How much should we teach?
 

I am quite active in the teaching of my son the art that is deer hunting. He has shot a deer the last 2 years, under my excellent tutalage (hey, I said deer hunting, not spelling). LOL...no, he just shoots really good. Anyway, my question is this. He will be 14 this August, and I have done well at teaching him the basics. You know, how to find deer, read a map, shoot well, hang his stands, that sort of thing.

At what point do we step aside (not abandon) and let them learn the rest on their own?

RE: How much should we teach?
 

Only when the student starts showing up the teacher year after year!:D

Seriously , I'm thankful I had someone to teach me. If their willing to learn , dont stop teaching!

RE: How much should we teach?
 

BOWFANATIC said it when said "If their willing to learn, dont stop teaching." well said.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

You can never learn it all. Teach all you know and you will both still have things to learn.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

Teach him everything you can. Don't stop. Ever.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

One of the greatest lessons that I've ever learned was "Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn ."

RE: How much should we teach?
 

We never stop learning everday, when he's ready he'll let you know, the first time he goes on his own you'll worry it's your job to, give him the freedom and the choice. Don't stop teaching, soon enough he will be teaching you, you'll become best friends and on top of that your his DAD, nothing like the feeling that your son has earned your respect for being a person and a man and not just because he's your son. Let him go, you will learn from each other. That's something real special.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

You should teach him allyou can. I wish I had someone to teach me how to hunt. The only help I get with hunting is from these boards.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

Try some baby steps. Let him do a hunt on his own (morning or afternoon.) Take him out to his stand & tell him you'll be back in a few hours. Set up another stand 50-100 yards away so you're close, or try a pair of those walkie-talkies with the ear buds.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

I can't add a whole lot to what already has been said.I do think that as long as he has the interest you never stop.If he loves it as time goes by your interaction will become more of a sharing instead of all the information going from you to him.He will start bringing things to your attention that will be his interpretation of what he is seeing.
From an establishing an independence point of view,I think you have to go with your gut on that,is he so well schooled and responsible in his climbing of tree's and his use of the proper climbing belts and safety belts,the handling of broadheads etc.
I would be inclined to be in the same tree with him for quite a while,you can use the excuse of videoing his hunts so it doesn't feel to him like you are babying him.He will let you know when he is ready,I think it will happen naturally.
He is lucky to have a dad that is so involved with him,that is about the best investment of your time that you can make!

RE: How much should we teach?
 

...when they end up taking the lead on their own. I am still learning from my dad and he is 77 years old. ;) I don't think we ever stop learning but little by little he will do his own thing.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

I am still learning things myself after several years of hunting, and passing on what I learn to my friends. We are never to old to learn or teach.

Besides don't we get on these sites to share info and learn from others??

RE: How much should we teach?
 

When you stop being his Dad. Letting him be is a form of teaching. He will have questions to ask.

Said in my best Forest Gump voice.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

Mo, sounds like you have done well in the basics of bow hunting with your son. My suggestion to increase his knowledge is to find an approved International Hunter Education Association course. This course will touch base on all aspects of bow hunting from safety to game tracking and upon completion he will receive a certificate of completion that meets all the requirements worldwide for a bow hunter education certificate to purchase a license. It wouldn't hurt to have dad attend the course with his son. Even experienced hunter will learn something from this instruction.
Good Hunting...

RE: How much should we teach?
 

My son has also turned 14 this month and I hope to still be teaching him for a long time to come hopefully some day he will have something to teach me.He's a good boy just a little hard headed but so was I when I was his age;).

RE: How much should we teach?
 

It sounds as if you've done well in providing the direction he needs. My Dad hunted with me about as many times as I can count on one hand. I really would have liked to have him with me everytime I went to the woods, and still wish that even today. Learning as you go takes a great deal of time, often to find you've sought information from sources once thought accurate.

As a father, I would go with him as long as you are able. Only shadow him if he needs room, but always be available. He'll appreciate it as he grows older and you'll still be able to tutor, all the while sharing inhisoutdoor success. My son just turned 13, took his first last seasonand I'll go as long as I'm able. No matter how good he becomes, you'll still be able to contribute... it's a Dad thing.

RE: How much should we teach?
 

Most of the time, you don't get the chance to step aside. They push you aside first!!. There's no absolute answer , but if you maintain a close relationship, you'll just know when it's time. I suspect you're a good father who cares about his son, and that's what really matters .

By the way, what part of cent. Missouri are you from?? I'm going to bowhunt some in North central missouri this fall. Never have before, was just wondering what it was like... and good luck with your son!!!

RE: How much should we teach?
 

You won't need to stepaside. He'll knock you out of the way pretty soon.