Taking young kids...

[Marc]

The ranches I am hunting this year are loaded with jakes (which is refreshing but frustrating); I have yet to see a tom.  I have called in birds (jakes) every time out, and figured I would kill a bird if I took out my daughter.

Took out my daughter this morning (6 years old)...  Had a fun time, but it was the first hunt I was not able to call in a bird.  Taking a youngster creates a whole different set of challenges...

My daughter is actually better about sitting still and being quiet than most adults I have taken out...  But we hit some roadblocks this morning...

She was so excited to go, that she did not sleep the entire way up (we were up at 3:45 a.m. with over an hour drive)...  I had some birds roosted, and we set up.   She had no idea that I already had them roosted from previous hunts.  I pointed to the birds before they sounded off, but she had no idea what I was telling her...  They started gobbling, and she was frantically trying to motion to me that she heard birds.

We listened to them gobble for about 1/2 hour, and I suppose the thrill wore off.  They finally flew down, and were  headed right towards us, when my daughter literally passed out (fell asleep sitting up).  The movement, and her little screech of surprise, sent the birds headed off...

And then, it was cold this morning.  It was in the mid 30's which is very unusual for this time of year, and was actually colder than most mornings I duck hunt...  I had her dressed plenty warm and even had her wearing snow boots (as I knew her feet would be the issue).  As we set up on a second set of birds, her feet were painfully cold and she was so miserable, she did not even hear (or care) that we had birds coming in fast and hard...  Out of all the hunting she has done with me (including duck hunting) she never asks to go home, so when she asked this morning I decided to call it.

Headed to a nearby town for pancakes and hot chocolate, bought her some fresh socks (I forgot her spare set, and she took her boots off cause her feet hurt).

We headed back out again, trying to strike up a bird, but heard nary a gobble...  We staked out a likely area for a bit, and she helped me with some calling, watched some hawks, and just enjoyed nature (she sat about an hour in complete silence).  We did catch some frogs, and took a tour around the ranch on the quad (which she liked a lot better than walking)...  Saw quite a bit of wildlife, and tried to make up for her miserable experience this morning.  I always try to end things on a positive note, so that they leave wanting more.

I will NOT forget extra socks next time.  I will take foot-warmers.  I will not forget binoculars again, nor will I forget my camera.  I did remember the Thermacell, which was completely unnecessary.   

Funny thing is, I think I would have been more excited to kill a jake this morning, than a tom on most other mornings...  Taking the kids changes my whole outlook on the enjoyment, and the experience as a whole...

[ilbucksndux]

I think we need to be careful taking kids hunting. I can remember going hunting when i was a kid and walking my butt off being cold,wet and miserable. The fun part wore off real fast. When my kids were that young and we went to the woods I was not serious at all about killing anything. Made sure they were warm,dry, had snacks and we left before the boredom set in. Its great getting your daughter out in the woods. Just wait till she is big enough to shoot stuff !

[Bowguy]

You made the right call in going in. I only try n take kids on perfect days weather wise n might have not taken her if it was unusually cold for the area. Don't take a chance of turning her off, not many kids are gonna deal w uncomfortable conditions many times. Sounds like you made good of it but be careful. If you want her to be involved grow her into the sport

[ilbucksndux]

I should correct myself. I didnt mean wait to take her till she can shoot..........I ment it gets real fun for you when she can shoot.

[Marc]

I should correct myself. I didnt mean wait to take her till she can shoot..........I ment it gets real fun for you when she can shoot.

I understand what you meant, and appreciate the comment.

Taking the little ones into the field, often poses difficulty...  Some event or situation is bound to happen that is unpleasant for them (falling in the water, getting cold, bug bites, etc.).

I always try and give them a positive experience at the end, so that is what they remember...  Both my children love riding on the quad, so even when I dove hunt (and am walking 100 feet from the truck), I will often load it up, and go for a cruise...  Stopping for their favorite food or ice cream is always a plus as well.

Most importantly, is involving them in the hunting...  My daughter is quite proficient on a box call, and actually pretty darn good on a duck call (whistle).  When duck hunting, she is also in charge of the jerk cord...  Of course part of their job is looking for birds as well.

Whenever success is had, I make sure I tell them how important their contribution was...  My oldest was with me duck hunting, blowing on the whistle when three birds came out of the fog, and I tripled on them (an unusual event for me), and I made a big deal of how she called them right in...

Turkey hunting is tougher to involve the kids, and tougher to be successful at with them along...  Any little tips you guys all use are appreciated.

[Muzzy61]

Sounds like a great hunt to me....