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Creating<br />
Kid-Friendly<br />
Hunting Properties<br />
and Experiences<br />
WRITTEN BY GREG SIMONS, WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST<br />
Some 25 years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to<br />
encounter situations where kids weren’t<br />
welcome in the hunting camp. Some<br />
landowners were concerned about their<br />
perceived increased liability exposure of<br />
having youngsters on their property and some<br />
adults wanted an adult-only atmosphere in camp.<br />
Then, we began seeing a growing gap within our<br />
ranks that was partially self-induced—and definitely<br />
not good for hunting. Hunters were leaving the<br />
sporting tradition faster than new hunters were being<br />
recruited. Fortunately, I think we’ve turned the corner<br />
on recognizing that the future of hunting is largely<br />
tied to recruitment of new hunters, especially kids.<br />
It’s a rewarding and often refreshing experience<br />
to have youngsters in the hunting camp. There is<br />
something magical about introducing people to<br />
the outdoors. And it’s amazing to see kids become<br />
attuned to their God-given senses and become<br />
more aware of their environment when they are<br />
immersed in the outdoors pursuing game.<br />
Accommodating younger hunters often presents<br />
different challenges than assisting adults. As a<br />
general rule, today’s kids have relatively short<br />
attention spans and a wide variety of pursuits to fill<br />
their free-time. With that in mind, there are certain<br />
basic practices that can help provide positive and<br />
enjoyable experiences for young hunters.<br />
LANDMAGAZINES.COM<br />
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