*Below are some tips for hunting with kids. Post any other tips you have as a comment below.* Over the past few years, I have really come to learn that there is no greater joy in the field than getting kids out with you. From taking my own children out and from the Purple Heart Ranch (via @Military Warriors Support Foundation) Gold Star Youth program these are some tips I have learned that might help you with your kids next week for TPWDs youth weekend. Josh Kinser Texas Trophy Hunters Association VP of Operations 1. Food & Snacks - There is nothing more restless than a restless hungry kid. Take lots of snacks and preferably ones that arent too loud (such as chips). Tangerines, bananas, cheese sticks, etc. Take about 10 times what you would take for yourself. 2. Age - Im often asked, What age should you start letting your kids actually be the one pulling the trigger? The answer is there is no answer - each kid is different and ready at a different time. I have seen a 4 year old take 2 does and a hog in one weekend and Ive seen a 14 year old nowhere near being ready to take that responsibility. Dont come up with a certain date or stress out if they arent ready by a certain age. Base it off of benchmarks and your impression on whether they are ready or not. 3. Safety - Before the child is ready to actually pull the trigger, instill gun safety, muzzle awareness and keeping their fingers outside of that trigger well in them. Have them carry a small pellet gun to and from the field or blind and enforce the same rules that would apply to you carrying your gun. 4. Time - Kids cant sit in the blind or stay out as long as you can. Be prepared to plan for shorter sits or to have to leave a little early for younger kids. With my 3 year old daughter we play binocular games and find something that we spot and take turns guessing what the other has spotted with clues. Give them things to engage them to do or to look for with their binoculars. An engaged kid outside is going to be more calm and quiet than a restless, bored one. 5. Gunshot noise - Kids more often than not shy away more from concussion and noise than they do the kick. I often see people put muzzle brakes on guns for kids which, I believe is a mistake. The muzzle brake makes it much louder (even with ear protection) and I have noticed that bothers the kids more than the kick. Pick a caliber that they can handle - 7mm-08, .243, etc. Dont try muzzle brake a caliber down for them.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 17:06:06 +0000
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