What better way to bond with your children, than the adventures in the pursuit for wild game? While undoubtedly frustrating at times, it will be some of the most rewarding experiences we get to cherish forever. Someone made the choice to mentor each one of us at some point and we are blessed with the opportunity to teach the next generation of hunters. While the heritage of Hunting and Conservation didn’t start with us, it will end with us, if we don’t take the time to pass down knowledge, love for the outdoors, and our “why” to future successors.
“Some days you might not make it a couple hundred yards from the truck and that’s ok.”
Levi Boles
Expectation vs. Reality– Some days you might not make it a couple hundred yards from the truck and that’s ok. Even if they are fidgeting in the stand, dragging their feet, or constantly making noise, this is the time to make it fun for them. You might bust that buck of a lifetime out of his bed, while rolling rocks with your little hunting buddy but that memory will be one that sticks. Cherish every moment because the day will come, when you’re watching them leave you in the dust just trying to keep up. Your vision of a successful hunt could be completely different in your eyes than in theirs, and they are cherishing every moment…so make sure you are too.
One hunt in particular comes to my mind. I was out on an archery mule deer hunt with my 11 year old daughter. We glassed up a couple nice bucks feeding across the canyon from us. We made a long, slow stalk down and up the other side of the canyon, closed the distance to 62yrds. Hearts racing, I ranged the buck, drew back and slowly stood up. (LONG STORY SHORT) I shot under him. Devastated, and honestly embarrassed to whiff an opportunity like that right in front of her. When I looked back to her, she had the biggest smile on her face and said, “can you believe how close we got to them!?” She couldn’t have cared less about the shot, let alone punching a tag. What I thought was a ruined hunt was one of her favorite moments with her dad.
After a decade of hunting with my kids, here are some tips I have learned to make your next adventure into a great memory:
- Proper footwear and apparel (more layers than you think you need).
- Nutritious snacks and fun snacks. Everybody loves gummy bears on the mountain.
- Water/electrolytes.
- Be mindful of their body language.
- Rest a lot more than you normally would.
- Get them their own gear, they want to feel involved.
- Have fun!
We are showing the next generation of hunters that doing hard things is a valuable life skill and it’s ok to be uncomfortable. We are teaching them the merit of going out and harvesting your own meat. Through hard work and perseverance, the hunt will set them up for success in all walks of life. The outdoors is an amazing gift; go out there and enjoy it.