I stopped reading this thread at this post because it says it all. I don't have to keep my son out to hunt, but twice a year during a fishing tournament I'll keep him out on Friday to go with me. For those two days a year he stands out with the adults and does all he can to help from catching bait to tying rigs to weighing fish. I enjoy spending this time with just him and enjoys feeling like part of the team, if he misses a few hours of school to feel this way then so be it.

Remember, we aren't promised tomorrow. My brother in-law was supposed to take him hunting and was killed a car accident right at the beginning of deer season the year they were supposed to go. I started hunting for this reason, otherwise my son would probably not have the opportunity to go and learn. I think 30 years from now he'll be able to look a pic of us holding or cleaning a big fish and remember that moment spent together like it was yesterday.....ask him what he learned in school that day and he won't have a clue.