Upland hunters live for the beauty of wild places, the anticipation of good dog work, and the glory of the flush. It is natural for us to share these immersive experiences by hunting with the kids in our lives. Whether our own kids, grandchildren, or youth mentees, introducing kids to the hunting pursuit can be very rewarding. It can also be challenging. Entering the process with a little foresight can ensure that it is a good experience for everyone.

Be Well Prepared for Youth Hunts

If hunting with kids is anything, it is a practice in patience. Kids take longer to do everything. If you rush into your usual hunt routine, don’t be surprised if both you and your young hunter become frustrated. Instead, take a deep breath and accept the fact that the experience is going to look different. In practice, this literally means going slowly. Walk half as fast as you normally would and take twice as many breaks.

Check in with your young hunter frequently. If you notice they are getting tired, hungry, or cold, stop right away and address their needs. As a mentor hunter, the most important thing you can have in your kit is a vest full of jerky, granola bars, and candy. After all, it is hard to have a bad time when you have a mouthful of chocolate. Extra layers are also critical gear. Have a spare pair of boots and socks in the truck in case their feet get wet, an extra jacket, and gloves.

What Should the Goals be When You Take Kids Hunting?

It is not about you. If you want to take kids hunting, your own goals and desires should be at most a framework. Start the hunt by asking your kid what they are hoping for. What would they like to see and experience? What are they excited about? What makes them nervous? Clear communication on the front end allows you to build your plans for the day.

A young hunter will not care if you shoot a limit or if your dog runs perfectly. Invariably, they want to just enjoy time together with you. Make the experience about them by working in activities that you know they enjoy. Plan to leave for the field later and come home earlier than you otherwise might. Take the time for tailgate hot chocolate, rockhounding, and even a few games. You might just find yourself having more fun than you would on an all-day slog.

Even though hunting with kids isn’t about shooting limits, it is hard to enjoy any activity if you feel like you aren't having success. If your kid is old enough to carry a gun, put them in the most likely spots to get clean shots on birds. If they are younger, plan shorter walks through the birdiest zones so they can see some exciting action.

Take Time to Teach

Keep lines of communication open throughout your day in the field. Encourage kids to ask questions. Even if you are the quiet type, it is important to explain the process as you go. Why shouldn’t the kids slam the door when they get out of the truck? Why didn’t you shoot at that low-flying bird? Why did you decide to put the dog up for a rest? All of these things might be second nature to you, but for a young hunter, everything you do in the field is a learning opportunity.

If you have other friends with kids, consider doing a group hunt together. Sometimes kids feel less intimidated when they have a peer to share an experience with. You’ll need to pack double the snacks, but it will pay off when your students push each other to walk just a little further.

The Importance of Teaching Kids Good Hunter Safety

It is better to introduce youth to upland hunting without a gun in their hands. At first, they might be disappointed that they don’t get to shoot, but if they simply follow along, they will learn about how to work the cover, how to watch the dogs, and what should happen when birds flush. Upland hunting requires split-second safety decisions. If you can demonstrate safe gun handling and conservative shot choices, they will know what is expected when they finally get to try to shoot their first bird.

Gun introductions at the range are much more controlled. Teach the basics of gun handling with a BB gun, then worry about that .410 or 20-gauge. It is easy for kids to get gun-shy if you push the process too fast. Set them up for success by using proper hearing and eye protection. If you can find a shorter-stocked gun, they will certainly have a better experience. If instead you give a kid an adult-sized 12-gauge, it shouldn’t be surprising if they can’t hit a thing, let alone enjoy shooting.

Hunter safety is required in many states. Enroll your child as soon as possible to take advantage of this great learning opportunity. Even if you are a gun expert, experienced hunter safety instructors will reinforce shooting and safety basics.

Keep it Fun

You can pour your time into teaching kids to hunt, but you can’t expect that they will necessarily share your passion. Everyone has different interests, kids are no exception. However, if you focus on teaching them concepts, they will glean something from the hunting experience.

Show kids that there is a lot more to hunting than just shooting things. Take them out for spring bird watching and summer dog training sessions. Get them busy in the kitchen when cooking up your favorite wild game recipes. Volunteer together on a habitat project or ride along with a biologist for a day.

Working for a reward, seeing the beauty in simple things, caring about wildlife and wild places, and being thankful—upland hunting teaches kids all of these. With time, your young student might become your best hunting buddy. Even if they don’t, you’ll teach them things that will guide them for the rest of their lives.