Bedford County, Va. — A 102-year-old man may be the oldest active hunter in Virginia and possibly the entire United States, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Clyde Roberts hunts from a treestand platform in Bedford County. He climbs a 20-foot ladder, on his own, to get to the platform.
“I bought him a rifle when he retired to keep him busy in his retirement years,” Clyde’s 65-year-old son Mike said.
That purchase, made nearly 40 years ago, has paid off and kept Mr. Roberts very active. Recently, Mr. Roberts dropped two deer from the treestand platform.
“About 4:30 p.m. a buck appeared along the woodline and began working a scrape. One of America’s oldest – and perhaps the oldest – active hunters touched off the shot. The buck bounded away but fell after less than 40 yards,” Game and Inland Fisheries officials wrote online. “The following week, Mr. Roberts dropped a mature doe at 144 yards with a perfectly placed shot with his .270. Clyde’s hearing may not be the best but his eyesight is still great! And the smile tells all!”
The department’s Facebook post was liked and shared nearly 10,000 times in two days.
“This man is a true inspiration to all of us who enjoy the outdoors,” a man named Alan posted on Facebook. “He obviously takes care of himself and has been blessed because of it. He has made us all realize we can do it, too!”
“Give this man a medal,” a man named David posted. “This old dude is showing us young guys up. Lol. Getting schooled. Great for him!”
When asked about the secret to his father’s longevity Mike chuckled.
“People ask me that all the time,” he said with a smile. “My father is a very simple person and a devout Christian. He says the secret is ‘hard work and living for the Lord.’”
