The
brindle cur hadn’t been in the woods long when he suddenly stood on his back
legs and put his front paws against the towering white oak. His mournful cry was
a signal that a squirrel was above.
The
14-year-old, named Diana, bolted through the limbs and briars and ran to the
base of the tree.
She
immediately began studying every nook and cranny of the towering oak.
The
squirrel’s mistake of a flick of the tail was all the 14-year-old needed.
With
her dad’s help, she excitedly loaded a .22 shell in the chamber, pointed the
gun skyward and thumbed off the safety. The crack of the rifle sent the
bushytail falling to the ground.
She
picked up the fallen squirrel by the tail and blushed over the congratulations
for a perfect shot. Before the afternoon would come to an end, the scene would
repeat itself three more times.
Diana’s
dad, Joe, is a deer hunter, but he was smart enough not to be one on this day.
He knows the best way to win his young daughter over to hunting is not to try to
impress her with his hunting prowess, or his macho ability to get up before
daylight and not come back until dark.
Many
deer hunters need not worry about anti-hunters persuading their kids not to be
deer hunters. Those dads are able to turn their kids against deer hunting
without outside help by making sure hunting is an unenjoyable experience.
If
a kid’s introduction to hunting is a long, boring day in a frigid tree stand,
chances are hunting will never be part of his interests. If a kid’s
introduction to hunting, however, is an action-packed day of hunting small game
such as squirrels or rabbits, they’ll long for more and will some day
naturally evolve into a deer hunter.
Keep
in mind that almost all hunters go through a metamorphosis. For a young hunter,
the only goals are to see game, be successful and be with you. Once the hunter
experiences that level for a while, he or she then concentrates on techniques
that will increase the success rate. Eventually the hunter begins to experiment
with more difficult weapons, such as a bow or blackpowder rifle, that adds to
the challenge of being successful. Eventually, most hunters reach a level where
being successful is a secondary importance and the experience of the hunt
becomes the thrill.
Keep
in mind kids are on that beginning level.
Parents
wouldn’t dare introduce an 8-year-old to baseball by placing them on a college
baseball team. The excitement of playing at that level would quickly succumb to
the boredom and frustration that would come with the inability to be successful.
The lack of action and participation would cause the child to become
disenchanted with baseball. He would likely give up on the sport altogether.
But,
how many 8-year-olds who are able to enjoy success on the Little League level
don’t long to take their abilities to a higher level? How many kids dream of
being a Chipper Jones or playing for their favorite Major League team?
If
you introduce kids to hunting on a level such as squirrel hunting where they can
receive instant gratification, they’ll become hooked. They’ll eventually
evolve into deer hunters.
All
states have public land that allows small-game hunting. Many even offer special
hunts for youth. If your child has reached the age where he or she is ready to
experience the hunt, remember this is their moment. You’ll enjoy the squeals
of delight of a successful squirrel hunter much more than a cold, tired little
deer hunter who is ready to go home and never return.
Here
are some pointers for introducing your child to small-game hunting:
·
Taking a kid hunting requires your undivided attention because of safety
concerns. Forget about trying to do some hunting yourself. Your undivided
attention will make your child feel more secure and confident.
·
Kids have short attention spans. Plan hunts so they won’t be daylight
to dark. Take frequent breaks to rest little legs. Keep plenty of snacks and
beverages on hand.
·
When he or she is ready to go home – GO HOME.