starting young hunters

[the longbowkid]

I've been noticing in one of the trad pubs that they and the readers are promoting starting youngsters at a very early age in bowhunting.  I have always felt that most children didn't have adequate strength and maturity to hunt until later 12 or so.  I started my boys at a very early age(6)in the woods and with safety and marksmanship but no hunting until 12 y.o. I have not regreted that but am considering allowing my daughter to start earlier.  I would be interested in your input and suggestions about starting my daughter, now 9, if you have had experience with starting children in trad bowhunting.

[The Night Stalker]

Nathan started shooting a longbow at 9, then a lewis hollow recurve that he out grew, then 13, he got a RER 60inch recurve. Now, at 15 he outgrew the 60 inch bow. It is about 40lbs at his 29.5 inch draw. He shoots my Welch dakota 46@29 on occasion during practice. This year was the first year I let him hunt with his recurve because I did not feel his shooting was good enough. He has passed on several small bucks and overshot a big doe. He did shoot a squirrel out of his tree last week so I know he is focused. Been brutal cold hunting this last weekend, and Nathan like me has learned how to use his body heater suit. If they are comfortable, they have a better time. give them a few squirrel arrows to pass the time while in the tree and it helps them learn how to position for the shot. Thirdly is safety, I posted my safety lines on this forum using climbing rope and prussik knots. We both use hunter safety systems. It is simple for them to use. I should post how I go to the stand and set up for the new young hunters that get cold. Everyone that knows me, knows I hate getting cold. Even in late season, I like to stay toasty so when a shot presents itself, my shoulders and back are loose.  Tim in NC

[lpcjon2]

My son started at 7 and my daughter at 5 shooting ,now two years later my son builds ground blind in the back yard with his friends and tries for squirrels.

[Jim Picarelli]

My 4.5yr old grandson started shooting last year. He's not ready for hunting yet but he's having fun shooting with me
 

[Ray Hammond]

Yo, Jim....dat's a gangsta right there!!! I can see that determination in his eye- he's gonna be a killah!  Nice photo!!!

[goldflinger]

I started my son at 10. My deal was they had to be able to read and comprehend enough to pass the hunter safety course before any hunting with any weapon!

[the longbowkid]

Tim,
good to hear from you again! hope all's going well for you. we're planning a trip back to rays at the same time you are according to Ray. look foward to hunting with you again!
Luke

[Red Tailed Hawk]

Jim I like that pic, he sure looks ready.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I would get her out as soon as possible.

Try hunting birds or turkeys where there is a lot of action.

I have taken several kids out for their first deer and turkey harvests with shot gun and compound.

Turkey hunting in the right place can be full of action and very interactive, which holds a kids attention The other good thing is that you can make is comfortable for the kid by getting a pop up blind.

I use an Ameristep Penthous, because it is super tall and I can stand and draw my longbow inside of it.  

There are studies by the NWTF, USSA, and NSSF that show kids that start by age 9 are more likely to stay with hunting than those that start at a later age.

Even if it is letting them shoot at squirrels with their bow, it is hunting and being with dad in the outdoors that matters.

Good luck.

Paul

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

Depends on the physical strength and maturity of the kid really.  They need to be strong enough to draw a sufficient or legal hunting weight and they need to be mature enough to be patient and make a good shot and really understand what is going on, that they are taking a life and that there should be as little suffering as possible.  Really only you would know.