hey guys, this year I want to introduce my 4 year old to duck hunting. He has been chomping at the bit to go with me all year and I am excited to share this with him. I had a few questions: mostly where did you get gear (waders, boots, etc) especially considering that he would wear it for one season and then I would have to sell?

any other tips would be appreciated as well!

I don't take mine into the water for safety reasons but Academy has some really great bibs and jacket that we got our son when he was 5. They are a little big on him but they fit and are warm and will last a few seasons. Also got him some waterproof insulated snake boots from Academy. He wears them year round and wool socks in the winter keep him plenty warm. The bibs and jacket run about $50 each but they're really well made, I think they're called Pintail Bibs and Pintail Jacket.

I also take the Mr Buddy heater for the really cold days. All of that and some good gloves and you're set.

Don't forget the snacks!!

If I were to take a small kid hunting it would be in a blind of some kind. We don't hunt out of blinds ourselves we use natural cover thats already there and we get down and dirty if need be so kids would have probably not have a good time the way we hunt. But think stable blind conditions or private waters where you can get out and take a break and get food or warmth from the conditions. Nothing will ruin a kid from a hunt if he/she is miserable. If you take a kid remember its all about them not you or the animals.

Get him some ear muffs to protect him from the shot guns. They make electronic muffs so you don't have to yell to be heard

Reread Barny's post !!!!! DONT let the kid be near the blast zone of your gun. Aslo let him bring a BB gun.

If you're walking in find a short walk to a pond somewhere, or put him in a wagon.
Go on a warmer weather day vs super cold.
Don't expect to kill a bunch of ducks.
Bring snacks.
If you're boating in make sure to put a pfd on him. And I would try to keep him from standing in the water if possible, it's real easy for kids to fall over and get wet when wading. IT might be best to hunt somewhere where he won't need waders at all.
Consider hunting a plan b spot so he doesn't have to be up at 3:30 in the morning, and consider ending the hunt may end earlierr than normal before he gets bored, cold, or hungry.

I've been taking my Kids since they were babies. For a 4 yr old you can buy waders. I went thru this dilemma last yr. Okie kids waders is what we went with and one size too big to allow him to grow. A good sock hat, hand warmers, thick socks, get a life jacket, my Kids wear the onyx self inflatable. A good cammo hoodie, some ear protection, if u wanta take your kid. Let me know I hunt w my kids all the time. I'd be glad to take you guys. Kids have fun when there's more kids around. Get him a headlamp too

My kids in that pic were 5 and 11

Okie wear makes kids waders in max 5. EBay is where I got my 5yr olds they're a great company to deal with. And less than 100$ too. Kids waders were a beating to find. Academy has the little neoprene mud type boots they're a must. We went w a game winner max 5 jacket for my 5 yr old. Usually they wear under armour hoodies. Dress em warm and get u a Mr buddy heater.

Mud seats or mud stools too unless sitting in a boat or a blind

The Coast Guard minimum allowable age for use of inflatable PFDs is 16. TPWD regs say kids under 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD while underway.

Yes kids under 13 have to have it on while underway or floating etc. They do not have to have it on while anchored or tied up. We boat to our spots so my Kids wear their jackets to the spots. We have the onyx jackets for them because they are less cumbersome.

Sorry if I came off as an internet game warden. Don't want you to get in any trouble and certainly don't want to see any kiddos hurt. After 23 years in the Navy and 42 years duck hunting I have developed a healthy respect for the power of H2O.

Your good. No worries. I actually got stopped this spring w them wearing em. Onyx makes a bunch of different models. My kids have a coast guard version that is self inflatable as well. Many of the onyx models are not coast guard approved. The onyx jackets only count also for adults if your wearing them evidently. Got a whole sermon this spring while letting the kids fish.

Let em blow on a teal whistle too. Let's them be involved and won't scare your ducks.

My kids are 9 and 11 now, Ive been taking them since they were little. Make it fun for them, sitting down and being quite is not something that 5 yr olds do well so you have to let go some of the Super professional hunting and enjoy your time out. Great job we need more hunters!!