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Feb 7th, 2025
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 Perfect age to start?
#793815
07/10/09 07:16 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 980
J Cobos
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 980 |
Just curious what everybody thinks on the subject of kids hunting. I went hunting for my first time at 33 and feel like I wasted many, many, many years not hunting. So I have two sons, ages 6 and 3 and don't want them to miss out like I did. So what In yalls opinion is the perfect age to introduce them to this wonder lifestyle? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 
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 Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: J Cobos]
#793816
07/10/09 07:18 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
My youngest son shot his first deer at 7. I say when ever they are ready and can shoot good enough to hit the vitals. For some that may be 4, other may be 15. The only reason my kids didn't start earlier is because I didn't have a place to bring them.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: J Cobos]
#793817
07/10/09 07:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
As soon as the significant other will allow them to go. I started taking my nephew when he was 3, just so he could watch deer. At 5 he got a 223 and could shoot well compared to a lot of older kids. There were days I would take him that I wouldn't let his feet touch the ground and he would get a piggy back ride all the way to the stand, b/c of how bad the snakes were. But as much as I wanted to see him shoot something, I made him sit and watch everything that came out and explained that the bucks were either too young, not big enough, etc. or the does were too far for him to shoot. Some of the bucks were shooters that I told him weren't big enough, but for some reason, I wanted his 'dad/my bro' to be with him when he killed his first deer. Now that he has accomplished that several times and he has graduated up (he will be 8 in Oct) to shooting the 300wsm, my bro. can sit his rear at the house and I'll take the youngun to shoot something that will give my bro a taxidermy bill.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: helomech]
#793818
07/10/09 07:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 167
Springster
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 167 |
My daughter is 6, and I'm really contemplating letting her shoot this year. She's been sitting in the stand with me for the last 3 years, and does very well, quiet, attentive, etc. She has seen many, many deer being gutted and skinned, and it doesn't bother her. Here's my problem, she's such a small framed little girl, I don't want to scare her away from a large bore rifle. I don't believe in an amateur shooting something small like a 22-250, doesn't have enough knock down power. Nothing against that caliber if you know how to shoot. But, I think for a beginner the smallest slug should be .243. I don't want her to take her first shot and wound a deer, and afraid a .243 might knock her around too much. So, still on the fence.....
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: rifleman]
#793819
07/10/09 07:39 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,882
CTK3
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Nov 2007
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As soon as the kid is mature enough to handle a deer rifle IMO.
I've seen kids that are six years old that are more ready to shoot deer than some that are 17
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: CTK3]
#793820
07/10/09 07:47 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 189
one66stang
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 189 |
My oldest son shot his first at 6 with a .243
My youngest will get his chance this year and he is 6
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: Springster]
#793821
07/10/09 07:49 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Quote:
My daughter is 6, and I'm really contemplating letting her shoot this year. She's been sitting in the stand with me for the last 3 years, and does very well, quiet, attentive, etc. She has seen many, many deer being gutted and skinned, and it doesn't bother her. Here's my problem, she's such a small framed little girl, I don't want to scare her away from a large bore rifle. I don't believe in an amateur shooting something small like a 22-250, doesn't have enough knock down power. Nothing against that caliber if you know how to shoot. But, I think for a beginner the smallest slug should be .243. I don't want her to take her first shot and wound a deer, and afraid a .243 might knock her around too much. So, still on the fence.....
I am sure I will get flamed, but both my sons killed their first deer with a 7.62X39 out of a remington break barrel. Very little recoil, and that gun has killed 2 deer and one hog, and none have been shot that didn't die. One of the does weighed 130lbs, and the bullet broke both shoulders and had a great exit wound. Now the shot was less than 100 yards.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: helomech]
#793822
07/10/09 07:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
my nephew has shot 3 does and a buck with his little rossi 223. I was so proud of him, he was told to shoot his first doe in the head at 50yds and he dern sure did (after just turning 5). Last yr my bro got in a bind b/c he was watching does through the scope on his 300wm and a buck came running out in the food plot, so not thinking just handed my nephew the gun and told him to shoot when he stopped. He did and shot him snug behind the shoulder. That buck was the only one that ran any, the others shot with the 223 dropped in their tracks.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: rifleman]
#793823
07/10/09 08:53 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 980
J Cobos
OP
Tracker
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OP
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 980 |
Good input guys, I guess I'll play it by ear and teach them as I learn, I just want them to get the experience at a good age unlike myself.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: J Cobos]
#793824
07/10/09 01:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410
father of 4
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,410 |
My Son was 7 when he killed his first deer. I say when you have properly taught them to shoot and also to be a SAFE shooter and how to handle a gun, they are ready.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: father of 4]
#793825
07/10/09 03:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,947
Curtis
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,947 |
Quote:
My Son was 7 when he killed his first deer. I say when you have properly taught them to shoot and also to be a SAFE shooter and how to handle a gun, they are ready.
