Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: TeamBoyd on December 16, 2010, 04:46:01 PM

Title: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: TeamBoyd on December 16, 2010, 04:46:01 PM: I have three sons but the oldest is just now 7. I'm really starting to think about getting them in the Field but was wondering what age some of you that have older kids started them at. I was thinking 9 or 10 to take hunters education and start with a .22. Any words of wisdom from the older generation
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Uplandbum on December 16, 2010, 04:53:30 PM: Pulled out my Hunter Certification for this one. I am 21 now and I received my hunter certification in 1998 when I was 9 years old. My dad bought me a 410, thinking a small shotgun because we hunt upland birds, but we found out fast that it was to heavy and the hammer was difficult. My next gun was a youth model 20ga pump which worked much better until I grew out of it. He had a .270 that I could shoot when we deer hunted. I shot my first deer when I was 11 but had watched my dad shoot deer before then and I started carrying a loaded shotgun while bird hunting when I was 12, I think... but carried an unloaded one since I was 10 which I would load when the dog pointed.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: quadrafire on December 16, 2010, 04:54:27 PM: I started taking mine with the daisy red rider at about 9, he just took hunter saftey course this year at 13 (about 2 yrs later than I would have liked, but its how it worked out) Now I am fine with it. He is very responsible. Didn't kill anything this year, but we weren't able to get out much.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: quadrafire on December 16, 2010, 04:56:18 PM: oh--
and the younger kids in the class I think were ill-equiped emotionally ie, the 9-10yr olds. I think it was more for the parents.
so make sure your kids want to do it that early, not just because you do :twocents:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: DoubleJ on December 16, 2010, 04:58:47 PM: my oldest is 8 and bagged his first deer this year. he could have passed hunters ed at 6 if he could have held a gun. take them when they're ready. you will know when. i knew it was time when his christmas list last year was 3 pages and there was not a non hunting related item on it
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: huntergreg on December 16, 2010, 04:59:58 PM: I got mine when I was 8 years old. My son is 7 years old right now and has been hunting with me since he was 3 years old. I am going to wait untill he is 9 or 10. Before I get him into the class.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Bob33 on December 16, 2010, 05:06:13 PM: My son passed hunter education at 7 1/2. He got the top score in the class on the test (75/75), so don't think for a minute that young children can't study and do well. He was still a bit too small to hold a gun safely in my opinion, but he's accompanied me on some hunts for a few years and gained some experience. I expect that by next year he should be easily able to safely hunt with adult supervision.

Now his younger 6 year old sister is asking when she can take the class and start hunting....
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Deep Forks on December 16, 2010, 05:13:51 PM: I was 8 and my son was 9 and my grandson will be 10. It all depends on the maturity of the youth, all are different. We all were handling weapons and learning the rules long before taking firearm safety. My son and grandson both would tell anyone when ask, at a very young age, that an unloaded gun kills the most people....Even at 5 my boy's always checked their BB guns for being loaded before doing anything else and they still do with any weapon handed to them even if told it's unloaded. :)
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: MuleDeerCrazy on December 16, 2010, 05:14:10 PM: Both my daughters took Hunter Ed. when they were seven and killed their first deer the next season at 8 years old. Some may think that's too young, but I figured if they weren't already into in it by the time they were ten they wouldn't be interested by the time they turned 10 :dunno:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Raul Duke on December 16, 2010, 05:41:33 PM: Oldest showed interest in hunting @ 14. Took his class and harvested his 1st doe that fall.
Second oldest took his class this year at age 12. He also hunted with us this fall, but could not make the shot.
My other 2 want to hunt aswel, girls ages 10 & 5. I have told both of them when they turn 12, they can take the class. Then we will see if they are ready. I think 12 is a good age.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: ridge line on December 16, 2010, 05:48:59 PM: Quote from: Bob33 on December 16, 2010, 05:06:13 PM
My son passed hunter education at 7 1/2. He got the top score in the class on the test (75/75), so don't think for a minute that young children can't study and do well. He was still a bit too small to hold a gun safely in my opinion, but he's accompanied me on some hunts for a few years and gained some experience. I expect that by next year he should be easily able to safely hunt with adult supervision.

