10 Mistakes Adults Make When Hunting with Kids

If you love to hunt, you definitely would want your kids to learn and enjoy it as well.

Hunting is a great sport to learn self-reliance, get some exercise, and have fun. However, in many cases, hunting enthusiasts fail to guide their kids in the right way which leads them to lose interest. If you want your kids to love hunting as you do, make sure you avoid the following 10 mistakes adults make when hunting with kids:

Having Unrealistic Expectations

Many adults fail to set realistic goals for their kids and expect their kids to follow the same standards as them. This leads to the kids resenting hunting. You should not expect your kids to walk too far and as quickly as you do or expect them to endure the extreme weather conditions. You must remember that your kids are just kids. They can’t hunt responsibly and that’s perfectly okay.

Not Being Honest

When you are planning to take your kids to hunt, make sure you include them in your planning so that they know what to expect. Many adults avoid sharing details with their kids and face disappointing outcomes. Be honest with them about what and why you are hunting, what steps you would follow and how long they would be out there. Long treks would become less tiring and boring for them if they know this is also a part of the adventure.

Forgetting the Fun

You must remember that the kids don’t have a same attention span as that of adults. A few minutes of wait would seem reasonable to you but not to your kids. Make it fun and interesting for them while you wait. Help them identify the plants or birds in your surroundings, narrate a story to them, come up with some interesting game to ensure that they have fun. Secondly, you must make sure that the hunt is enjoyable and rewarding. Don’t opt to hunt a big game when you take your kids hunting. Select a smaller game so that it is easier for them to take part in it.

Failing to Make Safety a Priority

Safety is of utmost importance. Being a parent, you should be properly prepared and ensure that you don’t place your kids in a situation which may threaten their health or lives. Ensure your kids have had proper training before you allow them to handle a weapon. Take them to the parts of the woods which you are familiar with and have already hunted before so that you know if there are any potential dangers around.

Failing to Gear Up

Never in any circumstances take your kids in the woods without the right gear and clothing. Ensure they are appropriately dressed for the weather. Hypothermia is one of the major risks when it comes to hunting and kills more hunters as compared to animal injuries and gunshot wounds. Kids are more vulnerable so ensure they are properly geared up. You should also teach them to find and build shelter, as well as make a fire in case they get separated.

Doing Everything for Them

There is no point taking your kids hunting if it can’t be a learning experience for them. They won’t learn anything if you keep on doing everything for them. This would also get boring for them and they wouldn’t want to go hunting again. Make sure that they are getting some experience and knowledge from the hunting trip.

Forcing them to Make the Shot

You must keep in mind that your kids might not want to shoot, especially not in their first hunting trip. Avoid forcing them to make the shot when they are reluctant and don’t want to do it. Allow them to shoot when they are willing to do it, even if it takes a couple of hunting trips. Don’t force them in any way.

Not Being Prepared

Nothing would ruin the hunt faster than having inadequate drinks, food and gear when you are out with your kids. You must remember that kids get thirsty and hungry faster as compared to an adult. A rumbling tummy equals to irritable kids. Bring enough supplies and have food and drink break frequently to keep their energy up. Also, pack a good supply of antibiotic creams and band aids with you.

Shaming Them

It is highly possible that your kids feel sad and guilty after a kill. They might even start crying. Many adults tend to ignore this, dismiss their feelings or shame them for crying and feeling sad. You need to validate their feelings and take this opportunity to talk to them about how hunting helps in conservation and offers healthy meat for them to enjoy.

Forcing Them to Hunt

You have to prepare yourself to accept the fact that your kid(s) might not up for hunting. If you love hunting, it doesn’t necessarily mean your kids will too. It is also possible that your kid might have enjoyed hunting but as they grow up they lose interest. Don’t force them to come with you if they don’t want to hunt.

Make sure you avoid these 10 mistakes adults make when hunting with kids and you would have pleasant time hunting with your kids. It would help your kids to appreciate nature more while creating cherished memories with you.