I think when it comes to introducing young ones to hunting it boils down to the maturity factor of the child. Some children simply mature faster than others and can understand and comprehend certain things better than others.

My 16 year old nephew liked it when I took him hunting but when it came to gutting out the deer the boy almost fainted on me. On the other hand my 12 year old son asked to gut and skin a deer with no problem at all.

I attribute the difference in the two boys on experiences and being slowly introduced into hunting and all the aspects involved with it. My nephew until this year has never seen a dead deer up close let alone seen one get shot. My son however has seen dead deer close up and has sat in a treestand next to mine while I have bow shot deer.

I guess what I am trying to say is as parents we all know our kids best. We can gauge thier reaction to hunting best and know when we are pushing them to hard into a sport that may not suit them. Take it slow with the kids guys and gals if they like it they will want to hunt with you, if they don't like it then it is not the end of the world.

I want my kids to be happy so if hunting is not in their future and that is what makes them happy then I am happy.

P.S on a side note, 16 days until xmas and my son gets his very first hunting compound bow with all the trimmings. He will be 12 in Feb. and will be joining me on next falls bowhunts.


Dave