How old do you think a boy should be before you take him hunting?

[mileskronby]

How old do you think a boy should be before you take him hunting?

[GoodOldBoy]

I think it's more a matter of maturity than age.

I wouldn't take a 3 year old out with me but if you use your better judgement you'll be fine.

[Gobblerman]

Agree. Not so much a matter of age, but maturity. Some kids are ready at 8, others not until they get into their teens. But don't wait too long...

[Henry Wefer]

Agree with above. But yeah, if you wait too long, they're going to get interested in something else instead.

[herbie57_57]

I think it depends on if you want you son to enjoy the trip of if you want to tagout. My parents started taking me when I was a baby but it was for short trips and was about the experience. I don't remember these trips but I think my dad and I are a lot closer because I started off hunting early.

[silsbyj]

I agree that it depends on maturity. I started going when I was 6 and carrying a gun when I was 9. When I start taking my son I have to expect that he still has a lot to learn about hunting and that my screw up my chances of getting anything....but having him with me and teaching him will be well worth it when he grows up a little.

[MLH]

When you are confident in taking him out.

[Chris Carpenter]

When ever you feel comfortable letting a young boy walk beside you with a gun. I started when I was in the 4th grade, but my dad hunted so I grew up around it.

[Gman_2]

We just instituted a "guys' weekend" at our camp this year. Last weekend of the season we all brought our youngsters, aged 10 and under. Mine is 5.

The whole thing was about the experience. In fact, I didn't even chamber my weapon. I carried it so he would have the experience of walking with Dad in the field, but it made it absolutely safe when he wanted to sit with it on his lap. I don't think he'll be ready for a .22 for at least 3-4 years, because he's not real contemplative, but he is gradually getting exposed to safe handling.

He also got to play with his cousins and buddies. A huge success.

[Smitty77]

That does depend on youre sons maturity level. I first went with my father when I was in fourth grade. I am very glad he lit the fire in me at such an early age and it burns hotter than ever today. I wasnt able to carry a gun until twelve but I loved going out with him. I still remember the first time out and the nine pointer he shot on the run and let me track. I almost walked onto the deer staggering back and fourth with his entrails hanging out because I was so focused on the blood trail. Get em started as early as there ready.

[jlfreeborn]

I agree that it depends more on maturity than it does age. Also, I do not think that a father should push his kids to go hunting with him. The child should make a conscious decision that he wants to hunt. I think that at that point, the father is obligated to take the child hunting. It should be left to his judgement as to when the child should be allowed to carry a firearm and take game himself.

[texasfirst]

A kid should be taken SCOUTING for a couple of seasons, in my humble opinion, before he ever goes hunting. Quality firearms training should be conducted, philosophy driving hunting should be expounded, and all the particulars. So by the time you've got all that done, I'd say the kid would be about 7 or 8 years old, minimum.

[jerry k]

im with the these guys its not about the age but level of maturity then age.

[TheEasternShoreHunter]

i would say 9 or 10 that was when i started and i am am 12 years old. but depends on saftey skills and maturity

[roger yeager]

i think you should take your children as early in life as possible the time together is irreplacible and the old saying take your kids hunting and you want have to hunt your kids