Kids Hunting
 

I've been bow hunting moose since 1995. This year my son turns 15 which is legal hunting age here in Ontario. The group that I had set up for this hunt is telling me that my son is too young for this kind of hunting experience. They feel that they would be babysitters and they would have tobe carefull on how they perform up hunting. I told these guys that I've set this group up so that guys that wanted to bring their son up could do so. Am I being selffish Should I tell my son he can't go? I've even thought of going by myself with him But the way I look at it is, it's telling them that they won. WHAT"S YOUR OPINION?

RE: Kids Hunting
 

Are you crazy? You have to take the kid, I can't think of a reason not to except these guys plan to do illegal stuff and don't want to expose him to that<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>. These guys must be nuts, if If I finally turned 15 and my pop was going to take me along and his huntin buddies said not to, the crap would really hit the fan. If my buddies told me that, I'd be finding other buddies. My kids come first and I can't wait for the opportunities I'll have to expose them to hunting. I was hunting long before I was 15 and if my dad were going to wuss out when it came to speak up for me, he'd have a bigger problem than this. I was reeeeal cocky when I was that age and was starting to realize that I could take the old guy, not that I condone violence of course.<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>
No offence but you should have a bunch of valid arguments as to why these guys are wrong. What's their reasoning again? Didn't you say you're coordinating the hunt? I mean no disrespect sir but, there is no question weather you should take him or not in my eyes. If there is, please try to better explain it to me because I can be quiet dense.
:)

RE: Kids Hunting
 

IMO-You should take him.If he's ready to hunt by himself then great and if not you can together but you should take him.The future of huntin' depends on kids to keep it alive.If whoever has a problem or wants to do &quot;illegal&quot; activities then tell him he'll just have to wait until the youngin's are asleep or he'll have to go for a walk but your kid comes first.

RE: Kids Hunting
 

At 15 he is old enough to hunt! Take him and have a great time!

RE: Kids Hunting
 

Take him!!!! If these guys are really your friends they will have no issue with it, if they do then they are not real friends and obviously not parents. Your son comes first, especially when it comes to hunting and fishing.

The Tazman

RE: Kids Hunting
 

Take your son. That's a hunting buddy that you'll have forever. Those guys have no right to complain and aren't real friends if they want you to leave your son out, especially if your the one setting up the group. Hope your son gets the biggest one in the camp!

RE: Kids Hunting
 

Littleal - No question in my mind at all. Take the kid hunting.

I started taking my kid when he was 6, had a friend that told me that it took away from his experience having my kid along. That was fine that he felt that way, seems I haven't been doing any hunting with that friend for the last 6 years for some reason. Must be that my family comes first. I expect that when my friends kid gets old enough to go out with him he will be leaving the kid home because it &quot;takes away from his experience&quot;. Thats not how I want to raise my kids. I want them to get as much out of having me around as they possibly can, which includes teaching them how to hunt, fish and camp.

Once again, TAKE HIM, please, for your own sake as well as the sake of your son. 10 years from now, would you rather say &quot;I went moose hunting with my buddy and blew off my son&quot; or &quot;My son always came first, and I even got to see him take his first moose&quot;

No question for me.

By the way, if this is a week or longer hike in or horse back in hunt, all the better! You and your son will enjoy it even more together.

Good luck wiht your friends.

RE: Kids Hunting
 

My son doesn't go on every hunt with me but I make time for him. My hunting time is precious to me, my time with my family---priceless---Take the boy.

My son got his first whitetail this year. At 11YO I consider it quite an accomplishment for both me and my boy. 1 shot, 1 kill first deer he ever aimed at.

You'll never forget or regret it!<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

RE: Kids Hunting
 

I would approach the group and explain your reasoning once again.

If they aren't willing to budge... I would find anther group to hunt with.

Or, you could let the others know you plan to bring him regardless. Those that want to back out can do so... Prove them all wrong by showing that your son is responsible and deserves a place at the campfire... regardless of age.

Just remember, when the time comes... it's up to you to ensure he is up for the task at hand.

Family first... friends second.

If you leave him behind... he will never forget it... nor will you <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>.

-DT

ps-if using an outfitter... have you asked his opinion?


Edited by - PA DropTine on 02/26/2002 12:06:55

RE: Kids Hunting
 

Good replies! Wouldn't your son be crushed if you told him he's too young? Take him!!!!
It seems to me you and your son can go hunt over here while the others go over there, right? Just be sure that you and your son can take care of his needs without the help of your friends, and tell your buddies that they don't have to tone down their language or behavior in the presence of your son. As long as they can be themselves, what do they have to complain about?