Now his younger 6 year old sister is asking when she can take the class and start hunting....
well said bob33. My son Austin was 5 turning 6 and past his hunt-ed class with a 92%He has harvested a deer the past 2 years.. My youngest son just turned 4 and i will wait until he is at least 7. Every child is different.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: huntergreg on December 16, 2010, 06:52:30 PM: You can do it all online if you want. here is a link

http://my.hunter-ed.com/welcome/how_it_works?default_course=201050 (http://my.hunter-ed.com/welcome/how_it_works?default_course=201050)
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Caseyd on December 16, 2010, 06:54:43 PM: I started going out when i was like 7.

Took hunters safety when i was 12
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: patton1 on December 16, 2010, 07:18:52 PM: My son is 9. He took hunter safety this summer. He really impressed me with how much he payed attention and only missed one question on his test. I think a lot of it depends on how much they really want to get out there and hunt. He was we really excited and he got his first deer during modern firearm with a muzzleloader. A nice little 2x1 blacktail.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: GWP on December 16, 2010, 07:20:23 PM: Well, introduced him to a chukar wing at about 8 weeks, and kept going from there. At 4 he is just coming into his own, and had grown into a nice boy. Had to cut off his nuts though... :chuckle:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: huntlakewood on December 16, 2010, 07:39:37 PM: My daughter started going at 11 and I told her you go for two years and I dont hear I am cold all the time I would put her through the class well she is 18 now and still hunting with me. Gets mad when she cant help with the butchering do to work. she will be my partner untl the day I die. Mom goes to Ilove it
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: TeamBoyd on December 16, 2010, 07:46:00 PM: GWP - Too funny, you had me laughing out loud. I also fathered a GSP and your timeline fit him perfectly. I let him keep his nuts however.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Buckrub on December 16, 2010, 07:49:22 PM: Get your kid into hunters ed as soon as they can pass the course.... put in for ghost points.
Start the kid out with small game and work your way up....when you feel comfortable he/she is ready for big game..next comes permits which ghost points for a couple of years will only help.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: 300wsm on December 16, 2010, 08:13:18 PM: My three year old daughter told me she wants to hunt bear and nothing else. :) :) wonder if she will still say that in 5 or 6 years. Just found out we are having another girl so hoping one of them will be my hunting buddy or both.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: lokidog on December 16, 2010, 08:23:00 PM: Took my daughter duck hunting with me at 5, my boy turkey hunting at 4. She decided she wanted to do HS at 14. Not sure she will hunt but at least she is thinking about it. Weathergirl has started going through the HS manual with our son who is now 7. He just finished reading the fourth Harry Potter (700+ pages) and scored 19/20 on the AR test. I think he'll do fine on the manual. Unfortunately, he is kind of small for his age so I am a bit worried about the shooting part. He does well with his sister's .22.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: throttlejocky20 on December 16, 2010, 08:28:01 PM: Here's my opinion, you cant set an age on something that this. I believe its all on the child and there maturity level. For instance I know a kid who is 13 father was a big time military man and I would not even think about letting him go after game with a weapon. Not that he is not capable but way to immature. I have been taking my son hunting since he was 8 months old. I would put him in his back pack and go (archery hunting only). A lot of hunts could have been more successfull if this was not the case, but that's the price you pay to get the youth involved in something you love. When will he start hunting well that's all up to him, when i believe he is ready to do it safely and ethically.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 16, 2010, 08:29:50 PM: As soon as they can read and past the test themselves if they are physically strong enough to handle the rifle. My son was 8.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: couesbitten on December 16, 2010, 08:32:07 PM: My son took hunter's ed at 9, turned 10 in October, about three days before deer season opened. He started out shooting a 30.06 with reduced recoil ammo. Shot his first buck the following year, first elk the next year, and second buck the third. It's been great, he's my favorite hunting partner, without question.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Bob33 on December 16, 2010, 08:33:03 PM: Here's an interesting story from the other end of the spectrum:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/10/16/1211836/outdoorsman-stronger-with-age.html (http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2010/10/16/1211836/outdoorsman-stronger-with-age.html)

