you now chose to walk I wish you great happiness in your "retirement"!
 
Boggy, I hope you still remain a valued member of this site. Without professional stalkers and their words of wisdom the site would not be what it is and I personally wish you well in your retirement.
I look forward to more interesting posts from you and hope your health issues stabilise and you continue to enjoy life and the places that have been a big part of your life. This coming year will be my 30th in the highlands without fail, and if you are ever up my way during October, please drop by for a we dram and a chat.

You would be most welcome.
 
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