Age to bring son on a hunt?

[waitforit]

Just wondering - what is the earliest age anyone on here has brought a kiddo elk hunting?

We took a family vacation this year to the bighorns and my 8 year old was a total rockstar on a 12 mile hike.. so Im considering bringing him with on a cow elk hunt for 4-5 days. He is not new to camping or the mountains.

This wont be backcountry, i would tent it near the truck and have extra clothes blankets etc close by. Would go mid Oct but weather is unpredictable. I think I would need to bring some things to keep him occupied mentally if we end up sitting awhile.

Any advice or stories to share for those that have done this?

 

[Fullfan]

Took my son to Idaho to chase elk when he was 18. He was mature enough to hunt on his own and did well. Started taking him to Missouri turkey hunting when he was 13, but in the early years in Missouri he always hunted with me. Make sure if you do take him on a cow hunt, he has his own binos.

 

[Lark Bunting]

Lots
Of
Snacks!

 

[TheCougar]

My son is turning 11 this week and he has his first real big game hunt this year: a NM mule deer hunt. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

 

[tex0373]

Will be interested to hear how it goes. Have two girls (10 & 7)and my first boy due Thanksgiving Day!


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[Grumman]

I took my son on a cow elk archery hunt when he was 8.5. We were successful and it was a memory we will both always cherish. I worked at his pace but he was an absolute trooper. Go for it!


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[Desk Jockey]

4-5 day hunt seems like a big first step. Just a thought.

Agree with the bring more snacks / comfort items / warm clothes than you think you will need.

 

[jb1316]

I’m planning to take my (now) 7 year old Antelope hunting in Wyoming with my dad next year. Dads never hunted out of Texas, and figure this would be a nice way for us all to spend a week together. Dad getting to experience a new adventure, and hopefully my son will tell his kids about this one day

 

[Back Country Hunter 2]

Saw my dad take his first archery bull elk when I was about 8. My younger brother was about 6. It was an OTC in Colorado. Every weekend in the summer we went hiking with my dad. That helped. It can happen. I hope to give my kid/kids the same experience when they are that age.

 

[ericthered]

I took all three of my girls Elk hunting in Big Belts at 13 - they never left my side. We slept in a small cabin each night - not a tent. They did better hiking than I did. The biggest issue I had was keeping the kids hydrated. They all shot elk and deer. But again, we were not in tents. The weather was cold but not brutal like it can be...I'd say depends on the kid. Kids can do alot, but make sure their gear fits well.

 

[porkchop76]

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[porkchop76]

Just take him. It’ll hopefully be better than handing out m&m’s like you we’re riding in the parade!! Twins can be stressful. Mine are 8 . My son (autistic) wouldn’t admit to being tired till he fell over. Girls however are different. Not bad! I love taking my kids on little adventures. They might pretend to be enjoying it now. I just hope they never forget it. I didn’t...


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[porkchop76]

Be prepared to shoot the first legal animal you can. Here in nc we can shoot the spots off Bambi. I’d already gave myself a pep talk.

I think he needs to at least see something. He’ll be hooked!


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[HiMtnHntr]

If he's really into it, take him. I've had my twins along from very early ages. They are 10 now and can hike as much as I can. They've seen some amazing stuff and are hooked for life. On the rare occasion I don't take them I feel a bit guilty.

 

[HunterZ]

Go for it. Every kid is different and you know them best. Just be prepared as others mentioned and know their limitations. I take my son now 7 and daughter 5 deer hunting multiple years and it’s all about making the memories together, getting outside, and preparing them for the future. 4-5 days is different and you may need to take a day off in the middle. Good luck. Also will there be another adult with?

 

[Chris76]

My son started going in the woods with me since age 5. He is 12 now and completed his hunter safety course. You would be amazed on how much they pick up at that age. I took him on many mentor hunts. He is a die hard hunter. There where times I was froze and was like hey do you want to go back to the truck and eat and warm up. He would say no bc if we leave the buck will show up. It’s about the time with your child. I have said before it’s a different type of bond. The stories he tells when we get home and pap calls to ask how he did. We will have them stories the rest of our lives and I hope to add a lot more stories to them. Even if you have to slow down a little to take him I think you will find out it’s some of your best hunting stories. Good luck and if he goes keep up posted on how he did and if you guys had any luck. Cherish the time with him

 

[PNWGATOR]

Take him!

It’s that simple. It’s that important. It’s THAT meaningful!

Nothing more memorable, or rewarding.

 

[KChunter71]

Is 3 to soon? Haha he’s asking to “go hunting deer dad”


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[Mighty Mouse]

I haven't had to make this decision yet (my first child was born 9 days ago), but I can tell you that my dad took his sons on their first elk hunts at ages 16 (my older brother) and 14 (me and my younger brother). We all started off hunting whitetail and turkey on the family farm in Missouri at around 10-11 years old and graduated to the backpack archery elk hunt in Colorado a few years later. I'm sure my dad knew those tag fees were likely wasted money, but he wanted us to have the full experience, not just be spectators (not that I'm against the idea of having a kid come along without a tag). That first elk hunt was a major coming-of-age experience for me, and I'll be forever grateful to my dad for introducing me early in life to what quickly became my favorite outdoor pursuit.

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[Whitetail Ridge Runner]

Here is in Wisconsin there is no age limit to deer hunting with a Mentor. My boy has been hunting since 10 with a rifle and at 12 is now trying archery this year. But has been with me hunting since he was about 6. Wisconsin Rifle hunting is different though since our stands are as nice as our houses