Parents sometime make the mistake of starting a child who’s interested in hunting on a single-shot 410 shotgun.
kids HUNTING & fishing
While there is some logic to this strategy – the 410 is much lighter than a 12 or 20 gauge and easier for a kid to swing – the problem lies in the smaller shot pattern of a 410 versus a youth-sized 20-guage gun. Trying to hit a dove or quail in flight with the smaller pattern of a 410 requires big-time marksman skills that most kids have not yet developed. Therefore, the 20-guage might be a better choice of gun to learn on. Bow hunting has become very popular among both seasoned and younger hunters. The bow manufacturers have realized the potential for these youth and female hunters and have started making bows which are easier to use. Since this type of hunting requires more arm strength and specialized skills, parents should consider professional instruction and youth-sized equipment before turning a young archer loose. For anyone wanting his child to learn about the excitement of bow hunting, showing – not telling – a youngster how a bow is used on the practice range and later in the field would be time well-spent. Of course, there’s a good possibility that a person who enjoys hunting and fishing already has extra equipment that can be adjusted to a young angler. With regard to fishing, simplifying the rod, reel and tackle is advisable for the first few times on the water and if the kid enjoys fishing, a moderately priced youth spin-casting outfit and their own personal tackle box will add to the fun of the sport.
Choose a Less Aggressive Quarry Most parents, at least those in the right mind, would never take a kid on a wild hog hunt for his or her first hunting experience. What might be a thrill for a seasoned hunter could permanently traumatize a kid and cause him to never want to get out in the field again. Dove hunts or highly managed deer hunts are perfect for introducing hunting to a young shooter. This strategy is also true with fishing. Largemouth bass, marlin, shark and other aggressive species are not the best fish to introduce the sport to a young angler. The best strategy for kids is to pursue fish that are easier to catch. Some good choices for first fishing trips include: bluegills, channel catfish, crappie, white bass and sunfish. As long as kids are catching fish they could really care less if it is considered a trophy fish or not. These kid-friendly fish also tend to hang out near the bank, not requiring a long cast, and do not require having a boat. The best waterways to introduce fishing are neighborhood fishing lakes in parks, small creeks and stock tanks on farms.
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