HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

At what age would you take your son/daughter out in the field to tag along for a little bird shooting.
My son will be 5 this year right about the time that we will have a one day chance to go out and shoot a few birds. This situation is this. I am currently overseas, and will be home on leave in October. I will be getting together with a breeder to shoot a few birds over a couple of his dogs to make my final decicion between GSP and English Setter. I am wanting to take my son out for this experience just to walk along and get some dad/son time and start to expose him to hunting just a little. He knows that i hunt, and he understands what that means, (something gets shot). I don't really know about this one since I didn't grow up in a family that hunted. IS THIS TOO EARLY?

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Not at all. The earlier, the better. My son started going out with me when he turned 4. He loves it. Loves watching the dogs work and has no problem with the connection of shoot, kill, clean, eat.

I know it's funny coming to grips with this when you come from a family that didn't hunt, but I think it's better for the child to make the connection earlier vs later. We are predators; why deny it? Expose him now and let him come to his own conclusions when he finds out others don't agree with him.

Good luck

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

My brother and I started tagging along about then. We loved it!

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I've taken my son since he was a baby! When he was a year and two years old we would put him in a backpack so he sat above me. When he was three he walked and carried the birds. He would play with them all day. He watched us clean them and that nite he ate them. It was funny watching him eat them saying birdy, birdy. He's been with us deer hunting too. He's seen us shoot a couple deer and has come in the field and help gut them. He likes to hold the legs. I think the younger the better.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Thanks for the info. That is kinda what I was thinking too. And especially since this isn't going to be a really "true hunt". We, for the most part will be shooting farm raised birds. The breeder that I am visiting raises several thousand irds a year for training and such.

Thanks again.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I have been taking my nephew with me in the pheasant fields since he was five. He likes to cary a bird or two in his vest. He really likes helping with the cleaning of the birds.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I think the younger you can get them hooked the better. My son will be 4 at the need of the month and he's been scouting with us all month now. He thinks it's a big adventure walking thru the woods looking for deer signs. We make a game out of it.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

crazylady,
You are a re Crazy-Beach, and should be a poster child for peta. What the hay are you thinking. taking a baby out and shooting guns around them at less than 2 years old.
(PURE CRAZY)(NO SENSE)(YOU SHOULD BE SPADDED)
Mite's thread "some people should not own dogs"
YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE CHILDREN

Here is the rule of thumb for the real bird hunters and mature adults
As soon as they are responsible with a BB Gun. Around 9-10 years old
get them involved afew times a year save the birds in the trees or on the ground. Away from the dogs. and let them have them.
(same as training a young dog) Too much too soon equals no hunt or no discpiline.
Never start a young bird hunter with a 410
when they are old enough to handle a lite 20 then they can hunt and be succesfull at it.
More than likely this will be around 12-13 years old

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

The hunt in question isn't going to be a true bird hunt. I am meeting with a breeder to see is english setters and GSP's. We are going to shoot a handfull of pen raised birds. There is no intent to have my son shooting anything yet. I now that he isn't ready, but just to get out for some dad time and watch the dogs work, and shoot a couple birds. Is 5 years old too young for that?

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Not at all, If you really want your son to get into hunting and develop a heart and spirit for the great outdoors, than by all means I say let him hunt with you. Im a young hunter and I taught myself to hunt, becuase no one believes in hunting, many of people that live near me think it is a crime, so I had to grab my slingshot, got to the field, practice shooting, and miss a couple birds by about 10 feet at ranges of 15 feet!!!!!![:-][:-]But I got better,I pin Cottontails down with my bow at 20-25 feet away, like your son will get better.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I don't know who you think you are but what I've read in these forums you seem to think your opinion is the only one. I'm not going to explain myself to someone like you!