I don't know a better way to put it. My kids are 8 and 6. Been around hunting all their lives and I have taken them hunting. They are not yet ready to shoot something. I'm not going to push it on them even as eager as I am to get them out there on their first hunt for something just for them, they will tell me when they want to do such. They have accompanied me many times out in the field and know what happens. For them to want to pull the trigger is something they have to be ready to do themselves. Emily tells me she wants to shoot a bow now and take her first animal with that. If so, that would be a few more years before she is powerfull enough to pull back a big enough bow. Matthew doesn't even mention it. Both my kids know what it is and have seen it many times. They will tell me when they want to do it.
Double Arrow Bow Hunting www.doublearrowbowhunting.comBow hunters welcome! Whitetail-Axis-Blackbuck-Fallow-Barasingha-Scimitar Oryx Located in Gonzales County. Visit our Facebook page for current updates!
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: Curtis]
#793826
07/10/09 03:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,274
A.B.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
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Obi-Wan Kenobi
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 12,274 |
 Joshua started with doves at age 5 and ducks at 6. He shot this deer at age 7. He has been hunting with me since he could walk. He is more mature than some his age, but I think that some of that can be contributed to hunting and fishing and the added responsibility of what is entailed in our sports. I get more enjoyment from him hunting than I ever did for myself. I have not pulled the trigger since he started. I act as guide and retriever. He has (knock on wood) shot at big game 9 times and made 9 kills. He is better than I was at age 16. I was a lead slinging fool.  This is Joshua's deer from last year, he was 10 at the time.
Talent is a gift, character is a decision.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: A.B.]
#793827
07/10/09 05:57 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 810
bradshaw02
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Aug 2005
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My oldest boy will be 3 in August and I plan to take him to the lease this year just to let him play around camp and get to the stand. He has some toy guns that I am starting to teach him about pointing at people and such just so he starts to get an idea of gun safety. My youngest boy is only 4 days old so he still has a few years before he is ready. 
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: bradshaw02]
#793828
07/10/09 06:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,911
BYPATHofNIGHT
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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As soon as they're old enough to enjoy the outing.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: BYPATHofNIGHT]
#793829
07/10/09 06:44 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,231
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 63,231 |
Quote:
As soon as they're old enough to enjoy the outing.
Hunting isn't always about shooting.. I found that my niece (7) and nephew(5) just love spending time with me in the blind , by the campfire and learning/seeing things that other kids in the city never know.
I always bring a crayons and paper with me and sometimes we just draw pictures of the animals that come by. I think they are more happy about hunting season them me sometimes
Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, b/c they know not victory nor defeat"- #26 TR
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: BYPATHofNIGHT]
#793830
07/10/09 06:47 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,618
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,618 |
Quote:
As soon as they're old enough to enjoy the outing.
I agree. And outings need not include more than helping Dad with whatever he/she can handle.
JMO, the purchase of a high-powered firearm for a kid to shoot is far down the list of things they need to take up the sport. I began taking my daughters with me during the off season just to share time with them outdoors. That later turned into trips to the shooting range. Only the youngest later decided to try her shooting skills by taking a wild hog. And only then did a Browning .243 Micro Medallion in my gun safe become "her gun". No doubt, she had earned it.
"When the debate is lost, insults become the tool of the loser."
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#793831
07/10/09 06:47 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461 |
I found that with my nephew, I can keep him quiet with a bag of beef jerky and an ICEE.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: helomech]
#793832
07/10/09 07:07 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 167
Springster
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 167 |
There's no doubt that a caliber that size could kill, if the bullet is placed correctly. I guess it all boils down to the readiness, maturity and the shooting ability of the kiddo. Thanks for the input.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: helomech]
#793833
07/10/09 07:13 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,450
TexasTransplant
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,450 |
Quote:
My youngest son shot his first deer at 7. I say when ever they are ready and can shoot good enough to hit the vitals. For some that may be 4, other may be 15.
