Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: rosscrazyelk on October 17, 2017, 10:10:52 AM

Title: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 17, 2017, 10:10:52 AM: Took my niece deer hunting this weekend and during the hunt I realized I have dropped the ball the past few years. Boots were to small, did not have enough of the proper clothing and she has somewhat gotten unfamiliar with her gun.
When I was single I had no problem keeping my niece outfitted properly and finding good places to hunt and making sure she practices. Now I have a family of my own and time just disappears somehow. I can barely get done what I need for myself.
Even though she is 18 and graduated I am the only outdoor Influence on her life.
Anyway something's happened that just made me feel horrible .
I guess it's these things that wake you up .
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: jackelope on October 17, 2017, 10:13:37 AM: Don't lose sleep over it. Make it better for next year. It's clear from the photos that she loves being out there with you even if her boots are a little small and you've done great so far getting her out there.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: trophyhunt on October 17, 2017, 10:19:25 AM: :yeah: ! You are a good mentor Ross, there is a lot to learn when your young about hunting, mistakes will be made. Keep at it, your helping make her be a real hunter!
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: elkboy on October 17, 2017, 10:22:19 AM: It takes an awful lot to mentor a young hunter. She probably appreciates it more than you realize. At least you have a list of a few things to make better next year, or for late season if that's an option. Good luck to you, and don't let it get you down!
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Mark Brenckle on October 17, 2017, 11:00:11 AM: I wouldn't call that a failure in any stretch. A minor bump in the road. Good on you for taking her out and being a good influence, that goes much further than gear.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: huntnfmly on October 17, 2017, 11:04:04 AM: Unless I missed something you sound like you're doing a good job.
My nephews dad left when he was younger and I get him out when I can it goes by fast
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: archerykraze on October 17, 2017, 11:12:39 AM: My Dad had to outfit me and my two brothers along with himself for deer, elk, pheasant and duck hunting. We may have had clothes/boots that didn't fit and leaked water and binos that you might be better off using your bare eyes but he managed to get us all out in the field. My memories are the good times with my dad and brothers in the field and not the quality of equipment provided. You are doing a great job getting her out there, I know I've learned to appreciate what my dad sacrificed to introduce his boys to hunting and I'm sure she will appreciate her great uncle's efforts too. Great Job!
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Stein on October 17, 2017, 11:22:50 AM: I had a great experience with my daughter this weekend and I still have a list of things I messed up on and need to improve.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Seahawk12 on October 17, 2017, 11:34:08 AM: The fact that at 18 she still accepts your invitation to go out hunting tells me that you have succeded where it counts.
Chin up.
You're doing something right. :tup:
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Timberstalker on October 17, 2017, 11:36:40 AM: Quote from: Seahawk12 on October 17, 2017, 11:34:08 AM
The fact that at 18 she still accepts your invitation to go out hunting tells me that you have succeded where it counts.
Chin up.
You're doing something right. :tup:

Bingo. :tup:
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: savagehunter on October 17, 2017, 12:57:32 PM: If you took her hunting period you are a huge success in my eyes. Many uncles will give stuff or money but experience is the greatest gift. I think you're awsome.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: KFhunter on October 17, 2017, 01:07:13 PM: we should start a swap meet specific for youth, very low or free prices to cover shipping. Let's get our youth outfitted.

I got a tubs full of youth stuff I've hoarded over the years but I have a bunch of nieces/nephews that will grow into it eventually. Lot of other hunters on here might have a bunch of stuff and no one to pass it down too?

and ross you haven't failed buddy, kids grow fast. I had to go on an emergency shopping spree for my daughter because girls change shape *a lot* :chuckle: at 14 or 15 or so.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 17, 2017, 01:33:35 PM: Sounds to me like you're a great mentor. :dunno: :tup:
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Duckhunter14 on October 17, 2017, 01:48:33 PM: We are, our own worst critic. As mentioned above; you got her out and that's all that counts. Don't beat yourself up.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: elkboy on October 17, 2017, 02:11:15 PM: Quote from: KFhunter on October 17, 2017, 01:07:13 PM
we should start a swap meet specific for youth, very low or free prices to cover shipping. Let's get our youth outfitted.

Awesome idea, KF! I would be happy to make some donations or help support shipping.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: HardCorpsHuntr on October 17, 2017, 02:47:41 PM: As the kids grow it's tough keeping up with their boot and clothing size. I like to take them out hiking several weeks prior to hunting season to work out their kinks.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: cavemann on October 17, 2017, 03:11:36 PM: Quote from: archerykraze on October 17, 2017, 11:12:39 AM
My Dad had to outfit me and my two brothers along with himself for deer, elk, pheasant and duck hunting. We may have had clothes/boots that didn't fit and leaked water and binos that you might be better off using your bare eyes but he managed to get us all out in the field. My memories are the good times with my dad and brothers in the field and not the quality of equipment provided. You are doing a great job getting her out there, I know I've learned to appreciate what my dad sacrificed to introduce his boys to hunting and I'm sure she will appreciate her great uncle's efforts too. Great Job!

