What do you think is a good age to take your kids hunting? And by hunting I mean not just a "take along", but actual hunting with him/ her also having the oppertunity to shoot should the ideal conditions present itself? My son took his second African trophy this weekend, after taking his first 2 years back when he was only aged 5. He enjoyed it so much, he even helped the skinners, and also salted his own and other trophy skins. Some people critised me for allowing a youngster to partisipate in a "bloodsport", but seeing his face after his zebra went down, was unforgettable.

You did very well with your son. The age a youngster can actually shoot his/her game is when that kid can consistently show you, the parent, how responsible and "mature" that kid is. Desire is the other consideration there. Here in the states, youngsters can go hunting at 12-14 yrs old, but that reg is quite a few years old so today it may be different.

I'm 31 years old and have a 2 1/2 year old son. I do not keep anything from my family; I will talk about my interest in hunting and shooting at all times.

However, the rule of thumb I have, is that I will not force anything onto my son. I will continue what it is I do, but not "force" him in to anything. The day that he asks to go hunting is the day that I will take him. No sooner, no later. He HAS TO ASK ME ABOUT HUNTING! That is the only rule I have. I undersatand that hunting isn't for everyone, and when my little chamption asks, I will tell him about it.

I started my son at age 5 with a 7 day mule deer hunt in central Nevada, and upland game for the rest of the year. He was a major part of a California bighorn sheep hunt this year with me and my brother-in-law at age 9. He also started shooting ducks and upland game with me this year and we are booked for Namibia next year. I think he hit the ground wanting to hunt and my wife who doesn't hunt thinks its some wierd genetic thing.

It appears that you are doing a fabulous job of being a Dad to your son.
While spending quality time together you are also truly teaching him the facts of Life.
You should be commended!

Thanks for the kind words, but the truth is that he makes every hunt he is on much better than if he is not with me. So it is a no brainer for me and my hunting partners.

Karl: Those are priceless pictures, my friend! By the way, start them out as early as they can handle it. I think that that will depend on each child. My three sons started out at different ages due to their different personalities. You will know when it's right as a father.

Karl,

I think you are doing the right thing. Some people wait too long and by then their kids are interested in other things and never really take a keen interest in hunting.

I hunted my first animal on my own when I was 5 years old. It was a squirrel. My first big game animal was a Whitetail Deer when I was 7. I think each kid is different. I know several kids under 10 that I would feel comfortable hunting with. On the other hand, I know several 40 year old men I wouldn't even want to be on the same property with if they had a gun. If your son enjoyed it (and it looks like he did), it was the perfect time. Good on ya!

Karl, The look in your son's eyes as the salt goes on says it all. He is from another time! And he will always love is Dad. Since it is natural for you, it is natural for him. The lessons learned will make him a man among men.

Well Done

Karl,

Thank you now I can show my wife that my son can go hunting with me at the age of 5 only 2 3/4 years more to wait

I decided that I will give him an airgun for his 3rd Birthday January next year. And of course he will only shoot it with my supervision and then see how he handles the gun untill we can go for the real stuff. The rest of the time the airgun will be standing in the safe.

BTW what did your son use to shoot the zebra ?
Since getting a new rifle is a pain but I suppose I can make a plan I was thinking of downloading the 303 to subsonic with cheap softs shouldnt be to bad with the recoil.Or if I could get a new rifle a 6x45.

quote:

BTW what did your son use to shoot the zebra ?
Since getting a new rifle is a pain but I suppose I can make a plan I was thinking of downloading the 303 to subsonic with cheap softs shouldnt be to bad with the recoil.Or if I could get a new rifle a 6x45.

Fred, he used a .243 Win with 100gr Nosler bullets. I know, very light, but he and I where very aware of his limitations, and he pulled off a perfect shot from 120 yards. I was ready to back him with my 9.3, but saw that his shot-placement was good, so did not shoot. The zebra went down within 300 yards. Incedently, it was part of a culling programme, where we shot 9 zebras in total over the weekend, and except for his zebra, only one other one went down with one shot only. The rest of the hunters (friends, old clients) all used heavier calibers. He was not supposed to shoot one, (otherwise I would have brought along the 6x45 with 85gr Barnes X bullets), but 2 guys pulled out on Friday. When we went for a scout of the area, I saw that we might have a oppertunity for him to shoot, stalked 2 zebra on their own, and he pulled of his shot perfectly. Once again shows that it matters more where you hit it than with what you hit it.

I started all 3 of my kids hunting when they were between 6 and 8 years old, all of them on Mule deer because at the time I had a ranch leased in West Texas. That is a little young IMO, but it worked out and they only shot at very close range. I built them a 222 with a very short and thin stock and a short barrel. still have that rifle and my grandson used it on his first mule deer. We have always used the 60 gr. Hornady H.P. and it works like a charm with perfect expansion and quick kills from 25 to 200 yards in one instance.

My grandson has graduated to my 6x45 and he loves it. Shot a nice 11 point (both sides) last year. He was 14 at the time.

Karl I applaud you taking your son hunting, I think it's a very good thing.

I speak as one without kids at the moment. But to me as soon as they can hold/handle a gun (with training of course) get them in the field and let them experience all that they are comfortable with.

I looks like your son is going to have an enchanted childhood!

Allen