Son's first tag - first kill

[Rooster1981]

Good questions turbo,
 My step son is 13 and has had a very slow growing interest into hunting. While my two younger daughters are counting the days until they get to carry a rifle in the woods. I had to take baby steps with my son, we started out grouse hunting. That was a huge success, He now loves to bird hunt. Then I took him turkey hunting and we had a blast. Kids are smart, I'm letting my son make the decisions weather he want's to hunt or not. As much as I would love to see him shoot his first deer, I will have to wait until he is ready.
          If I could give any advice I would say don't pressure your son to pull the trigger. If he does or doesn't want to then let him make that decision.

[Bulldozer77]

Last year my daughter drew a west klickitat doe tag. After getting her multiple opportunities for does and her not sealing the deal we had to talk. She told me that she just doesn't feel like that's her thing. she still loves the outdoors and seeing the animals so I'm just going to buy her a nice camera and let her shoot them that way. It was hard for her to tell me that because she didn't want to let me down but I wish she had told me sooner. That way I wouldn't have put her in for the tag and another kid would have gotten it. They don't give out too many of those. oddly enough, my son drew it this year and he can't talk about anything else. Can't wait till October. Good luck to you and your son!

[turbo]

Thanks to everyone for your input, I really appreciate it.

Like I said earlier, I will not force the issue in any way. The final decision is his and his only once I've cleared him on the target. He's a great shot so that should help him.

I like the idea of a few science experiments with some smaller game and you tube videos. I bought him a 22 rifle a couple years ago and he is a squirrel chasing fool when I can get him in the woods. I think I will go out "small game" hunting and open up a few animals.

The biggest problem is he has a crazy busy schedule with Rugby and football this time of year through hunting season. Kids are too busy these days... A whole other topic! 

[Elkstuffer]

Be sure to let us know the outcome of your hunt. There are a lot of us on here that have little ones, me included, and just might be in your same situation one day. There can never be too much advise/guidance on this subject.   

I'm sure you will make the right decision for both of you. Perhaps setting him down and talking it through after a scouting trip may help you figure where his head is at. Most importantly making him aware that he's not letting you down if he decides not to take a doe's life. I'm wishing you luck with your situation.