When I was growing up, my outdoor experience entailed trekking around for hours at my grandparents farm with either a sling shot or BB gun. Though I enjoyed it immensely then, the memories have been proven to be priceless. Shooting squirrels and some birds was common, but much time was spent plinking cans – and to my grandparents’ chagrin, rain gauges. I couldn’t resist; but I digress. It didn’t take long to graduate to a .22 rifle. When I was promoted to dove and deer hunter around the age of eight, I had arrived. I had been on previous hunts, but this was about the time that I was allowed to handle a single shot 20 gauge and Marlin 30-30 rifle on my own.
I consider myself one of the lucky ones.
We now find ourselves living in a world where young hunters are not being introduced fast enough to offset those that are aging out. It’s really no wonder, as kids these days are exposed to year-around sports and other activities, as well as technological entertainment alternatives beyond belief.
Yes, there are obstacles to our hunting future for sure, but they’re not insurmountable if we’re willing to act. The bottom line is that there are not many things more rewarding than introducing kids and youth to hunting. The summer is the ideal time to plan for fall and winter hunting outings with a young son, daughter, niece, nephew or family friend. In doing so, you of course want it to be as successful as possible. Here are some strategies that can put the odds in your favor.
Plan the Hunt as Early as Possible
As mentioned above, the summer is a perfect time to block off some days for a hunt. You might consider choosing a couple of tentative time slots to avoid the trip falling through. Note that there are often special opportunities for youth hunting offered through state game departments, so research into this on the front end. Further, involve the kid in the planning stage. Including them in gear shopping and scouting can empower them to take ownership of this prospective hobby. These and other practices help to generate excitement before the hunt even starts. Even seasoned hunters will tell you that the anticipation of the hunt continues to be an exciting and impactful part of the overall experience – even after many years in the field.
Teach Hunter Safety and Practice
In most states, youngsters are required to pass a safety course before they can legally hunt. Either way, teach them safety measures and take them out as regularly as possible to practice. It takes time to get comfortable with firearms, so this is paramount. The added benefit is that practice sessions alone are fun. If at all possible, buy or borrow a rifle built for kids – both in size and caliber. Common calibers for youngsters include .223 and .243, but there are others that will also work well. Overly strong recoil can create fear and spoil the initial shooting experience. Ear protection is also a good idea at this formative stage.
Remember Who the Hunt is For
Remember that the initial sitting session doesn’t have to to be particularly long. This is a good chance to emphasize the basics like minimizing movement, sound and weapon safety. However, take additional steps to make it fun and more seamless. Bring snacks, water and reading material. If needed, there is no crime in playing games on your smartphone when the hunting is slow.
Make Them Part of the Gang
If you’re part of a hunting club or lease, include the young hunter in the camaraderie of the hunting camp. The inherent banter, cooking, campfire and overall fellowship is something they will likely want to be a part of now and into the future. After all, this is and will always be a great aspect of the outdoor tradition.
Acknowledge Nature and Other Wildlife
You may be on a deer hunt, but highlight the nature and other animals that visit your line of sight. Providing kids with their own set of binoculars can work wonders. God’s creation holds many wonders – both simple and majestic. I can remember many occasions where my daughters were fascinated with everything from busy squirrels to bugs on the shooting ledge of the blind. Learning a healthy interest in nature and wildlife in general is something that can be enjoyed for their whole life, so don’t only emphasize the animal
being hunted.
Create Comfort
Whether outfitting kids in hand me down or new clothing, make sure that it fits comfortably. You’ll want pants, jackets, gloves and boots to fit properly – especially if it’s cold. Keeping the hands, feet and head warm will go along way toward staying in the stand for prolonged periods of time. Discomfort often results in an early trip back to the truck.
Know When to End the Hunt
If you sense that a youngster has completely lost interest for the day, don’t push them. You never want hunting to be viewed as something to be endured. Hit the house for a good breakfast or dinner or go to the cafe in town – it’s all part of the ritual. Remember that the experience is much more than the hunt itself – and certainly more than whether or not a deer is harvested.
After the Shot
If your special guest is lucky enough to harvest a deer, it’s a great opportunity include them with next steps. Show them how to field dress and/or skin the animal. However, don’t force this on them at this stage. Actively include them in tracking the animal. Ask them how they would like their venison prepared. There is so much to share in addition to squeezing the trigger. If they miss, you’ll no doubt have past examples of hunts where you missed the mark. Share it and emphasize that it’s part of the deal. A little well-placed humor can often help too.
In summary, your goal is to mentor a kid in a way that makes them want to go on subsequent hunts. In doing so, hopefully they will learn to have an appreciation and respect for not only hunting, wildlife and nature, but conservation. So give it your best shot. Our outdoor future depends on it.