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I think the one part of their post I really agree with is not to send a young hunter out with a 410. I have always been told that. Generally not enough shot, and harder for an inexperienced hunter to kill birds with. In my case, it doesn't matter, my son isn';t old enough to shoot anything anyhow. Just want him to tag along inthe field and get a chance to watch the dogs and get a feel for hunting

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Well then,
Explain your Crazy Non-Sense,
I encourage you to find a resonable person,who takes babies hunting.
My Opinion is based on alot of experience, notmyths or redneck ingenuity.
From the begining of time no one in the history of hunting has ever done what you have.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

[:@]Dale you seriously have an issue....If crazylady wants to take her son out with them who the heck are you to tell her otherwise...Also what gives you the right to call her... actually anyone a beech or any other name that is SO inappropriate... If it were up to me you would be in TIME OUT for awhile until you can control yourself... get some help and fast before you say something that hurts someone... oh wait too LATE![:@]

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Sorry i got mad and forgot about the thread... I was 8 when my dad started taking me and I loved it. I would think that 5 would be ok. The only thing that I would worry about it how far you have to walk and what the cover is like.. .. *Cough* GSP *Cough* sorryI think I might have somthing...;)

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Keaton started hunting with me as soon as he could sit. He was carried in a kelty baby pack[best money I ever spent] on all my hunting/scouting trips. He was with me for training dogs also. Now at age 12 he is my best hunting partner. As for guns for kids, Keaton got a Montecarlo cap gun to take with him at age 5. He was shooting a single shot 28ga at 8. He would go shoot sporting clays and preserve birds with me. When you mentioned Father/son time that is the right thing to do. Don't waste a minute, but stay at his level. Most kids are good for a little while, then want to do something else. If you want him to like it, pay close attention to this.
Example: I took Keaton to Kansas to pheasant hunt and the first day was weird weather, so we played in the back of the truck most of the day. The next day all Keaton wanted to do was watch the dogs and hold the roosters that I killed. Bottom line take him and don't let anyone tell you different, but have him ready to go, clothes, boots, food and plenty of stuff to do in the car.
Gselkhunter

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Are you serious taking a baby out hunting as a 1 year old is ok with you?
Shooting a gun? climbing a tree stand?

(Don't let things like common sense get in your way)

What happens when the baby cries or poops. every 30min. or sooner.
I am not as stupid as you think, There is a low to no chance that a succesful hunt really could have taken place. More than likely it was a flat-out lie in the first place.
Taking a 1 year old hunting and killing a deer; Really.I must have an issue, amI the only sane person?

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Scouting, taging along, watching dogs work, and helping skin an animal are one thing. Having an infant hanging from a tree in a backpack is another. That is Michael Jackson material!

I have seen too many good dogs shot by youngsters/inexperienced hunters... Shooting over a dog is a right of passage, its sacred; not a chucky cheese arcade game. 12 minimum.depending on the individual.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I dont think he was talking about his 5 yr old shooting and neither was crazylady. They are talking about takeing there children out to enjoy the outdoors...

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Thats from pg 1 crazylady, living up to her name.

Having an infant hanging from a tree in a backpack is Michael Jackson material!how is that not insane? I wouldnt even do that to YOUR kid, much less my own..

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Yeah, I had to re-read the part about 1 or 2 years old. That seems a bit out there to me. But, I guess we all have our notions on what is and what is not acceptable.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I started tagging along with my dad when I was about the same age. I practically begged him. Begged another 20 years before he took me deer hunting.

My husband was his dad's first realy bird dog. Dove went down. "Son, go get that one". He was about your boy's age.

At field trials and hunt tests and training days, the new kids about the same age always want to carry the bird. I don't know what the fixation is but it's strong. We let them carry the bird.
There are a lot of lessons involved. Safety, dog care, hunting ethics, sportsmanship, land steward, conservation.

Take the boy, make sure he has hearing and eye protection. Just be prepared if he doesn't like it not to push it...
Good grief they get enough of hunting is wrong from tv and movies...why not show him the rewards of being outdoors.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I took my son in a backpack that is designed for little kids when you are hiking. I would take him walking on the trails at the hunting shack while his father was ahead of us hunting for grouse. I don't know where anyone got the idea that I had him in a tree. He has always had ear muffs on for his protection.We have a stand 75 yds from the house andwe sit in the back office and wecan watch his fatheror uncle shoot a deer.I sit in our back field with him and we watch deer all the time. It's not like I gave a kid a gun.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Can you see where that might be taken as you had him hanging above you in a treestand?

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I was talking about grouse hunting. You don't grouse hunt out of a stand.
If I'm wrong for taking him out in the woods with me then ALOT of people
around here are wrong too.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I think the overall thought was that you had a 1 - 2 year old with you when YOU were shooting (in close proximity).