"Old Guys Rule"!
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: dscubame on December 16, 2010, 08:36:13 PM: I was 10. Going to do the same with my daughter next year at 10. She was more than ready this year at 9 but I was not ready.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: HUNT on December 16, 2010, 08:41:37 PM: Take them when they are ready. My oldest was 9 when he started. My middle son was 8. My youngest was 9. Each one if different. But they all had experience shooting trap starting at 7.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: krout81 on December 16, 2010, 08:45:51 PM: I was in the woods at 5. First tag @ 11 that was my Dad's rule. I can remember a few times seeing elk and watching my father shoot a few when I was younger. My grandfather always came with us so we didnt always go tromping in the woods, did a lot of fishing on the HOH. I will proably do the same with my kids as long as they are ready, and want to go.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Birdguy on December 16, 2010, 08:57:43 PM: I took my son hunting the first time when he was 5. We had 2 doe tags so figured he would really get to see what it was about. He watched the shots and helped where he could carrying binos, and a back pack as we drug deer. One of my greatest hunts to date.
Took the daughter at 9 and the boy at 7 to HS. They told me to put the boy through and see how he did. Passed the class just fine but being on the small size, had a little trouble with the shotgun shooting (optional) but did do it. My daughter went out pheasant hunting that year and decided they were too quick, but we had a good time. He did not hunt that fall, but did turkey last spring. Got both shooting .270 for her and .243 for him. I was not confident in his shooting yet and she did not want to shoot a deer. Now this spring both are eager to go turkey and can not wait for deer. She shoot less then 2" groups @ 100 yds. everytime and he is under 4". If all goes well I may not hunt (carry a gun) for several years, but carry a video camera all hunting season :IBCOOL:.
As mentioned before each kid is different and you will know when the time is right. It is always a good idea to put the kids through hunter safety so they understand the key issues. Good luck and can not wait to see pictures.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: royalbull on December 16, 2010, 09:45:34 PM: my dad made me wait until I was 12, so although I would take my boys along with me, I made all three wait until they were 12
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: BIGINNER on December 16, 2010, 09:50:24 PM: MY PARENTS DIDN'T HUNT, MY FATHER-IN0LAW GOT ME INTO GUNS, AND I GOT INTO HUNTING BY CRUISING THE INTERNET UNTILL I FOUND THIS SITE. I'VE HAD MY HUNTING LICENCE FOR 2 YEARS NOW,

MY KID IS 14 MONTHS RIGHT NOW, AND HE SHOOTS HIS LITTLE DAISY BB GUN, (I COCK IT AND HE POINTS AND PULLS THE TRIGGER) HE LOVES GUNS... :)
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: WDFW Hates ME!!! on December 16, 2010, 10:11:20 PM: I have been taking Cody scouting since he was 3. Last winter he came to me and asked if we could try turkey hunting. So at age 10 he went through HS and did great.
We spent some time deer hunting this year but no luck. Maybe he will draw a special permit next year.

I thin next year will be about him... Dedicate all my hunting time to him...
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Clark33 on December 16, 2010, 11:23:27 PM: I'm 23 now but my dad started taking me out in the field with him when I was 6... and I remember every minute of it. He would take me on numerous turkey hunts, and when ever I got to cold he would call it quits and take me home (knowing full well if I got cold and didn't enjoy it, hunting might not have struck a cord with me). I also got to go to Wyoming with him when I was 7 and watch him harvest a nice buck. The tag for Wyoming is either sex and I remember us seeing a doe right off the bat opening morning and me pleading with him to shoot her... I laugh looking back on it now. I'm telling you, your kids will NEVER forget their first hunting experiences... even if they aren't the ones pulling the trigger. Get them out there ASAP ;)

Side note: took HS at 8 and passed, shot my first buck at 10.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: wsucowboy on December 17, 2010, 12:23:08 AM: Dad started taking me when I was young about four I think. I took hunters safety when I was 13. Got my first deer at 14, my first buck at 17.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: spin05 on December 17, 2010, 01:12:47 AM: I started at 12 in 1976. i have been taking my son out since he was about 9 or 10.. He has only ben actually hunting thou since he was 13.Granted this is with archery....
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: KillBilly on December 17, 2010, 05:19:24 AM: I started hunting in 1956 at 9 years old. My son took Hunters ed and killed his first deer with a .50 cal. Muzzel loader at 10 years old. He also killed a bear at 12 years old.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: rasbo on December 17, 2010, 06:06:02 AM: though the boys have been with me in the woods since birth damn near,they got to hunt with a license when they reached 12yrs old,each got their deer then also
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Gutpile on December 17, 2010, 06:20:45 AM: I brought my eldest Turkey hunting at about 5-6, pheasant hunting when she was probably 7-8-9ish. We'd road hunt grouse when she was younger. She passed hunter safety at 10 and got her first deer that year. The younger girl didn't really start until she was 8 or 9. She passed at 11 and got her first deer that year as well.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: swanny on December 17, 2010, 06:38:39 AM: 8 years old was the magic age for me and my brothers. Of course, we were only able to go to deer camp at that age. I remember getting to camp with my dad, and his buddy offered me a Peanut Butter and Mayo sandwich, I will never forget that.

