Hunting with Kids

in this more modern age. Hunting is a great way to teach a child about conservationism, being responsible and ethical, our food cycle, and a love of the outdoors and nature.

Mistakes to Avoid

     Taking a child hunting for the first time doesn’t always go as planned though. It can even be hard at times. Patience and understanding being key during these moments will help ensure both child and adult have a fun and joyful experience. Some common mistakes that parents should avoid include:

          Having unrealistic expectations – The focus of a child’s first hunt should be fun and learning, not bagging that trophy buck! Children don’t like to sit still, in uncomfortable conditions for long periods of time. If you want your child to continue wanting to hunt, and to see that “pure face of joy” when hunting is mentioned, you must make their first-time fun! Explain that hunting can be boring at times, and you don’t harvest something every time you go into the woods.

          Doing everything yourself – I’m not saying let your child do it all but to work as a team. Plan your outing together, show your child a map (GPS screen) and talk about the areas you will focus on and explain the reasons why. Let your child pack their bag and lay out all their hunting gear the night before. Letting them prep their gear is a great way to instill self-confidence, and responsibility. Double check it of course, to make sure they are prepared.  

          Expecting your child will shoot – Not all children are the same, some will take to hunting like a duck takes to water, they will take the shot without hesitation. Others may hesitate or not take the shot at all, which is fine! Taking an animal’s life at a young age can be distressing. Explain how hunting is an important part of keeping wildlife population and habitats healthy. Let them know there will always be next time if they wish to hunt! Let them progress at their own pace, do not push them!

          Shaming a child and pushing too hard – Simply don’t do it! There are absolutely zero reasons to shame a child for their reaction to harvesting an animal. Again, all children are different, and emotions will be high. Some may be super excited and happy, some may start out extremely happy and then become sad, others may cry. Everyone of those reactions is perfectly fine!

          Not emphasizing safety – Safety should be your main and top priority and should always be taken seriously. Your child is excited and may forget the things you’ve told them. Calmly reiterate safety rules, and why they are important. It is highly recommended you have hunter orange apparel for you and your child even if not required by law. 

Being Prepared

     Preparing a child for their first hunt includes more than making sure they have all their gear. Preparations should start much earlier in the year or even years before their first hunt. Being comfortable in the woods, understanding firearm safety and proper weapon control, and ensuring they are mentally ready all are important factors.

           Becoming comfortable in the woods – There are a multitude of ways to get a child comfortable in the woods. Shed hunting, Morel Hunting, (Morel Hunting Guide) Scouting together, hiking, (beginners guide to hiking) camping, show them trail cam pics if you have cameras out.

           Firearm Safety – States will offer firearm safety, and hunter education courses at certain ages, but maybe you and your child are ready for their first hunt before they can attend these classes. Start teaching them about firearm safety soon as possible. Weapon orientation, keeping a clean weapon, dirt in the muzzle, be always aware of your surroundings, 100% positive of your target. Taking a child to the range, or target practicing in the backyard with an airsoft rifle are both great ways to teach these lessons.

           Mental preparedness -   Only you and your child will know when they are ready for their first hunt. There is no magic age. (State laws also need to be taken into consideration. You can contact your local DNR with any of these types of questions) Mental preparedness can be achieved by watching hunting videos together, explaining the importance of proper ethical hunting practices, letting them play with old animal calls around the house is another great way to help them be ready for the hunt!

Have a Plan

      This isn’t going to be like your other solo hunts or hunting with friends. Choosing an active wildlife area that includes easy access will help make a fun and enjoyable adventure. Children aren’t known for sitting still and quiet, while deer or turkey hunting are both great and can be a child’s first hunt consider small game for their first outing. Your packing list should include additional items as well.  

           Active Wildlife Area - Many states offer youth hunting days, and these are great ways to get your child out there for the first time. They are usually before the regular season begins and offer you and your child the opportunity to harvest your game before too much human presence in the woods. Increasing the chances of seeing game while hunting will surely put a smile on your child’s face.

           Small Game Hunting – Squirrel and rabbit hunting are two great ways to introduce a child to hunting. They offer the ability to walk around, talk and whisper, explore, and have better chances of harvesting then deer, turkey, or other larger game.

     Childs Packing List – Snacks and drinks are a must. A hungry child will be persistent in letting you know they need food! It can get cold during hunting seasons, handwarmers are a great item to have in the woods. Hunting bags will help carry the extra items and/or small game harvested. Other items to consider (especially if hunting large game) are blinds. Blinds are a great tool to conceal movement if a child becomes squirmy after sitting so long. Blinds also offer other the ability to pack other items to help keep a child’s attention while waiting. I-Spy books, sketch pads, word searches, are all great items to keep boredom to a minimum.

          Safety, Fun, Learning, Preparedness, and Patience  – Remember these 5 things and your chances of having a great adventure full of lifelong awesome memories with your little ones will be greatly enhanced.  

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