Winter 2016

Proper Set-Ups
Deer
When deer are the quarry, hunting out of a blind will likely be
your best option. Blinds provide opportunities for kids to view
deer and have comfortable shooting positions. The windows
of many blinds are too high for kids. Generally, this can be
remedied easily by using a taller chair such as a bar stool,
or placing a sack of feed on the chair to provide a little more
elevation for the hunter.
If possible, try to create shooting situations that provide shot
opportunities that are no more than 100 yards. Portable popup
blinds are excellent because of their adaptability. To ensure
that your young shooter has a solid, rigid gun rest, make sure to
bring a good set of shooting sticks.
Dove
Dove hunting is a good option for introducing youngsters to
hunting. For smaller kids, lighter weight gauges, such as a .410
or .20 gauge, are good choices. Shooting doves over ponds
instead of over large grain field can be better suited to kids
because often the birds are not flying as fast and high. And,
if a dove lands in a tree within effective shooting range, don’t
hesitate to allow a youngster to pop a dove from its perch.
Always provide earplugs so that kids can protect their hearing
and not be distracted by or worried about the gun’s loud
noise. Eye protection should also be the rule of thumb while
bird hunting.
Keep it Fun and Educational
Gun Safety
There are many teachable moments while in the field and
around the hunting camp that can make excursions fun and
meaningful. For young kids who are just getting started. A
pellet gun or BB gun is an excellent tool for them to learn about
firearm safety and proper gun handling, to develop hand and
eye coordination with the sight-picture, and to have fun plinking
cans.
Anatomy and Dinner
Field dressing game can sometimes be a little intimidating for
new hunters; however, using that that time to explore animal
anatomy can add interest and provide an introduction to game
processing. Also, don’t forget to include some game meat into
the hunt’s meal plan, as this “pasture to plate” connection adds
an important element to the experience.
Out and About
While in the field, point out and explain things such as rubs
and scrapes, animal tracks, plant identification, the importance
of picking up trash and closing gates, and hunting strategy.
Laugh, tell jokes, share stories, and be a friend and mentor to
the young hunter.
If the kiddos want to play video games or spend time on their
smart phone while in the blind, let them do so within limits. Set
some rules such as prohibiting use of those devices during the
first and last daylight hours when wildlife is most likely to move.
Remember, if kids consider their first hunting experiences
boring then they will quickly lose interest and drift away from
the sport, so be creative and lenient when necessary to keep
things fun and fresh for fledgling hunters.
Every Harvest is a Trophy
Don’t allow an animal’s score or its size determine the value of
the experience. All harvested animals are trophies and there
are many hunting experiences such as family time around
a campfire that are trophies in and of themselves. Often we
become too fixated on scores, unnecessarily pressurizing the
hunting atmosphere before, during and after the hunt.
Texas Youth Hunting Program (TYHP)
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning,
TYHP, one of the country’s “gold standard” youth hunting
programs. Formed in 1996, TYHP is jointly administered by
the Texas Wildlife Association and the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department. Through this program, more than 55,000 Texans
have been provided with safe, educational experiences, while
being exposed to the roles that hunting and private land
stewardship play in wildlife conservation. For more information
on TYHP, go to www.TexasYouthHunting.com.
Whether you want to increase the
kid-friendliness of your hunting operation or
improve its habitat, contact Wildlife Consultants at
(325) 655-0877 or see our website at
www.TheWildlifeConsultants.com
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