My brothers and I all passes hunter ed at different ages, i think I was 12 or 13 when I passed.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Yeti on December 17, 2010, 06:55:09 AM: I was 8 and carrried a BB gun while bird hunting with dad. I remember my first kill, it will never leave me. It was a song bird. I remember after I killed it I felt a little angst. It was the perfect teaching moment about eating what we kill and not wasting. My dad took the time to talk to me about it and from that moment on song birds were off the menu. I didnt eat it but got the message.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: muleyslayer#1 on December 17, 2010, 10:58:28 AM: I've been hunting since 8 but been going since 5 right now I'm joy 15 but i don't care I love hunting it's the best thing since slice bread.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Dan-o on December 17, 2010, 11:18:57 AM: My kids usually come along on "day hunts" starting about 4-5. Walking a skidder trail while holding your 5 year old daughter's hand is about the best day a guy could hope for.

My kids have started carrying unloaded bb guns at 6-7, learning muzzle control the same as if it were a real rifle. Then around 9 they could carry a real rifle, and I'd typically be there next to them w/o a rifle of my own so that it was all about teaching them and making sure they were safe. It was not too young for my kids - they did fine.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: MoleyMolson on December 17, 2010, 11:26:01 AM: Question for the dad's that put their kids through hunters ed at age 7 or even 8.
For the test part, where they able to actually read and understand the questions?

My 7 year old is at the top of his class in reading, but I can't see him being able to sound out a word like "Conservation" and then really know what it meant.

If they can't read the test do you get to read the questions to them?
This is a serious question. I know my son could pass right now, but I know there's no way he could read the test and fully comprehend the questions without some help.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: bow4elk on December 17, 2010, 11:33:07 AM: Been backpacking my girls in the woods during my scouting, shed hunting since about age 3. They LOVED it and still love getting out with me and though I liked backpacking them because I could go at my own pace, they don't get as many limbs in the face now :chuckle:

I started taking my oldest deer hunting with me at age 5. I let her help make ground blinds and I'd bring lots of snacks, etc. I made it fun. Early season bowhunting and spring turkey hunting are great introduction hunts. I let my girls rattle and use doe bleat calls periodically to keep their interest up. This year, for her 8th birthday present, my oldest joined me and a couple guys from this site for some spring turkey action. I wrote about it here and on my blog. And on 11/19 she rattled in her first buck!! I couldn't get a shot but that really didn't matter in the end. I was so stoked! Now she knows it really works and she can't wait for next fall. It's always the little things that resonate with kids, so keep it simple and never force them to stay longer than they want too. A cold kid ends any hunt quickly so invest in warm clothes, hand warmers (they LOVE these because they are mysteriously warm).

Spending time with kids in the woods is just as worthwhile as introducing them to hunting, IMO. I just know that I enjoy having them with me when I can, and it's a great way to connect and stay connected to your kids. I don't expect my girls to hunt; it will be their own decision as they grow up. If they do, I'm all over it but if not, then they will grow up with a clear view of what hunting is all about and be advocates for it at the ballot box. I am getting them into firearm safety class around age 10, and will introduce them to firearms and shooting. Show me a kid who doesn't glow with excitement when they plink a tin can. I don't think it's possible! Kids today need to form their own opinions about guns - like they are not evil - before the liberal powers that be taint their view.

I guess I may have wandered a bit off topic here, but it's all important stuff with regard to kids.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: BIGINNER on December 17, 2010, 11:34:12 AM: Quote from: MoleyMolson on December 17, 2010, 11:26:01 AM
Question for the dad's that put their kids through hunters ed at age 7 or even 8.
For the test part, where they able to actually read and understand the questions?

My 7 year old is at the top of his class in reading, but I can't see him being able to sound out a word like "Conservation" and then really know what it meant.

If they can't read the test do you get to read the questions to them?
This is a serious question. I know my son could pass right now, but I know there's no way he could read the test and fully comprehend the questions without some help.