This post nailed it... I have similar memories of wearing my moms stalkings since we didn't have long underwear.. Dad bought me boots at K-Mart that were 3 sizes too big with news paper in the toes so my older brother could wear them too and so I'd grow into them. I still remember the price, $9.99 and that was the only thing he bought. We just got by with what we had.. And my warm socks were Wonder Bread bags over my socks. I still remember not sleeping every Friday night before opening day waiting for the 3am alarm. You are doing fine man, I never cared or complained.. Was just thrilled to get out. I'm sure she loves it if she is still going.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 18, 2017, 10:11:21 AM: I appreciate the feedback guys and thanks for the offerings of helping with youth clothes. Only problem I have is she is not a youth anymore but a grown woman basically.5'10
Thanks again
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: bearpaw on October 18, 2017, 10:17:04 AM: She looks happy to be with dad, she will remember that trip long after you are gone! That's the most important thing! Now find her some shoes! :chuckle: :twocents:
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: jackelope on October 18, 2017, 10:17:37 AM: Quote from: bearpaw on October 18, 2017, 10:17:04 AM
She looks happy to be with dad, she will remember that trip long after you are gone! That's the most important thing! Now find her some shoes! :chuckle: :twocents:

(She's with uncle)
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: JDHasty on October 18, 2017, 10:36:22 AM: Quote from: cavemann on October 17, 2017, 03:11:36 PM
Quote from: archerykraze on October 17, 2017, 11:12:39 AM
My Dad had to outfit me and my two brothers along with himself for deer, elk, pheasant and duck hunting. We may have had clothes/boots that didn't fit and leaked water and binos that you might be better off using your bare eyes but he managed to get us all out in the field. My memories are the good times with my dad and brothers in the field and not the quality of equipment provided. You are doing a great job getting her out there, I know I've learned to appreciate what my dad sacrificed to introduce his boys to hunting and I'm sure she will appreciate her great uncle's efforts too. Great Job!

This post nailed it... I have similar memories of wearing my moms stalkings since we didn't have long underwear.. Dad bought me boots at K-Mart that were 3 sizes too big with news paper in the toes so my older brother could wear them too and so I'd grow into them. I still remember the price, $9.99 and that was the only thing he bought. We just got by with what we had.. And my warm socks were Wonder Bread bags over my socks. I still remember not sleeping every Friday night before opening day waiting for the 3am alarm. You are doing fine man, I never cared or complained.. Was just thrilled to get out. I'm sure she loves it if she is still going.

I buy kids gloves and cold weather clothing for pennies on the dollar in the summer, or when I see it on sale, and have a tub full of it. I'm from Montana and can remember not having good gloves and wanting to be doing outdoor activities but my fingers were so cold I couldn't take it any longer.

Not to sidetrack this thread but Cabela's online Bargain Cave has $35 kids glomits and $50 gloves for $7 right now.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: tgomez on October 18, 2017, 12:08:18 PM: You are a terrific mentor to take the time to teach her right. The clothing issue can be solved very easily. As you said she is a grown woman now. She should be able to buy some boots that fit her well. Check local thrift stores for used hunting gear and Craigslist as well. I buy a lot of gear from the Army surplus stores, Wal-Mart, Sportsmanship Warehouse, and local thrift stores myself. If she buys some of her own gear she will learn to value and take care of it as well.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: huntnfmly on October 18, 2017, 12:45:37 PM: Ross
What size boots does she wear?
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: The scout on October 18, 2017, 04:51:07 PM: you are doing a great job with her, I guarantee she will remember the trips you take her on long after your gone. and not because her boots are to small. wish my dad or uncle would have taking me hunting when I was growing up.
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: Bearhunter on October 19, 2017, 09:01:50 AM: After all the hunting trips I have been blessed to partake in over the years, still the ones that stand out the most to me are the ones from my childhood. My brother and I never had good gear or glass or boots that fit properly and Im thankfull for that, theirs no reason to spend that type of money on kids that are hard on equipment, growing, loose things and just plan old irresponsible lol. It also installed work ethic in us, as after the season would end we would spend all year drooling over the Cabelas, Bass Pro and Gander Mountain catalogs and dream of having all the great gear out there, so we would work save money and buy the stuff eventually we wanted by working hard for it, just another great life lesson that the outdoors has taught us.

The greatest thing I remember from those early years is the selflessness that my father, grandfather and uncles showed for us by taking us to the woods and teaching us how to set camps, build fires, cook, read the terrain, identify travel corridors, spot game, process game and to slow down while hunting... These are the things that you are instilling in your Niece and probably dont even realize it as that is what we do as men and dont think twice about it.... So many times I feel that I am failing as a father and not teaching them or providing for them the right way. Then I take a step back and reflect on my childhood and how Im trying to raise my boys in the same manner and then see other kids out there that dont get to experience the outdoors or have fathers or mentors as we did and I realize I am doing it right and providing everything they need and raising them the way I should and know how to! Trek on my friend you are a true mentor and she will be better for it!
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 19, 2017, 09:58:32 AM: Quote from: huntnfmly on October 18, 2017, 12:45:37 PM
Ross
What size boots does she wear?
She wears a 10
Title: Re: I failed as a uncle/mentor
Post by: huntnfmly on October 19, 2017, 11:06:31 AM: Pm sent