KHM, You are asking me?? I am 46 years old, and have been hunting seriously for only 13 years, I am far from/never will be an expert....make no claims to be.
I was a pre-school teacher for many years before I started hunting.....and can tell you this, and it can/ will differ from child to chiild. The same for adults and their learning abilities!!
I was asked this past year by a county law enforcement official, if I would consider being a firearms safety instructor here, and I made the choice not to do so....... quite simply because many feel that once they take "the" course for their CCW permit...it gives them free reign, and they are automatic experts on firearms. Sure they may know the mechanics, and operation, even be able to shoot.....a class does not give them the responsiblity, or the judgement that goes with firearms use...that is also an individual thing...and perhaps off topic here. So.....
All that I can say with my son being so young, is that he has shown an interest in the outdoors, and hunting. Hunting primarily(IMHO at this point in time) because he knows that is something that "mama" does every year. I hunted even when I was 8 months pregnant with him. <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>
He has only seen me drag one in and that was when he was almost 3. He still shows an interest.....will it pass with time, or grow?? Who knows??? I am not certain.
I do know this, ....it will be different with every parent, and every child as we are all individuals to what is taught, and what is learned.
For now I am satisfied that he truly enjoys the woods, has learned many individual tracks, and sign, and is simply satisfied with the enjoyment of being "out there", learning about the animals that live there, and the wild foods that can be found there. I will continue to teach him as is appropriate for his age, and answer his questions accordingly when he asks them. What I have stated are just my thoughts....what pertains to you, or anyone else may or may not be entirely different.
Okay....second ramble for the day. Sorry folks....<img src=icon_smile_tongue.gif border=0 align=middle>
Thanks for keeping it civil, and interesting folks. Good thread so far....
Edited by - Christine B on 01/10/2003 21:44:48