taking my nephew on first deer hunt tomorrow and told him to shoot whatever he wanted. this of course comes off my tag. someone else on lease said that was not teaching him the true spirit of hunting. i diagree when i started hunting with my grandfather we hunted to eat not to see horns. i dont want to restrict him because he only gets one hunt and of course wants to shoot a buck. i think going out there and seeing 20 bucks and saying u cant shoot and going home empty handed would make him feel pretty bad. is it wrong to give him green light at his judgement?
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As long as it doesn't go against your management structure or break any laws.............. let him shoot.
Then if he keeps the interest, explain to him during the off season about management, age, etc. and let him know that the next trip he will have to use selection to decide what deer to shoot and to pass on. -
Main thing is to make it fun for him.Comment
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I read this to mean the other lease member equates "the true spirit of hunting" to only seeing and shooting big bucks. I disagree with that premise. There is so much more that goes into it, part of which is getting new people involved! I second what DJ said and let him shoot what he what he wants as long as its legal and within the lease rules. Most importantly, have fun! Good for you for getting a new hunter out in the woods with you!Originally posted by dsb6446 View PostComment
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i shoot mature bucks but rule is eye of beholder basically.Comment
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I agree that your nephew should have a great first experience. I personally would not, however tell my first time hunter they could shoot anything they want. I would explain the differences in shooter deer...does (if the doe count warrants), mature deer (at LEAST 3 1/2 yrs. old), etc. I would explain why deer are managed in this fashion. I would explain it is hunting and sometimes the bullet stays in the shell. If a "mature" 3 1/2 yr. old with smaller antlers walks out, let him take him. No since waiting on the perfect deer, just would want to ensure he knows its not about whacking whatever he sees. And, although you didn't ask, ensure he knows how important proper post-kill care is (cleaning, meat aging, etc.) so he knows this is all part of the hunt and not some ugly chore that has to be done as quickly as possible. Good luck, can't wait to see the LDP's!!!!!Comment
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I won't let most new hunters kill a buck, I think they should learn the idea of hunting and kinda "pay their dues", that all of us have had to do, let him shoot a doe and realize that hunting is not just shooting , but the whole experience.
My son when he was little had to do that and when my grandson gets old enough, he will probably do the same thing.
Just my take on things and it might upset some guys on the lease that have been spending weeks or months or years waiting on deer to get big enough to shoot and then this young guy comes out and blasts the first thing he sees.
Good Luck and HAVE FUNComment
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As long as it meets your lease rules and of course State guidelines, I would say let him take a deer if he has the opportunity. You can gradually teach him about the game management strategies etc. if he continues to show interest. Many of us hunt in areas where the deer are a lot harder to come by due to low numbers etc. I don't know how many deer y'all see on your lease but where I hunt, deer sightings are pretty low so if I was taking a youngster, he would be allowed to take anything legal. It is great that you are willing to take him and share the experience with him. I hope y'all have a great time and a very Merry Christmas!Comment
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We started our young cousin on a doe the first year and a cull buck this year. Gave him the choice of two different culls then went after the one he chose. When the buck hit the ground you would have thought he just shot a 200 inch buck. if it is the first buck, size never matters!!
AFComment
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I think thats the right idea make it fun
My kids love to fish because when we went I put the bass gear away and we fished for perch. One day that wasnt enought for them and now we fish for bass less catching but they had already done plenty of that. However my friend took his only bass fishing and the kid quickly quit going.Comment
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The main thing is to let him enjoy the great outdoors, that's what its all about in the first place. He'll always cherish the memory of his first time hunting. As far as what to take, its up to you and I don't see anything wrong with letting him shoot whatever he wants. It's just that you have to teach him about expectations, he's probably not going to shoot a giant every year, but who knows.Comment
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I take some pride in teaching my son to be selective. Every kid wants to shoot the first deer they see but it has been cool to see him understand some of the other things involved in hunting other than the shooting and killing. My two three year old daughters went with me this season and had a blast, we saw a lot of deer and a trigger was never pulled. To me it is like giving every kid that plays soccer a trophy. For me, if the deer doesnt fit what you and your lease partners consider the right deer then it shouldnt be shot just so a kid can kill something. I am sure if the kiddo sees deer and gets to "hunt" for one to shoot he will come back again to try and harvest a mature animal. Just my .02 and probably what it is worth.Comment
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I like this way better than "anything ya want" and I hope this is how I can get my son to develop into a hunter that thinks long term instead of in the moment.Originally posted by Aggiehuntress View PostComment
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i'm personally in favor of these guys that require the first to be a doe. most leases need to control the population and this makes the child learn the ropes without the pressure of big horns or no shot unless it's a management decision. they should realize that it's about the experience from start to finish and learn that it's a priviledge and not a right.Comment
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