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First hunt with my 4 year old...

Swingin' Free

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2018
Messages
630
Location
Central NY
I've been leaving my ground blind empty in hopes of getting my daughter out one evening. Well today was the day, warm (30's) and the camera I pulled Thanksgiving morning was promising.
Started off a little later in the afternoon than planned 3:30, an hour late. The snows deep enough to bog her down. I carry her the last hundred yards up the side of the hill to the blind. Gave her the job of scout .
We settle in and she's a little restless... I give her the grunt call, let her toot it a couple times. She expects them to run out and say hello. After explaining that Daddy sits all day an doesn't see anything sometimes and I too wish it worked like magic. I give her the range finder and she's on the lookout.
We have a flathead come out and she wants me to shoot it!!! I had to put the shotgun down to take a few breathes and steady my nerves. I drop her, everyone's excited!!!
Now my amateur moment... I'm no Great White Hunter, I'd say most of my deer are dumb or injured and destined by Darwin to find me. I digress...
Doesn't a buck...the biggest buck that has crossed my path while armed. I squeeze off a shot at 175 yards and never think to even grunt... I got caught up in the excitement and blew it.
Can I get some advice on hunting with the kids? I know that added to my lack of foresight and increased anxiety
 

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Hunting with your kid is all about the moment with your kid. I've been out three times with my son. He just turned 5. We sat a blind the first 2 times. It was fun warm and we had a blast. We stalked this last time and he did great fora an hour than started to go to quick. I got a little frustrated than realized we just saw one doe at 50 yards so we won. The rest is gravy and if he wants to use a stick to drum on trees as we go by so be it as long as his smile is as big as mine.
 
Agreed, that’s awesome! I’ve got a 5 year old son and a 3 year old daughter that are pretty interested in what daddy is doing. I take a bunch of videos and try to include them that way. I need a blind, they are a little figety yet, trying to set them up for next year...
 
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