My deer - and bear - hunting days are coming to a close, too. Like you, I can no longer run (or even walk) up and down the mountains. Field dressings become difficult. It's just not the same.
But, I have come to realize I can can still be out there with the guys by being what we affectionately call "the camp b*tch". I can cook, and burn the coffee, and keep a tidy camp. Plus, I can nap comfortably whenever I want! I have a lifetime's worth of gear to cover every need. Might as well use it. Still lots of story telling to do, and it's always fun to watch the green horns show up with a Cabela's showroom full of every gadget, super ammo, camos, optics, knives and the Lord knows what else, drag it out in the field and come back tired and empty handed. . Eventually, they learn to listen, and it's even more fun to see them come back to camp with a filled tag.
Perhaps I can park a lawn chair overlooking a clear cut somewhere and sit with my old 30.06 on my lap and my thermos of coffee and some jerkey and take a nap. That would still be hunting, right? Just as long as they remember to pick me up come sundown.
Your plan is my plan as well……. This season I will hunt on level ground; no hill climbing. I won't shoot anything unless someone else is around to help out.
Camp life is fun. We play cards and BS a lot. We have BB guns to plink with in camp. Many other activities. You see, our hunting camp is a family get together. My brothers and sons and I have many memories from past hunting seasons and we like reliving those moments around the camp fire.
The change in my role as "lead Hunter" has been and is a tough adjustment. We will enjoy our season regardless.