MY NEPHEW WENT WITH ME TO MY HUNTERS ED CLASS, (1 DAY CLASS) HE DIDN'T GET A CERTIFICATE BECAUSE THE CLASS IS FOR 18 AND OLDER, BUT HE TAGGED ALONG WITH ME CUZ HE SPENT THE NIGHT AT MY HOUSE. WELL.... THE INTRUCTORS WANTED TO GIVE HIM HIS CERTIFACATE ANYWAY BECAUSE HE WAS ANSWERING ALL THE QUESTIONS DURING CLASS THAT 30+ YEAR OLDS COULDN'T ANSWER. YES,, EVEN ABOUT CONSERVATION. MY NEOHEW WAS 7 YEARS OLD BACK THEN, THIS WAS ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: MoleyMolson on December 17, 2010, 11:44:13 AM: I don't doubt for a second that 6/7/8 year olds can pass the test.
My only question is, can they read the test and understand what they are reading enough to answer the questions.

I know for a fact my son would sit in class and soak up everything and be able to answer all kinds of questions if someone asked him. BUT, I can't see him reading the test and comprehending what he just read...enough to answer the question. Reading comprehension at that age is tough.

My question is, can I go to the class with my son, read him the test questions and then have him answer?
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: BIGINNER on December 17, 2010, 11:52:01 AM: YA, I SEE WHAT YOU MEAN, THIS PATICULAR NEPHEW OF MINE IS A SCIENCE GEAK, ANY OTHER ONE OF MY NEPHEWS, EVEN 10 YEARS OLD WOULD NEED SOMEONE TO GO WITH THEM TO THE CLASS TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING,
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Kain on December 17, 2010, 12:09:18 PM: Been taking her out since she was 2. We also hunt house sparrows and starlings in the back yard. She has a pink tent that she sets up like a hunting blind and we bait them with bread. When a bird comes in she tells me if it is a bird we can shoot or not. If she is right I shoot it with the pellet gun and she runs out to get it. :chuckle:

Two years old
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi406.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp150%2FNaithankain%2F1106081240a.jpg&hash=66f201672308218a9531834e388c6482e3bb0570)
Three
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi406.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp150%2FNaithankain%2Fbrooklynpheasanthunt.jpg&hash=5aef644df1e1c38a4e1f29d30e8c182cd72e94a6)
Four looking for grouse
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi406.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fpp150%2FNaithankain%2FGrousehuntwiththekiddo.jpg&hash=1f455c72c18d214e93cc8f414896684a2b6ea859)
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 17, 2010, 12:12:25 PM: Very nice!! How do those birds taste? :chuckle:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: mdme3006 on December 17, 2010, 01:22:21 PM: I have always taken my kids out hunting and scouting with me, All three of my kids, two girls and a boy all took hunters ed at 9 years old. Its all about the kid, if they are physically ready to handle a firearm safely and understand what the instructors are saying, then send them. The time I get with my kids in the woods is priceless.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Sumpnneedskillin on December 17, 2010, 01:52:53 PM: Quote from: Clark33 on December 16, 2010, 11:23:27 PM
He would take me on numerous turkey hunts, and when ever I got to cold he would call it quits and take me home (knowing full well if I got cold and didn't enjoy it, hunting might not have struck a cord with me).

I started my boys at 10ish. At first they just followed me around while I hunted. We talked about animals, nature, woodscraft, tracking, gun safety etc. Then they graduated to carrying an empty weapon to get used carrying it around and practicing safe gun handling skills. I've always believed in that if you want them to enjoy it, when they've have enough, that's it for day. If they got cold, wet, tired, bored etc and were ready to quit, we quit. The oldest has decided that he's not into hunting (hopefully it's a phase) but the youngest is always bugging me about going hunting.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: boots on December 17, 2010, 06:57:27 PM: Walked with my old man in the woods starting around age 10. Hunters ed certificate at age 12.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Tman on December 17, 2010, 07:27:57 PM: Mine have all been in the woods with me, they're 2,5,7,10. My 5 y/o got to be with my wife when she got her deer this year, and they were all with me about two years ago when i got my elk (Decided we would go on a hike down a closed logging road during mz elk season, and believe it or not a legal elk stepped out, They were pumped. My 7y/o was 5 and did most of the field dressing, she's been hooked since. I've taken them since they could walk, whether it was a walk around the property or hiking over a mountain. It all depends on the kids capabilities. Signed my 10 y/o and 7 y/o up for the hunters education in April 2011, they will both be a year older (age wise) then. If they pass, good, if they can't comprehend, thats ok too. I have preached gun safety since they could understand, all it will do is help them to better understand the proper safety techniques, and ethical hunting decisions. Theres always later if they don't make it.
Sometimes it seems kids will take instruction from a stranger a bit more serious. We'll see.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: huntergreg on December 18, 2010, 10:21:20 PM: Quote from: MoleyMolson on December 17, 2010, 11:26:01 AM
Question for the dad's that put their kids through hunters ed at age 7 or even 8.
For the test part, where they able to actually read and understand the questions?

