Getting a junior into hunting

[avs11054]

So I just got back from deer hunting. While I was gone, my wife told me that my step daughter (14 years old) had mentioned to her that she wants to go with me next year. My step daughter has never hunted before, however, she has shot a gun a few times with me.

What are some good ways to introduce a junior into hunting? I figured I'll take her quail hunting a few times over her winter break. I know a spot where there are lots of quail and she'll get to shoot at something. I also was thinking that it might be better to start her out on small game. I wouldn't want her first kill to be an elk or a deer if getting up to it and possibly having to shoot it again and then clean it was going to turn her off to the sport. I figure better to start out on a bird or some sort of small game.

Also hoping maybe the wifey will go and get into the sport if her daughter is doing it as well

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Legionnaire]

Small game is a great place to start ... especially squirrel. Key to taking a young'un along is not to tire him or her out. First couple of times, take them out during prime hours, but don't expect them to be able (physically or attention span) to sit all day in a tree stand. My son and daughters got started hunting squirrel, then went with me on a couple of 3-4 hour deer stands ... eventually worked up to being out all day. They need to have good experiences early, and "good experience" doesn't necessarily mean taking game--just having a great time out in the woods with the old man.

 

[WalkAbout]

I've heard, and it seems reasonable to me that wingshooting is not a great place to start because it involves snap shooting and very quick shoot/don't shoot decisions. I plan on starting a youngster out this year on squirrel in the summer, hopefully leading up to deer in the fall.

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