It's probably really difficult for most guys to understand your logic but as a dad of 2 daughters I totally get it.Took my 6 year old little girl to Arkansas last year and had the same thing happen. We saw a shooter doe and she said, please don't. I gladly passed on the shot and was able to enjoy the time in the woods with my little girl. This year she wants to go back, so maybe she'll be ready.......or maybe not. But I have a feeling if I did shoot that deer, she wouldn't want to go again. I will gladly pass on a trophy buck this year if it means my daughter wants to keep going out. She'll come around eventually and I'll gladly wait until she does.
I also let her put some kind of girly touch on things - I saw a picture of @Formidilosus shooting a tikka having a stock that was painted by a kid… maybe I’m wrong. I think that’s an awesome idea and one I’ll use with my 10 year old.
That’s outstanding. I love it. Full credit given to your friend but that’s definitely on my next western boondoggle list.It was a buddy, and it’s a splendid idea.
The rifle his daughters painted, with the hide from the elk he killed with it that is going on their bed-
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I have a 10 year old daughter that loves to hunt, but with me. We have had the discussion about her shooting game, and even though she likes to shoot a .22 at the range, she does not want to harvest something on her own. This may change as she gets older, and she may want to harvest something, but in the end , I'm just happy that she knows where the meat comes from, and likes to tag along.Alright fellas, figured I'd at least ask just to see what others have done. The good Lord knew I needed a challenge in life so has blessed me with two daughters (4 & 6) -- who are starting to grow up with soft hearts to just about all animals. I don't want to tear that out of them, but also would be great if I could get at least one of them as a hunting buddy
I've at least taught them where their food comes from, they don't mind that. They just don't want to see it happen. Prime example, took my oldest turkey hunting with me a couple times this year. She thoroughly enjoyed it. Finally called one within shooting range, and just as I was about to pull the trigger I hear "Please don't shoot him daddy. Let's just take a picture." So guess what... I didn't shoot him. (We also didn't get a picture cause about 2 seconds later he was running back where he came from.) If she can't see a turkey die, then I am 100% positive deer or any other animal is out of the question either.
What's the consensus here. Should I wait till a bit older? Or just introduce her to the harsh reality and see what happens?