I can't remember every opening weekend over the past 25 years, but I'll never forget those times spent with my son. His birthday in on Nov 4th, so I missed some opening days to be at a birthday party with a bunch of screaming kids. At the time it was aggrevating, but I wouldn't swap those days for all the 150s in Brown County...

I can't imagine not being able to give up a weekend hunting for a son. Have a great time with your son at the camp out and take him hunting as much as you are able for the rest of the season. Why not give him the exposure to both activities? I was fortunate enough to be involved in scouting (Eagle Scout) and hunted to my heart's content. I am thankful to this day for having had the opportunity to do both.

Regardless of your choice, be sure you take him out for Youth Weekend (October 29-30). My 9 year old got her first deer last year that weekend, my 11 year old shot her 4th buck the dame day...one of 'em sitting with mom and one with me. Gotta love it. Youth weekend is opening weekend when blessed with kids.

The best money and time that I have ever spent is on our kids.

Be Positive - coulda been "Brownies" (We had girls)

I ask my son every year if he wants to sign up for fall sports and activities. He always says he rather go hunting. And he's only 6.

Here is your answer. If he really is into hunting make the entire trip about him and go on youth weekend.

I gave up a lot of hunting trips due to all the conflicts of schedules with my kids and then later the grand kids and it' still going on.

Just something to think about though is when it's all said and done, they grow up faster than you realize, and when you look back you haven't missed all that much if you miss a few days at the lease.

Most of the time the first part of the season isn't all that great for hunting anyway, and there are a lot more days ahead when you'll be able to hunt alone or together, once they are grown and have their own lives and even children to raise.

I think your very lucky in many ways. A good friend of mines wife scheduled a surprise cruise for his birthday on opening weekend. I told him I would keep a eye on his feeder for him!

I just got my eagle about two months ago. Take him while he still loves it because I can guarantee once he is half way through boy scouts he is gonna be begging you to either quit or skip all of the campouts.