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I did, Keaton was in the pack behind me. He saw dogs on point, birds flush, me shoot them or missand birds retrieved. I carried he until he was 4 and got to big to carry. And incase your ready to give me crap about his ears, they make ear protection for little kids. See the point is, it was us hunting together, not about me hunting. Success wasn't the issue, time together was and he loved going. If there were a bunch of other guys going, he stayed at home and cried because I left him. But when you have guys that the whole deal is how many birds they kill, I didn't need that around my boy. The I am superior hunter guys I won't hunt with anyway, way too much ego for me. My son learned ethics, conduct and enjoyment of being out. And if we happened to shoot something it was a plus. I didn't have anything to prove to anybody then and don't now. If the only group I hunt with is my sons and dogs, I am just fine with that. And the 2 guys THAT I WOULD hunt with when Keaton was little, loved having him along.
Gselkhunter

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I'm 15 and I was about that age when I started going out with my dad, had to wait another 7 years to be able to shoot though, I loved going out, let your son carry a few birds either get him avest or an old backpack if you cant find one to fit himor you are affraid of him growing out of it, just be sure to take a break ever little while, about ever 15-20 min for a few miniutes each time

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

My husband's mother took him out in the same manner. His ears were protected and she was not shooting just out with his dad on quail hunts. The only side effect was he's a life long hunter and bird hunting is his first love.
Don't judge people for taking kids hunting that's what the anti's do. The next thing you know they'll want the kids taken away from hunting parents!

CrazyLady-check out this website, I think you'll enjoy the sisterhood of hunters. www.txdiva.org, we're worldwide.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Anyone that puts a kid in back-pack and walks into a field or the woods is considered Hiking. Normal folks that might carry a gun in this manner would be carring it only for (in case of an emergency)
A Real Hunt is when: since this is the (upland bird hunting forum)
Requires alot of walking and negotionating cover/briars, ditches, rough terrian, and other things that normal folks consider as inappropriate for even the most experienced hikers to take small children on.

To all of those that think taking your kids on a stroll out into the back-40 is a hunt. You are wrong, this should be an introduction to the great outdoorsand conservation of our wildlife and habitat.
Introducing a youngster to a gun should only and i repeat only be done in a controledenviroment, such as a shooting range or shoot outing were the adult has complete control of the surroundings and the gun.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

I have been lucky growing up around the greatout doors and when it was time to explore most of it was on my own.. As my children were growing upI would take them road hunting in which we would ride around the dirt roads looking for game. I introduce them at a rate I feel comfortable with. I am planning on taking my son on a 22 shoot to improve his aiming. But, that is only a small part of it, learning the laws of hunting, all the unsaid rules, landowner rights, ect..Is all part of protecting what we all enjoy today. I have been introducing him to hunting with my Irish Setters last year, so, I may let him try to shoot a few birds with me as back up. So he will see first hand on what it is all about. I am hoping to someday have him run my Irish Setters and bring a few birds home. I am also hoping he will be able to handle those dogs well. As, with my work schedule I can find no time to trial them. I have walked a few braces so i know what I am hunting with and feel rather comfortable that he will soon be on his way with them as he is now 14 years old..

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Daleh, my son say to tell you he is really glad you weren't his dad.
Gselkhunter

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

:D:D:D:DWell put Gselkhunter's son!

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Doc E says"Ignorance can sometimes be cured, but stupid is forever".

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

crazylady, i'm with you on this one ... these guys are tools that had no reason to jump you like they did.

eff em.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Thank you Moose!

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Crazy Lady, Hope your child is a life long hunter and conservationist.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Oh I'm sure he will. Papa tookhim out this weekend scouting. He
wants a bow for his b-day in two weeks. He wants to shoot the
full rut buck with mom and dad!

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

my dad started taking me b-4 i could walk. i dont think any age is too young to tag along, hunting is not just about killing, its about being out doors and expirianceing something more than the couch. its also gaining respect for what you are hunting and outdoors.

RE: HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG
 

Daleh best look in the miror! I am glad that parents can give time to their kids in the outdoors[Crazylady, Goose Assasin] shows it isn't all about them. Because of that bond with their kids they have a better chance of them staying out of trouble later in life. The guy that thinks only of how big a critter he is going to kill and that his kid is going to screw that up, missed something real improtant in life. And so did his kid.
Gselkhunter