If you’ve ever seen a beginner’s youth soccer game, you’d wonder if children barely able to run should be involved in an organized sport. They don’t understand the concept of “position” and few children have dribbling skills which leads to semi-organized chaos. Why are such young children on the soccer field? Because they are in the game and their parents want to nourish participation and the healthy exercise that soccer provides. Hunting is very similar and the earlier that youngsters become involved in the heritage we cherish, the more likely they are to carry that tradition into adolescence and remain a hunter for life.
Involving youngsters in hunting doesn’t mean they have to shoot a bow, gun, or harvest an animal. Watching outdoor television shows together, practicing with a toy bow and arrows tipped with rubber, and just involving them in outdoor conversations helps them learn about hunting and how much fun it can be. Helping to prepare venison and other wild game is equally important and helps teach the ethics of hunting.
My three grandsons, 10, 8, and 4 are visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday and I’ve invited the oldest to go with me for the opening of the Maryland deer season. Ironically, the 4-year-old is the most excited and tells everyone he sees that he’s going deer hunting with “Papa Joe.” To be honest, I’m not exactly sure how I’ll handle that youthful spirit, but certainly want to maintain the motivation. We’ll visit our hunting camp and I’ll show him a tree stand or perhaps a ground blind. The 10-year-old requires some special preparation as well. His attention span is suitable for waiting in a ground blind and I can only hope that we see deer moving early on. For sure, I’ll have a big thermos of hot chocolate and snacks as children are always hungry. Also, I’ll make sure to keep him comfortable and warm. Here’s a post on Facebook through the National Deer Alliance showing member responses to youth hunting and one very happy young hunter:
Our poll questions the last two weeks have been focused on the importance of mentoring new hunters, especially youth. William Allen, 12, shot this fine buck as part of Wisconsin’s youth hunt last Saturday in Iowa County while being mentored by his grandfather, Bob Benson. We’re pretty sure that you are looking at a hunter for life. Way to go William and Bob!
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