10
commandments
on taking
kids hunting
sean curran
G
etting the next generation of hunters into the field should be a top
priority this season for each and every sportsman. If you’re not
already taking a child, please consider it for at least a few hunts this fall.
It’s an investment in the future of our outdoor pursuits and you’ll come to
find out it’s even more rewarding than you can imagine. Here are 10 tips
to keep in mind when you’re planning to take a youth hunting.
1. Safety. This should go without saying, but I’m going to say
it anyway. Safety is first and foremost above everything else. My
children have been taught from an early age there are three rules to
everything we do outdoors – safety first, listen to dad and have fun.
2. Make it fun. Establish the mindset that the day
belongs to the kids and not you. Don’t pressure them into
situations because of your own drive. Let them progress at
their own pace and they’ll take ownership of the situation.
3. weather. Take them out in pleasant conditions. Early
season bow hunts from a ground blind overlooking a field or
mid-October walks through the squirrel woods are perfect ways
to get youth outdoors.
4. patience. Don’t lose it. Children will make noise,
squirm in their chairs and complain. Find ways to guide their
energy while creating teaching moments. Bring along a bird ID
book and see how many types of birds you can find together.
5. snacks. Bring along some snacks and drinks to share
when their attention starts to fade. Let them pick out the snacks
at home or better yet, give them a few bucks to spend on what
they want at the convenience store.
6. more than once. Keep children involved year-round
by taking them into the woods to hang treestands, monitor trail
cameras or look through the trail camera pictures.
7. not for everyone. Don’t put pressure on a child to
take up hunting. Let them come along at their own pace. Even
though they may choose not to hunt, allow them the opportunity to
make that decision. Taking this approach will still leave them with a
favorable impression of hunting and our role in conservation.
WE ARE THE
ALLIANCE.
“BECAUSE WE WANT TO PROTECT HUNTING.”
#IAMTHEALLIANCE
8. discuss. Hunting creates an infinite amount of teaching
moments. Kids are naturally inquisitive so talk through the what,
where, when, why and how’s of hunting, habitat and animals.
9. participate. Letting kids play a role in the experience
makes them feel like part of the team and promotes active learning.
Let them get decoys out of the bag or pick the hunting spot.
10. timing. Keep your youth hunts short in duration,
maximized with activity and tailored to the individual. Just like
training a good retriever, you always want to finish on a positive
note. Find that happy medium of just before they’re too tired
and bored, yet still left wanting more!
Jen O’Hara, Norissa Harman
9
SPORTSMEN’S MONTHLY
October 2015
Founders of Girls With Guns Clothing
Hosts of Universal Huntress TV