My 7 year old is at the top of his class in reading, but I can't see him being able to sound out a word like "Conservation" and then really know what it meant.

If they can't read the test do you get to read the questions to them?
This is a serious question. I know my son could pass right now, but I know there's no way he could read the test and fully comprehend the questions without some help.

:dunno:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: nwhunter on December 18, 2010, 10:49:18 PM: Moley not sure if every hunter ed class is the same but at ours the younger kids have the option of having the test read to them by a volunteer and then fill out the answer sheet like the rest of the class. A parent doesnt get to do it and the questions aren't explained any differently but it helps the kids who would get hung up on trying to read the questions. My boy took the class at age 8 and had the test read to him and passed easily but he is really into hunting and the outdoors since he could walk practically. The hunter safety stuff is usually easy enough to get through its the habitat and conservation questions that get the younger kids. The younger kids get into hunting and the outdoors the better before they get hooked on video games and computers!nwhunter
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: AKBowman on December 19, 2010, 11:20:38 AM: Im 29 and I want to say I started hunting bunnies/grouse etc when I was around 8. My parents did take us out before then though. I think I started hunting ducks when I was around 13 and big game at 16.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: MoleyMolson on December 19, 2010, 05:25:12 PM: nwhunter, thanks for the response, that's exactly the info I was looking for.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: quadrafire on January 11, 2011, 01:16:57 PM: about 9 yrs with a pellet gun, then hunter safety at 12, then in the field at 13. He was ready earlier, but we just didn't have the time.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: sakoshooter on January 11, 2011, 09:04:26 PM: My son went along when he was very young. Passed his hunter's ed at age 10 and shot his first deer that year. Spike blacktail. That was many animals ago. He's 31 now.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: h2ofowlr on January 11, 2011, 09:47:57 PM: I started taking my sons out in the field at age 2. They love sitting in the blind helping to call in the birds.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: bak2huntn on January 11, 2011, 09:59:44 PM: I can't remember when I started hunting I did hunters ed at about ten but had already hunted several years those were different days then! Never got my son in to it,My biggest regret. Went for grouse one year .But I must have did something right now he sleeps with his M-4 and is looking forward to hunting the Taliban's!
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: couesbitten on January 14, 2011, 08:36:45 AM: Quote from: bak2huntn on January 11, 2011, 09:59:44 PM
now he sleeps with his M-4 and is looking forward to hunting the Taliban's!

:yeah: Very cool, I'll say a prayer that your son is kept safe, and tell him thank you for me.

My son tool hunters ed when he was 9, first deer hunt when he was 10, killed his first buck (6x6 muley) when he was 11, first elk (4x4 bull) when he was 12, and is pretty much my only hunting partner today at 15. He says that elk camp is his favorite trip of the year, so I think I did something right with him as well.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Everett on January 16, 2011, 08:15:35 PM: I think I was 9 or 10 when my dad taught me how to shoot. I shot the back window of his pickup out with the .22, but other than that we were pretty safe. I took hunter training right around that time also. I think it is better to learn how to operate a weapon safely at a young age, so that it will stick. I believe a lot of gun violence could be prevented if gun safety was taught to everyone at a young age.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: lokidog on January 16, 2011, 09:26:37 PM: Most gun violence could be prevented just by having a dad around at a young age..... :dunno:
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: Everett on January 16, 2011, 09:35:07 PM: Yeah, No Kidding.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: hoyt2002 on January 16, 2011, 09:48:14 PM: my girl wanted to last year at 9 so we took a hunter safety course she passed the written test with a 97 but had trouble on the field course. but i had trouble with the instructors. they did a horrible job and scared the kids more than teached. she wants to go back as long as it's not those instructors. they got in trouble a few classes later and had to do some "extra training" but we are going again this year after she turns 10 and my boy at 9 wants to go too.
Title: Re: What age did you start your kid hunting?
Post by: trophyhunt on January 16, 2011, 11:10:01 PM: My daughter passed the course when she was 10, just got her first deer this year at 14.