Elk,
That is awesome how you were able to take your kids out at such a young age. I would have taken mine if I had been hunting back then I can tell you that.
You're right. When I was growing up in NYI would climb every tree i could find. When I moved to FL and had kids there were very few climbable trees in our neighborhood. Mostly palm trees. My daughters have never climbed a tree in their lives hence the reluctancy to get in a tree stand.

Safety wise it's my way or the highway also when it comes to taking kids out hunting with me. In fact, when it comes to adults I do not hunt with anyone that I do not consider a very safe hunter.

Bet you can't wait until the kids can take the elk for themselves