One of the best things about hunting is passing on the tradition to the next generation. Hunting with kids might not be the most successful hunt you’ve ever had, but it could very well be the most fun. Here are a few pointers to remember in order to make a kid’s first hunting experience a good one.
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Gear Up
Get a hunting blind large enough to bring the kids along.
Make sure the kids have the right gear to keep them warm and comfortable. Get boots that are the right size for them. Tramping through the woods in adult-sized boots will tire them out fast.
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Bring extra gloves, socks, and other warm gear in case the weather is colder than you expected. Hand warmers and toe warmers provide a quick warm-up after sitting still for so long. You might even want to bring a sleeping bag along for them to wrap up in if it gets too cold.
Pack plenty of activities to keep the kids occupied. Make sure you pack enough water, snacks, books, coloring books, crossword puzzles, and other quiet activities.
Throw in a flashlight, along with a pair of binoculars and a camera. Put all of these items in a small backpack and let the kids carry it to make them feel like they have their own hunting gear.
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Choose a Location
Most hunters find that ground blinds are the best way to introduce kids to hunting. A ground blind provides shelter from the wind and rain, makes the hunt more comfortable, and hides movement when the kids get antsy or excited. It’s also much safer than a tree stand or elevated hunting stand.
Choose a location that typically boasts plenty of action, even if it’s just birds and squirrels. You can’t guarantee that you’ll see game, but do your best to set up in a spot where lots of animals are likely to pass by. Squirrels, birds, and other animals keep the hunt exciting for kids, even if you don’t see bigger game like deer or turkeys.
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Make the Hunt an Adventure
Make the hunt into an adventure and a learning opportunity. On the walk to and from the hunting blind, teach the kids to identify animal tracks, birdsongs, plants, and other parts of nature. It’s also a great time to start teaching them about safety in the outdoors and in hunting.
When you reach the blind, gently remind the kids why they need to keep quiet and fairly still, and make it into a game rather than a command, so as not to spoil the fun. Teach them to use their “deer voices” when they’re in the hunting blind. Most kids will naturally settle down and catch on to the anticipation when the hunt begins.
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Involve Kids in the Hunt
Let the kids be the ones to spot game first, even if you actually see it before they do. They’ll feel more involved in the hunt if they feel the excitement of spotting the first deer or turkey or even birds and squirrels. Even if the kids aren’t ready to shoot yet, you can give them an active role in the hunt by bringing along an extra pair of binoculars so they can help spot game or just explore nature up close from inside the blind. Another way to involve kids in the hunt is to bring a camera and let the kids take pictures or video to record the hunt.
Even if the kids are a little too noisy or squirrelly for a good chance at any game, the most important part is the time you spend together in the woods and the memories they form (hopefully positive ones!) of their first hunt.
