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

 

[NMJM]

Join a conservation organization and vote for politicians who are pro hunting, pro conservation and pro 2A..

 

[medvedyt]

my dad tried with 2 kids my brother and i. while raised on a farm my brother had issues with slaughtering and of course taking care of the killed animals ... my dad tried multiple times but never worked, seems he had issues with firearms, hunting and killing while i had not. now you can try whatever you want and it might or not work, only time will tell and there is also the long run when kids become teenager and may have other attractions. the best you can is trying and giving a chance. try with small game first i will say.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Land. Thats what we did. Give them some opportunity off the beat public spots while still encouraging going out and finding game on public land. If my kids arent in to it, I still have an investment property and I will still hunt it. That said my 3yr old wants to go call turkeys with his new push pin call this weekend and eat cheetos, his words. I dont think I'll have an issue with him being into hunting.

 

[PAcondor]

I do believe PA just cut the number of out of state Elk tags they are giving out for 2025 season.

 

[TaperPin]

Kids love having fun hunting, so the best thing I’d recommend is to have fun with them and be supportive of their preferences. I still enjoy shooting grasshoppers. Lol

Whoever the dad was that plans and takes his young son on trips for specific varmints/predators is still dad of the year in my book and his son is sure to enjoy hunting big game just as much. Hunting is a great excuse to spend time in great country.