One of my co-workers has a 12 yr old son who has expressed interest in hunting. She is divorced and the father does not hunt. I offered to spend a day at the range with him and then to take him to my lease to try and get a deer or pig pending approval by the father. I dont have any kids and no parenting experience. I have not been seeing much at the lease this year and I am afraid if I take him to sit in a blind for a couple hours without seeing any movement it may turn him off to the sport. My question is, if in the event that nothing is moving, how do I keep his interest and still make it a fun experience? I really want for him to enjoy his first trip out since the father does not provide him with opportunities. Thanks for any advice.

let him shoot a coon or somethin haha...either way i think he will be happy just being able to go... teach him a few things show him tracks..gun saftey stuff like that...what county you in? doe days start thursday around here

Im up in panhandle, so he can shoot whatever walks out (wt does, etc.), but when I say I havent seen anything, I really mean I havent seen anything but the deer I shot opening morning.

Take a .22 with ya and let him bust rocks, crows, whatever when the hunt is over. It'll keep his attention and make him want to go again. It's a good thing you're doing.

yeah, cool man, what they said. If you dont see anything, mid-day let him plink at turtles in a pond, or set up a target, teach him how to look for deer sign. Good luck, have fun, and be safe.

You arent trying to nail the mom are you? That would have trap written all over it!! Other wise, sounds like a great idea. I know I would have enjoyed it, but I had to wait until I could afford it all on my own.

Wow, can't believe someone would ask such an immature question. Let's stay on topic.

I applaud your intentions. Still, in today's world, I wouldn't take any kid other than my own anywhere alone.

Really dude? I'd say it was a very valid question, albeit I meant it lightheartedly. Heck, I thought it was kind of funny. Would that not be a bad idea? I'm sure its for the right reasons though, and like i said, i think it'd be great for the kid to try something he has shown an interest in.

If he is like I was at 12 he will be happy to just to get to go be one of the guys. As hunters we understand it is not just about killing deer. Where do think we learned that? Cool thing you are doing!

I remember when I was that age. What determined a successful hunt to me was getting to pull the trigger on anything. There were tons of times I took my boys hunting and we didn't see squat. Before we left, I would let them burn some powder. They're now almost in their 30's and still talk about those days. Let him shoot. He'll never forget it. Don't make it about the kill, make it about the experience. And don't forget the importance of teaching gun safety.

If nothing is moving around to shoot at, take some tannerite targets and a couple milk jugs full of water. Look it up on the internet. If that doesn't get someone excited about shooting I don't know what will. .22 was a good idea as well with some paper or steel targets, or beer cans.

My daughter and I go out often. Don't do much killing but get to do a lot of shooten. It works.

thats what i'd do. a .22 is endless enjoyment for a young kid. let him do some shooting. if you see a legal deer let him take a crack at it.

keep if interesting and fun. You may have a hunting partner for life after this.

What my dad did was buy some watermelons at the store and let us bust them with a shotgun. It taught gun safety and was cool as crap all at the same time. I agree on the 22 also just shooting stuff is fun at 12. Horse apples turtles whatever. Also its a great thing you're doing by getting a kid into the sport that's not your own. That's how the sport will continue to grow tether from parents or just an adult that cares.

To keep myself entertained I spread bird food/seeds around the feeders and nearby bushes so I at least have those to look at. Make sure he has some binos, snack and drinks. After a few hours if there is no activity walk him around and show him the things you find interesting (tracks, rubs, indian ruins, different types of trees, etc.). Break out the .22 when ever you feel the hunt is over...

Thanks guys, gave me some good ideas.