How to set your baby up for the future hunting?

[ColtyJr]

I get that everything is changing in today's world and nothing is certain in terms of the world or if your child will even be interested in hunting but if they were what kind of draws can you start buying points for when they are first born. ME Moose, VT Moose, NH Moose, PA Elk or any thing out west? Thanks

 

[conley417]

Invest a little every month for 18 years. Take them to Alaska for hs graduation gift or if they hate hunting take the money and go to Alaska alone

 

[Mt Al]

I really wish I would have started putting my kids in Montana limited draws as early as possible. That ship has sailed and good on you for getting yours started.

No matter what, taking them when they're really young and making it a fun experience, IMHO, sets them up for future hunting of any kind. I took my daughters when they were in diapers on easy fun walks, brought snacks, watched birds, deer, coyotes, skunks, etc. One is a blood thirsty critter slayer, the other isn't into it right now but looks forward to getting back into it.

Best of luck with your youngster.

 

[loganwayne]

A lifetime license is probably the first thing I'd get

 

[maxx075]

A lifetime license is probably the first thing I'd get

Can confirm, my parents bought me a lifetime hunting/fishing license when I was two and I've used it almost every year.

 

[Lawnboi]

Buy land

 

[loganwayne]

Can confirm, my parents bought me a lifetime hunting/fishing license when I was two and I've used it almost every year.

My grandfather bought mine. And my father in law is going to buy it for my son when he is born next week hopefully. It's cheap in the long run

 

[Maverick1]

I get that everything is changing in today's world and nothing is certain in terms of the world or if your child will even be interested in hunting but if they were what kind of draws can you start buying points for when they are first born. ME Moose, VT Moose, NH Moose, PA Elk or any thing out west? Thanks

Invest that money in the stock market. Buy an index fund if one is not familiar how to invest. Use that money to go on a couple of higher priced hunts and save yourself the hassle of building and tracking points.

Why:
1. There is no guarantee the child will even be interested in hunting.
2. The draw systems may change so much over the next 10-15 years that you could be wasting a pile of time/$ in the systems as they exist. For example:

First NR Idaho archery elk hunt was in 2006. Purchased tags online at that time.
2006: hunted Idaho. Tag issued on 8/23/2006
2007: hunter Idaho. Tag issues on 8/3/2007.

Purchased tag online and was hunting a few weeks later. If a NR filled their tag and there were tags left over they could purchase a second tag and fill that one too. Times have changed. Being able to buy an OTC tag in ID a week before going hunting does not even exist anymore. One of many examples. Only going to get worse!

 

[wowzers]

We got both our kids lifetime licenses. My dad did the same for my brother and I and I’m still benefiting even though I don’t live there anymore.

 

[Nine Banger]

Start with handguns and then move on to rifles.

 

[Nine Banger]

Seriously though:
- lifetime licenses...these are cheap under 2 in my state and when my kids move away they can come back to where they grew up and hunt without a bunch of BS or non res costs.
- I'm watching a couple states where the minimum age to put in is 12. I'll probably focus on some attainable hunts and put my boys in for one or 2 of those so we can go together. At least one.

 

[cnelk]

You just never know what your kids will want to do