America’s Oldest Hunter Bags Third Deer of the Season at 104 Years Old

by
posted on December 27, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
104yearoldhunter_lead.jpg
Mike Roberts via The Roanoke Times

By all accounts, Clyde Roberts of Evington, Virginia, with 104 years under his belt, is the oldest active hunter in the country. According to The Roanoke Times, he has already taken three deer during the 2017 season—an accomplishment any hunter, regardless of age, should be proud of.

While most assume Roberts is a lifelong hunter who can’t seem to take himself out of the woods he’s always loved, the truth is that Roberts is a late bloomer when it comes to hunting, having begun his journey after retirement at the age of 65. According to OutdoorHub, Roberts began his hunting career 40 years ago as a way to pass the extra time retirement afforded him, and with a  rifle purchased by his son Mike, Roberts has failed to notch his tag only once, after an injury in his early 90s kept him out of the woods.

As if his age alone doesn’t set him apart, Roberts tagged three deertwo does and a very respectable 8-point buck during the 2017 Virginia season; a feat, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, only 6 percent of the state’s hunters accomplish. On his latest hunt, with his son Mike by his side, Roberts was loaded for bear holding a .270 when a few does appeared. When Clyde spotted a buck, Mike grunted to stop him, and the .270 echoed through the wood, cartwheeling the big 8-pointer.

Congratulations to Clyde Roberts on another successful season, and best wishes in the seasons to come. His recent 8-pointer marks the 11th deer he has taken since turning 100 years of age!

Latest

Pronghorn In A Meadow
Pronghorn In A Meadow

Early-Start Big-Game Hunts

With whitetail populations in some areas exceeding management goals, many states are offering special seasons, extra tags, and other incentives to entice hunters to get out there early and more often. States also offer early opportunities for many other big-game species; in fact, there are so many opportunities that it can be difficult to even keep up with your own state, whereas early seasons across state boundaries can easily be missed out on.

Shell Shock Technologies Announces .50 BMG NAS³ Case

Shell Shock Technologies has announced the completion of independent live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS3 case, with results confirming velocity and performance advantages over standard brass at standard operating pressures.

Member's Hunt: First Pheasant with the Old Gun

Meet Connor Dietrich. Connor is a 13-year-old honor student, football player and band member from Quincy, Ill. He is, for his age, a veteran hunter and angler. This year, he had his first pheasant hunt, and it was one to remember.

New for 2026: Bear & Son 537L Small Locking Farmhand

Bear & Son Cutlery has introduced the 537L Small Locking Farmhand, a compact EDC pocketknife designed for everyday performance.

Wilson Combat Unveils America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat is proud to introduce the America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series, a special commemorative lineup of custom 1911 pistols created to honor the 250th anniversary of American independence.

An Account of Africa

Our man traveled to South Africa with a Bergara rifle bent on business.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.