My son is 5 1/2 yrs old and I wanted to see about taking him with me some this spring gobbler season. This will be his first time in the woods hunting. I already know that keeping him quiet will be a problem. (only time he is quiet is when he is asleep).

I have a pop up blind that we will be in so he can move some and will be OK. I figure on him paying attention to the lifeless woods for 5 minutes and be ready to go. (No turkeys here dad, lets go home and watch Sponge Bob)

I want it to be enjoyable for him though and teach him some of the skills needed to be a great hunter and woodsman. So what does everyone do with their kids while on the hunt?

I figure a small chair for him, snacks, drink, a DS game or something to keep him busy when things are slow. I do wanna keep things light to carry.

Any tips or recommendations from you guys?

Thanks

Dave

just make it about the kid....they wants to go..go..they want to move ...move...
lunch time in the woods..so be it...
dont plan on gettin anything...
maybe a kids book with birds in your area so you can watch and look and read about them in the book...
the idea is to get them interested, and having fun.
teach em the basics...deer tracks..dog..turkey..etc..
try playin the quiet game, and make it where you always loose , and then in the woods they will try and beat you....
take paper and a pen and have him write down the questions he has to talk about on the ride home.(this keeps them from asking in the blind..maybe lol was somewhat effective.) the DS..leave it at home or in the truck fer the ride, not in the woods...totally defies ..imo...what i am trying to bring to their attention...my kids are computer crazy and i want them to see the outdoors...i want them to dream of the woods...not mario

Just take him scouting, and watch, or bump some turkeys.
And when the turkeys, fly away it will thrill him.

Don't plan to be in the woods to long.

Make it fun.

JMHO

Thanks for the tips and advice. Will leave the DS at home and will take along one of his note books that we can use to talk and draw what he sees and what not. I do figure on not getting much while he is there with me, and also not sitting but so long into the blind.

I do have hopes of him being there to see me taking a turkey or deer. He is always excited when I come home with something in the back of the truck.

This is a great post!

hb - I really enjoyed your suggestions!!! They were AWESOME!!! I don't think I would have thought of some of those things... Thanks for sharing that!!!

Kim

don ferget the hearin protection

My daughter is almost 6 and has been wanting to go for some time.. I bought her a camo outifit this year and next weekend she will be going with me.. I told her we will be in the open some cuz she swears she can keep quiet for while.. lol I'm not counting on it.. I did set up a blind for us.. I think we will have a good time..

Good luck to you as well!!!