I am going to try and get my 10 year old out for the youth only season this year. I have taken my older son in the fall but this will be the first spring hunt and I am looking for any advice that anyone has. He has really been wanting to go and I want to try and make it as positive as possible.

Well Buckeye Mike, probably the most important advice for the youth hunt is to be safe. I' d recommened carrying his gun for him, unloaded. Load it for him and give it to him when he is set up. It sounds elementary to stress safety, but I have a friend who took his grandson out for the first youth opener a couple of years ago. The grandson was carrying his own gun when he tripped and somehow shot himself point-blank right in the thigh. Somehow in the excitement of the hunt my friend forgot to take the gun from his grandson as they were moving on a bird, and the boy was probably excited and not paying close attention to where he was walking.

The second most important thing is to HAVE FUN! If your son gets restless, get up and move around a bit, go for a walk. Sometimes kids just can' t sit in one spot waiting out a bird like we can. It takes practice. Just make sure he enjoys himself so he' ll want to do it again.

As for sitting with your son, I have found that putting him in between your legs and leaning back on you is probably the best route to go, that way you can whisper instructions in his ear. I' d also get him a push button call, if he does not have any calls yet, and let him do his own yelping on it. they are simple enough to use.

Finally, from one buckeye to another, best of luck to you and your son, and thank you for introducing another kid to the outdoors and turkey hunting. I' m sure he' ll have a blast!

Great advice Thundergut. I regularly hunt with my 7 year old and carry his gun. He is quickly developing into a pretty good turkey hunter. Safety is always #1, but it really is important to maintain the proper perspective and let him have a good time.