My oldest son is 9 and I think he is about ready to tote the gun and shoot some squirrels and doves and possibly even a deer. I haven't rushed because I want him to be as ready as possible.

We have done pleanty of bb gun stuff and worked on gun safety.

Anyway, I was hoping for some feedback on suggested starting age and especially the easy link for hunters ed programs.

I started hunting in the second grade at age 7 but figured I would pick the friendly brains of Silo since obviously I didn't follow my dad's feelings.

Thanks.

http://www.siloutdoors.com/showthread.php?t=12383

My bro started at age 9, but his first year had my dad sitting with him. Dad had a gun too of course... LOL We have never been much on the bushy tails, so we both cut our teeth in a deer stand.

It is never to early to start getting them into hunting.
Start with just taking him along with you on ANY kind of hunting trip. Wheather it be shed hunting, blackberry or mushroomhunting, squirrel hunting, deerhunting, ect.....
Include them in all form of you hunting experience, like cleaning game, practice shooting, scouting, ect....
The actual hunting part should be about the last step.
You will know best when to take that last step.
Make sure that he or she does want to really do it too. Never force it upon them, just because it is what you want them to do.
IF they do not take to it, just wait a while, keep offering to take them, but make sure it is something they want to do.
It is pretty easy to tell it a child or anyone, is into something or not.

Also don't commit to them actually going hunting till they also actually pass thier saftey Coarse. That way IF, they don't pass, it will not be as heartbreaking to anyone. Then you just tell them you will try again next time. ;)

http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/1904960e3a1da535.jpg

See never to early
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I have been working on my hunting partner since brefore he was old enough to walk.

http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/19048856236b05b2.jpg


http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/1904885638ebf3eb.jpg

Just keep introducing them to more outdoors stuff all the time.

http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/190496ce2579ded3.jpg

http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/19049965faa03971.jpg

Let them try it all & includle them in as much as you can.

http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/19049330bc0bfffb.jpg

You are right in working on BB gun stuff too.
Even an unloaded BB gun can be worked into making them feel apart of it. :cool:
http://www.siloutdoors.com/imagehosting/19049330dd4dfe29.jpg


Good Luck !!!

Can you clarify your question?

When should they be taken hunting with dad (you carry the gun at all times)?
When are they ready to hunt with dad and let dad assist them in preparing, holding, and shooting the gun at game?
When are they ready to carry a gun along side you?
When are they ready to be left on their own with a gun?

I know that sounds like I am asking some nit picking details but you have to understand that Responsibilty and Safety is required for both father and little hunter.

I really don't think there is a number other than those by law at a minimum however by then they are also allowed to drive.

Don't forget EVERY child is different. So there is no set answer as far as age. I think its more when they demonstrate they are responsible enough and like Debunk said theres a lot of variables that have to be taken into consideration.

Love the pictures and your story along with them Lynn.

I have taken John my oldest along as much as possible. He is a great dove retriever and can find any squirrel that drops.

He video taped the doe I shot last year (didn't like the gutting part) but didn't mind.

I was actually looking for what flat left as well as any knowledge of legal age limits (I understand some states have them).

Fortunately/Unfortunately He isn't as excited as I would like but it is because he is pattionate about Baseball.

I should have some of the old pics scanned and included them. Lynn yours are awesome!;)

I started taking my kids squirrel hunting when they were 3 . Granted i carried them on my back the whole time ,and never stayed to long and ALWAYS made it fun. They were 4-5 when I started taking them deer and duck hunting,again making it fun. My oldest was 8 when he started taking a gun,my old H&R 410.My next son started taking a gun when he was 9 because I wanted hid older brother to get to do it first. Now I take them both squirrel hunting at the same time and I don't take a gun.

At 9 my oldest killed 2 deer and several ducks. This year I dont have a problem taking them anytime I can.

I myself started carring a gun when I was 7-8.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/GaryBartlow/116-1.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q176/GaryBartlow/114.jpg


Now the youngest is not far behind them.

Hey All,

I wanted to follow up on the young ens hunting.

I took the Hunters Ed course over the weekend with my son. I have a couple of observations.

