Hunting Skills for Children

There is much controversy pertaining to children being involved in hunting. I for one, was very leery of the prospect of my little boy wandering through the forest, camouflaged and stalking a big buck with a gun.

After doing some research, I developed a new respect for the sport, although I try not to think of it as a sport for my own peace of mind. Hunting develops so many skills and disciplines that it amazes me that my 10 year old still enjoys it.

1. Respect for nature, and the circle of life comes in first on my list of important points when hunting. A good hunter learns the animals' habits and habitat, as well as even knowing how to track the animal and how to make the shot to kill quickly without causing suffering. A good hunter also in my opinion only kills what he needs for food or to give to others who need food. This is a point that I have driven home to my son many times.

2. Safety is very important when hunting, from knowing the appropriate gear for the season to knowing the rules of gun safety. Before allowing my son to hunt, I had several experienced hunters take him out in the forest to explain everything to him about his equipment, wearing blaze orange as well as camouflage, how to find his way, and basic first aid skills. Then I took him to our local community center for a course on gun safety and a basic hunting class. This was easy because we are in a rural area. If you are located in the city, you may have to take a weekend trip somewhere for your child to be properly introduced to this subject.

3. Along with the safety aspect there are many pieces of equipment that a hunter needs, it may make your head swim to see your child with a seemingly huge serrated knife, or hauling around a gun, if they are dedicated hunters then they will use these tools as they are intended and will respect the danger involved.

After allowing my son to get involved in hunting I have been amazed to see the skills he has developed, the knowledge that he soaks up like a sponge, and the silence he can maintain while waiting for a deer to come along. He has learned so many survival skills and animal habits that I am no longer afraid when he goes out into the woods.

I am aware of the dangers and the controversy of children handling guns, but in my experience if you educate the child about all aspects of their new interest they will surprise you. Children who hunt tend to be less violent and have more respect for life than the child who learns about guns on TV and movies.