Reinvigorated (scouting is fun)

[ljsommer]

I am a god-awful hunter, but man oh man do I love scouting. I love exploring new zones and finding sign. It's like treasure hunting in the woods, and the possibilities feel endless. It is completely contrary to the crushing weight of hunting season when everything with a pulse has completely vanished! 

I took my family with my today including my 4 month old son to go do a pretty hard hill climb and we saw tons of sign, I got to show my 4 year old some game trails and the difference between old and fresh droppings. Everyone had a blast, and I rewarded my kids with a treat afterwards.

Not-hunting is my favorite part of hunting

[cbond3318]

And that right there is what it’s all about!

My sons and I tracked a buck in the snow here last weekend, was able to show them where he’d jumped a log, circled and ate , the difference in doe/buck track,  then ended up finding him bedded and just watched for 15 mins. That hour far out weighed ANY success I’ve had by myself hunting.

Good job dad! 

[Boss .300 winmag]

I am a god-awful hunter, but man oh man do I love scouting. I love exploring new zones and finding sign. It's like treasure hunting in the woods, and the possibilities feel endless. It is completely contrary to the crushing weight of hunting season when everything with a pulse has completely vanished! 

I took my family with my today including my 4 month old son to go do a pretty hard hill climb and we saw tons of sign, I got to show my 4 year old some game trails and the difference between old and fresh droppings. Everyone had a blast, and I rewarded my kids with a treat afterwards.

Not-hunting is my favorite part of hunting

That’s a big 4 month old.🤣

Nice work dad. 👍

[ljsommer]

To clarify, I brought my 4 month old, his mom, and my 4 *year* old. There were four of us climbing that hill, and everyone had a great time!
Pro-tip for all you dads out there: Bring a giant backpack, fill it half full of spare warm and dry clothes and snacks, and leave the second half empty for when your fam starts taking off clothes because they're warming up. Kept everyone happy!

[Boss .300 winmag]

To clarify, I brought my 4 month old, his mom, and my 4 *year* old. There were four of us climbing that hill, and everyone had a great time!
Pro-tip for all you dads out there: Bring a giant backpack, fill it half full of spare warm and dry clothes and snacks, and leave the second half empty for when your fam starts taking off clothes because they're warming up. Kept everyone happy!

And some fire making stuff, kids love fire making.👍

[ljsommer]

To clarify, I brought my 4 month old, his mom, and my 4 *year* old. There were four of us climbing that hill, and everyone had a great time!
Pro-tip for all you dads out there: Bring a giant backpack, fill it half full of spare warm and dry clothes and snacks, and leave the second half empty for when your fam starts taking off clothes because they're warming up. Kept everyone happy!

And some fire making stuff, kids love fire making.👍

Yeah that's the other benefit of the big pack: I always have my first aid, emergency shelter, snacks, water and fire-starting kit with me. I am usually over-prepared, but I'd rather be that and pack a few extra pounds than be lighter weight and not have it in a pinch. Plus, like you said, it's just a mobile classroom anyway.

[PastorJoel]

I love taking my little kiddos "hunting."  I got a game camera for Christmas and now we have been going out to set that up and check for pictures.  It's a lot of fun.

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures.  I like the reminder to get out there and the encouragement it gives dads to be dads.

[deerhunter_98520]

Looks like an awesome day out to me 

[fishnfur]

Glad to see you have a good day.  The pressure of the season waning can make hunting a chore instead of fun.  Once the season is over, all there is - is fun.  Glad to see you found some fresh sign.  Keep going back and learn the spot as best you can, and enjoy the off-season.  Once the foliage start to grow again, it gets way more confusing, so take advantage of the short period when there's little undergrowth. 

[elkboy]

That sounds amazing. You are imparting a lot of good lessons to those kids! Thanks for sharing.

[swanny]

That's what it's all about! 

Our son (2 1/2) has been hiking with us since he was 3mo old. We went out just after his second birthday to a lake above Bumping Lake (name escapes me right now). Anyway, it was about 2.5 miles to the lake, all up hill and that dang kid was determined to hike rather than be carried in the pack. Seriously one of those awesome proud parent moments.

[WaltAlpine]

The absolute best of times.

[nwwanderer]

Grand kids want to walk in the woods every time they come, never the same twice.  Good job, keep at it!!!!!

[huntnfmly]

Good on you dad that's what it's all about

[Skyvalhunter]

That's awesome