1st. The online course costs you money and requires you to get 5 hours of field work somehow. So online is handy but you still have to spend a day afield and I did not get specifics of what worked.

So in my opinion i would recomend against this method with kids.

2nd. I would not think any child younger than 8 would pass unless they are a prodigy. My son scored a 47/50 and passing is 40.

Last. If you are taking kids hunting. They are required to have a licence. You can get an apprentice licence if they do not have the course. I was not aware of this but now my son has his licence and hunter ed card.

There is a link on the IL DNR sight by county that shows classes. They are free. The next I am aware of is in Monroe county. Here is the kicker. They take registration but at the one I went to I was too late. I was advised to show up to replace a cancellation and they took me. So if someone needs one find out were in monroe county and show up. It is relatively easy and definately worth it. All states require you to have one if you are hunting out of state. So if grandfathered in here you would still need one in Montana or Missouri and so forth.

Hope it helps someone.:)

Chris
Tell that boy of yours congratulations !!!!!

I think you posted that your boy was 9. Kids have to be at least 10 years old, to quailfy for the apprentice hunting license. Here is some info on it.

Apprentice Hunter License Now Available: The new Illinois Apprentice Hunter License is now available from DNR Direct license and permit vendors, through the IDNR web site (http://dnr.state.il.us), and through the DNR Direct toll-free license and permit line (1-888-6PERMIT). The new program allows youngsters ages 10 to 17 to buy an apprentice license and go hunting with a parent, grandparent or guardian who has a valid Illinois resident hunting license. Those 18 and older can buy an apprentice license and go hunting with any family member or friend who is a validly licensed Illinois resident hunter. The Apprentice Hunter License is a one-time, non-renewable license available only to residents of Illinois. The cost is $7.50 (plus convenience fee for web or phone orders) and the license will be valid from the date issued to the following March 31. Apprentice Hunter License holders intending to hunt must also buy any additional required permits or stamps, such as a deer hunting permit or habitat stamp. Illinois law requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1980 must successfully complete a free hunter safety course before a regular Illinois hunting license is issued. The free courses are offered throughout the state. For more information on IDNR safety education programs, check the IDNR web site at http://dnr.state.il.us/safety.

I didn't start hunting until I was 12, my sister didn't start until she was 17, she has killed more deer than me, but I've downed more birds than she has. Also, I scored a 50 on my exam, if you actually read the book and take time on the exam it's easy, but does require you be mature enough to sit through the lecturing.

Criss,
Congrats to you for doing the safty course thing and tell you'r son we are proud of him too!! As others have stated dates dont much matter, when you'r son shows the intrest and maturity it will hit you like a full moon beam!
Now you have to start saving up and get him a Life Time lisence B4 they go up agian and/or they reduce the benifits. I have invested in 2 so far and have 2 more in the next 10 years. Even if my grand daughter never hunts she will still go fishing and she is quite a bow shotter. Baseball? Mybe what is the big stir with the guy's at school, give it time.

I teach at an elementary school and I noticed that the kids here start hunting around the 4th or 5th grade. That would make them 10 years old or so.

I'm super proud of him and excited as heck he wants to hunt. Yes he's 9 but will be 10 soon enough.

Wolfgang is correct about the test for older people. I completed it in about 2-3 minutes and scored a 50 as well. The important thing to remember is if you are older and not required to have one in Illinois you will still need one if you ever decide to hunt out of state. So look it up, register, and do it. It's free, it feels good to accomplish something, and you really will learn something new.

The course is designed to get Kids to remember basic principals to be safe sportsmen.

I have asked my son 20 times or so sence the class what is the first thing he does when someone hands him a gun. His response (now) is a resounding point it in a safe direction!

Needless to say those of you who see me at the Silver Creek Hunt Club will see me with John at some point this season.:D

Congrats on the youngster Chris. My son passed his test this spring and he's all excited about deer and waterfowl season.
We better see him a few times out at the club, heck with your kind of luck he will be shooting ducks off one of the lake pits everytime out!!!:D:D
Looking forward to seeing him out there!

We'll be there. I may need to figure out how to rig a hammok in the pit for him though. He is not a morning boy.;)