+1
 She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: TexasTransplant]
#793834
07/10/09 09:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 902
MogulRanch
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 902 |
I don't have kids but ideally i'd start them out shooting bb guns around 5 and go from there to see how repsonsible and safe they are.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: MogulRanch]
#793835
07/10/09 09:24 PM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 980
J Cobos
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2009
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Quote:
I don't have kids but ideally i'd start them out shooting bb guns around 5 and go from there to see how repsonsible and safe they are.
I just bought my 6 year old son a bb/pellet gun a couple weeks ago and been showing him mostly safety for now. Never point at anyone, how to use the safety, and to keep his finger off the trigger till he's bout ready to shoot. He's still don't get the concept of aiming, but I'm sure he'll get it once we spend more time practicing. So maybe acouple of seasons of just hangin out in the blind and observation, then when I feel he's ready he can go for the kill. Thanks for the input fellas, it is greatly appreciated
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: MogulRanch]
#793836
07/10/09 09:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29
Chris Barnes
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 29 |
My oldest daughter - now 21 - went on her first duck hunting trip "in uttero".
Always had at least 1 trip every year that we called "the family duck hunt" - the kind where killing birds was not the objective, making sure the kids had fun was.
One of my favorites was when the girls were 6, 5, & 4. Used their little red "Radio Flyer" wagon to haul all the junk to the blind - you know, the important stuff like their NEON BRIGHT chairs from "everything's a dollar", ice chest w/ food & drinks, extra blanets, etc. Youngest daughter (who was born on opening day of duck season 4 years earlier and I nicknamed "Ducky") was wearing a BRIGHT YELLOW rain coat (with a duckbill hoodie).
Had to make 3 trips to the mini-van to carry everything.
Somehow a bird wandered over the spread and I shot it. My dog (first one I had ever trained) could not find it in the high grass, so I walked around the pond to get it. As I was walking back - all 3 kids (and mom) were standing out in the open. Middle daughter SHOUTS AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS (while pointing directly overhead): "look daddy. Some ducks".
They were. So I shot.
I was limited out by 7:30 am.
The trip was great not because I limited out - but because just how absurd everything was setup (no cover, loud kids, moving around). Yet birds came in anyway. And the kids had a blast.
--
Chris Barnes
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: Chris Barnes]
#793837
07/10/09 11:33 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 38
cabezacreektaxidermy
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 38 |
I started taking my boy at a year and a half, started letting him shoot bb guns at age 3 teaching him about gun safety, let him shoot his first .22 at age 4 thru 5. 2008-2009 deer season he shot his first spike at 85 yrds with a ruger .204. Last month took him a ram hunt and he shoot a 22-250 125 yrds, and shot his first ram. Just what I preach to him constantly is gun safety and I try my hardest to lead by example.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: cabezacreektaxidermy]
#793838
07/12/09 12:24 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 11,758
DSST_Construction
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 11,758 |
Quote:
I started taking my boy at a year and a half, started letting him shoot bb guns at age 3 teaching him about gun safety, let him shoot his first .22 at age 4 thru 5. 2008-2009 deer season he shot his first spike at 85 yrds with a ruger .204. Last month took him a ram hunt and he shoot a 22-250 125 yrds, and shot his first ram. Just what I preach to him constantly is gun safety and I try my hardest to lead by example.
looks like your doing your part and your son is following congrats 
We work anything an everything masonry,we have been in this trade for over 40+ years of experience.
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Re: Perfect age to start?
[Re: Springster]
#793839
07/12/09 12:32 AM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735
helomech
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,735 |
Quote:
There's no doubt that a caliber that size could kill, if the bullet is placed correctly. I guess it all boils down to the readiness, maturity and the shooting ability of the kiddo. Thanks for the input.
It is pushing a .30 cal 154 grain bullet fast enough to exit on a everything they have shot. As you can see in the pic, he did not make a good shot. He hit real low. But the bullet did an outstanding job of stopping her.
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