I have a 17 month old son and he is learning all kinds different words. Me being an avid hunter, amattempting to teach him all the important words in the English language. Words like deer, mule deer, pig,alligator, bobcat, bear, and antelope. Basically, what I can point to on my wall as a visual. All of which he has mastered to a degree. However, the one animal that I desire and illudes me the most is an Elk.

Recently, we were dining at a resturant that just happened to have an elk mounted above us. So, like any goodparents we went to work teaching him the word, elk. The next day the TV was on the Outdoor Channel, (Where I leave it. As most of you do) when a huge 6x6 entered the frame. All one could see is the body of this elk and it's massive antlers. I said,"Look son, tell daddy what that is." He studied it for a moment and looked at me with great confidence and said, "Tree". I said " Tree? No, Son. You remember. That is an E....(Looking at the animal's huge wrack). Hugh, you're correct thatdoes look like atree on top the elk's head."

At that point I was reminded that the teacher could become the student, andthat through my son'sinnocence we both shared an appreciation fora wonderful animal.For this I will shareElk Hunt with him someday....." FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES"

Keaton who is now 12 was calling elk before he could say the word. Point to a picture and he would start calling. He has become a very useful tool. Keep working on that boy! Take him scouting and hunting, I did. I even carried him on my back until he was 4 and could walk the trails on his own. The thing I learned is to quit when my son had enough, now he can't get enough. And don't forget really good clothes. Expensive but worth every penny in the long run.
Gselkhunter

I have a 2 and 3 year old, both love following daddy into the woods. I can't wait till they are big enough to take on all my hunts. They both could do the noises of almost any animal before they could talk or walk. I guess they don't have a chance not to become little redneck kids. It is great to show and teach them things my dad and grandads taught me, it really makes you slow down and notice things through a childs eyes that you now take for granted. My 3 years old was in on his first black bear with me last spring when he was 2 1/2, and I was worried he might freak out, but he thought it was the best thing ever. I figure it is best to start teaching them things like hunting safety when they are little, so it becomes ingrained in them. Some people can't believe I would take such a little kid along on hunts, but I can't believe they would leave their kids at home in front of the TV and not let them have any life experiences. My oldest spotted his first deer before daddy saw it last weekend, he was jacked, and now I have an extra set of trained eyes in the woods.

In my opinion there is only one thing better than Hunting, and that is Hunting with your Kids.