I've been following this thread with interest. My feeling is that it's not really a young/old thing. When it comes to hunting, people break into two categories. There are "hunters" and people who "go hunting".
Take a look at your average hunting camp out there. You might find 3 or 4 real hunters in a group of 12. They might be 21 years old or they might be 70, but they are the guys who are thinking, living, and breathing hunting year round. The bulk of people on this forum would fall into this group, otherwise you wouldn't be here talking about it. The rest of the gang, the guys that "go hunting" are usually just along for the ride. They don't think about it much, just one or two weeks a year at deer or moose camp. You're never going to get the same kind of commitment out of these guys that you would from a true hunter. It's not just camps either. Most of us know a guy or two that will go hunting "if you're going" but never on his own.
If you want commitment, you have to get together with a group of "hunters". These are not the guys who will blow their potential hunting budget for the year on the latest i-phone or the next gaming console. They might have a cell phone, but it's usually a couple of years behind everyone else's. Likely the "free" phone that came with the plan. Their disposable income will be set aside to make sure they have the equipment and money they need to hunt. They've made it a priority. This is true of young and older people alike. I know guys (who consider themselves hunters) much older than me who would rather spend their cash on a faster computer or a better TV than commit to a moose hunting trip. Beware though, if your group consists of all "hunters", everyone has a different opinion on how things should be done. The "go hunting" guys, if you can get them to commit, are a great addition to a group because they go along with the plan.
Even the guys who truly are hunters have to adjust their priorities once in a while. I used to get out every chance I could. Lately, with two kids under 6, getting into the field is a little tougher. Still, I make time for it. I've never missed my week in deer camp, college or high school didn't get in the way of that either. Now, I'm looking to the future and planning for my kids to get into it so I can maximize my time in the bush once again.
