I'm sure this will be a very unpopular opinion, but what's killing it for me is the lack of antlerless permits available in the northern forest zone.
I know what we did in the past was wrong (with 1000s of antlerless permits available up there) but at this point in my life (59) I sure would be happy to just take one reasonably plump doe for the freezer.
I've never been a trophy hunter and I'm not going to claim I need to shoot a deer to survive. But a freezer full of venison does take a bite out of the grocery bill. With much healthier and more delicious meat to boot.
Like other guys have posted, age does take its toll on you and feet and knees and hips and back just can't do things anymore like they did when you were 30. Trust me, one day you're looking in the mirror and you're pushing 60 years old. HTF did that happen.
I liked to old days of Hunters Choice. Bring it up to date and make it one deer and you're done in the northern forest zone. That would work for me.
After this year, I think I might be done.
Forever.
RR