re: Embarrassed about this, but can you start hunting later in life?

Yes you can start later in life. I’m 44 years old and never hunted at all until 2 years ago. A buddy offered to take me on his land and set me up on some of his plots in a box stand. I loved being out there but didn’t kill anything.

A year later I was on his property again and killed a hog while walking the property and hunting with a thermal scope. That was awesome.

I moved away and have been wanting to get more into deer hunting. A buddy here asked if I’d be interested in hunting public land with him. He’s hunted forever and I took him up on the offer. I’m strictly bow hunting public hand this season and have learned a lot from him. I’m going out on my own now and learn more each hunt. I’ve seen over 30 deer this season and bagged my first one this past November. It’s only bucks now in Ohio (after first week in December) so I’m trying to get one before the season ends. I’m in love with the sport.

Once the season ends me and 4 friends are going to do a lot of scouting to learn more and to try to understand the deer patterns for where we hunt. My daughter wants to go also and wants to go on a hunt with me next season. I’m excited to teach her.

TLDR version: it’s never too late. Go with a friend that can show you the ropes. Go often and learn each time you’re in the woods. Scout land before next season starts to learn even more.