©
2021 Tim Tipton
Getting
Them Started
By
Tim Tipton
In my home state
of Kentucky, as well as across the nation, the sales of hunting and
fishing
license have declined in recent years. There are a variety of factors involved.
More people live
in urban and suburban areas than in years past. There is less access to rural
areas due to development, private leases, and other factors. The attitude of
private landowners has changed, and they are no longer quick to give permission
due to poor behavior of some people and they also worry about liability issues.
Fewer children
hunt and fish now like they once did. There are many more activities that
involve our children’s free time, including organized sports, video games, home
computers and others.
What can outdoor
lovers do to get more kids involved and ensure the next generation of
outdoorsmen and women keep these traditions alive? We must introduce kids to
the excitement of the outdoors. The following are seven steps to keep in mind
when taking youngsters to the woods or on the water.
Safety First: The most
important lessons learned in the field and on the water is safety. With
fishing, this is often something simple such as wearing a personal flotation
device or looking behind you before you cast. With hunting, make sure the take
and pass a certified hunters safety course and they put that information to use
in the field.
Start Early: You can never
start them too early. If it is a fishing trip and all they can use is a cane
pole with a bobber and live bait that is okay. If you want them to see what
hunting is all about, take them with you on a small game hunt or while you are
scouting. Take children on hikes in the woods or take them to wade and play in
the creek. Teach them to catch crawfish and identify plants and trees.
Keep it simple: Do not overburden
kids with a lot of technical equipment and advice. Do not make their first fishing
trip a day of casting artificial lures for largemouth bass, or their first
hunting trip a day of sitting in a blind all day watching for a trophy buck.
Farm pond fishing or a couple of hours squirrel hunting will be enough.
Make it fun: Kids (along with many adults) have a short attention span and can become bored very easily, particularly if they are not catching fish or seeing game. When my children were small, I would take them to a friend’s farm pond. They would fish for a while and then they wanted to run around catching frogs or crayfish. We would often even take a Frisbee or some other game and take a break from fishing and play a little. After a little bit of this they were often ready to get back to the fishing
.
Get the right equipment: We live in the golden age of outdoor equipment for children. From small
spin
casting outfits with Barbie or Mickey Mouse on them, to single shot youth model
firearms quality equipment for kids is available and affordable. Years ago, I
purchased a single shot rifle/shotgun combo for my then 9-year-old son. It is a
great size for a youngster and came complete with three barrels a .22, a 20 ga.
and a .243.
It’s all about
them:
When you take children fishing or hunting, particularly when they are just
getting started, remember that you are doing this for them. That is where your
focus should be. Leave your equipment behind so that you can help and instruct
them. As the adult, you will have plenty of chances to hunt or fish later.
Keeping memories: Not only are you
getting children involved in the outdoors you are creating lasting memories.
Take plenty of photographs and talk about past trips. You might want to keep a
scrap book of just you and your families’ outdoor pursuits.
Introducing
children to the outdoors is a gratifying experience for both the child and the
adult. It is also an important way to protect and pass on the outdoor
traditions.
If you do not have
children of your own, you borrow some from neighbors, friends, or relatives.
You can also join some type of mentoring program or start one at your local
sportsmen’s club. There are various ways to get involved.
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