Kid Stuff on the Hunt

Because hunting was once part of our survival and has since become a passionate pursuit of many. And most experienced hunters agree that they never stop learning about their sport. Even more hunters will tell you that the most important lessons they learned came early in their hunting experience.Getting young people involved in hunting is a serious responsibility – but one of the most rewarding aspects of the hunting life. First, be sure the kids are ready – they’ll need a basic level of understanding when it comes to firearms handling and safety. Second, be sure you set them up to succeed. No one enjoys an activity that they feel like they’ve ‘lost’ – so go after plentiful, small game.The biggest tip of all is this: don’t hunt. Your job is to watch, guide and encourage the kids you’re hunting with – not bag more squirrels or rabbits than they can. So keep your eyes on the kids, and be sure their eyes are on the prize. If they’re sloppy with their weapon handling, take the gun away. If they’re disappointed by missed shots, encourage them and find more action. And always be sure they know that real success of hunting isn’t what’s in the bag at the end of the day – it’s the knowledge, the memories and the experience we gain being in the field.