Top 5 Things to Consider Before Taking a Child Hunting

1.  This is not your hunting trip.

You can hunt anytime you want but you are not a hunter the day you bring a child out.  You are a teacher, a mentor, a friend, an entertainer, a food provider, and a million other things you haven’t thought of yet but you are not a hunter.  How many times at the local fishing derby have you seen a dad lose their cool when their kid doesn’t set the hook, reel in the fish, or whips the fishing rod around like it is a sword, and then picks up the rod to get a few casts in to only yell at his kid to reel in the fish he just hooked.  Be the person who doesn’t make the experience miserable.  If the child is hungry, eat.  Antsy and can’t sit still any more, go for a walk.  Above all else, tell stories about hunting, celebrate the animal you are after, observe the beauty around you, and make the experience about the process rather than the taking of an animal.

2.  Carefully gauge the new hunters readiness.

This is something that you need to do before you head out into the field.  Deep conversations need to take place about the entire hunting process.  Just because you started at a certain age and or your state allows children to begin at a certain age, doesn’t mean they are ready.  You need to ask yourself some serious questions, such as is the child physically capable of waking up early, sitting in the field for long hours, can they handle cold exposure, and the biggest question of all, do they fully understand the death process.  They will be responsible for the taking of a life and this is an emotionally deep idea to process.  All of these factors need to be serious measured and considered prior to heading into the field.

3.  Over emphasize safety.

This starts with you knowing inside and out the hunting safety laws of the state you reside in and for the season you plan on hunting in.  The safety of that child rests in your hands.  This process should begin prior to the actual hunting trip.  Perhaps at a range if using a firearm, or even the backyard if you are using archery equipment.  Once in the field, you should be providing cues and reminders about proper handling of firearms, bows, the amount of orange ones need, tree stand safety and so-on.  This is such a vast topic that you need to be overly prepared and knowledgeable on it before heading out.

4.  Make sure comfort is maintained.

No one likes to do something again that brought them discomfort.  Your goal is to create a hunter for life, not the one trip you have planned.  The child needs to have the proper gear and clothing for the season and conditions they will be hunting in.  You have to consider how cold or hot it will be.  You have to make sure you have the right amount of snacks and food to last however long you plan on staying.  You cannot be too rigid with this topic.  If the child can no longer sit, go for a walk.  If the child can’t walk any further or at the pace you would like, slow down or stop and sit altogether.  You have to use your judgment and keep in mind the first rule at all times, this is not your hunt!

5.  Prepare for the hunt by doing similar activities. 

This one is obvious but overlooked easily.  Take the child hiking!  In the process, look for animal tracks, scat, bedding, and the actual animal you are in pursuit of.  Teach the child to be still or move slowly.  Tell the child to observe the animal carefully.  Other outdoor activities work great for this too and can serve as teachable moments.  Camping, backpacking, mountain biking, short nature walks, birding, animal tracking, etc. can all serve as valuable learning experiences prior to setting out into the field in pursuit of any type of game.

Have some advice to share about taking a child hunting? Leave me a comment below!

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