Help with Daughter

[RifleBowPistol]

Don’t push the subject. Take her hunting, let her sit with you while you kill deer or whatever, then keep her shooting as much as possible. Get her to shoot where you are hunting, in similar situations, same setup she would shoot from when in the blind trying to take a shot at deer. Then also get her to shoot rabbits doves, whatever small game. Build her confidence slowly. But even if she has killed 400 rabbits over the next 5 years, or nothing, don’t get irritated with her about not shooting a deer or try to push the subject.

Everybody’s brain is wired differently, the idea of killing a deer herself, may be something she can’t deal with. She likely is a very caring kind girl. I have been around females that are cold females, that will drop a deer without thinking twice. They drop boyfriends just fast. Then I know females, that I would not classify as cold, but they don’t have much problem shooting a deer.

My wife absolutely will not shoot a deer or consider it. She has no problems with me doing so, she tells me to go kill deer. I want her to go hunting, but just to see the things I see when hunting, not to shoot anything, she thinks I may try to push her to shoot a deer, which I would not. So she won’t go hunting with me, not even on our property.

Taking her out hunting, getting her to shoot as often as possible, get her to where she can easily make most any shot. Then ask her if she wants to shoot small game, of some type, that you have access to hunt.

[Big Mike M]

Sounds like she has a mental block when it comes to shooting a deer. I agree to have her shoot something else first (ie. pig or rabbit). My oldest has never wanted to shoot anything, but her little sister wants to shoot everything. I started her off on a javelina then moved to a doe. After that she has killed whatever I tell her she can shoot. Killed more bigger bucks in the last few years then most men I know. Your daughter will figure it out and hopefully become your hunting buddy forever. I have mine.

[Txsurveyor2014]

As a kid I tagged along and wanted to go but never had a desire to actually shoot something. It wasn't till my 20's that my family started seriously deer hunting a lease. We had places over the year but it was different. I decided I wanted to start hunting too but even with opportunity, I had a hard time pulling the trigger the first time. I was always worried about shooting a doe that was leaving a yearling behind and making it an orphan (total woman thought I'm sure) and I still worry about making a clean shot. When she is ready, it will happen. Justin (Mayhem) pushed me and I finally pulled the trigger, but I wouldn't suggest that for her at all. For a long time I went with my dad and we both carried rifles (didn't bow hunt) and HE was hunting but I was always given the option to shoot a doe or spike if I wanted first dibs on those hunts. That was helpful. I like the dry fire idea too. Another question I would ask her is if she can get in position comfortably? I just had this discussion with Justin last night that I've never hunted a stand that is comfortable for me to get into position and fire without having to stand/squat or sit on my foot because of chairs and window height. It caused me to not shoot more than once last week when we were hunting.

This was my first season without my dad who I just lost in October, so I will say if she wants to go, TAKE HER! Hunting with my dad was always about more than the kill. I'm beyond thankful for every memory I have with him spent in the outdoors even if we went home empty handed.

I know that it is tough for her to get a comfortable shooting position, because the blinds are all built for grown men. I think there are a lot of contributing factors that she has to overcome, but I will try to figure that out. She will absolutely be invited on my hunts, she is my sidekick for all things outdoors!

Sorry for your loss of your dad.

[sierracharlie338]

As a kid I tagged along and wanted to go but never had a desire to actually shoot something. It wasn't till my 20's that my family started seriously deer hunting a lease. We had places over the year but it was different. I decided I wanted to start hunting too but even with opportunity, I had a hard time pulling the trigger the first time. I was always worried about shooting a doe that was leaving a yearling behind and making it an orphan (total woman thought I'm sure) and I still worry about making a clean shot. When she is ready, it will happen. Justin (Mayhem) pushed me and I finally pulled the trigger, but I wouldn't suggest that for her at all. For a long time I went with my dad and we both carried rifles (didn't bow hunt) and HE was hunting but I was always given the option to shoot a doe or spike if I wanted first dibs on those hunts. That was helpful. I like the dry fire idea too. Another question I would ask her is if she can get in position comfortably? I just had this discussion with Justin last night that I've never hunted a stand that is comfortable for me to get into position and fire without having to stand/squat or sit on my foot because of chairs and window height. It caused me to not shoot more than once last week when we were hunting.

This was my first season without my dad who I just lost in October, so I will say if she wants to go, TAKE HER! Hunting with my dad was always about more than the kill. I'm beyond thankful for every memory I have with him spent in the outdoors even if we went home empty handed.

This is so awesome, thank you, from a girl dad, for sharing your perspective on it.

OP keep at it brother she will let you know when she is ready!


Sierracharlie out....

[Erin]

I know that it is tough for her to get a comfortable shooting position, because the blinds are all built for grown men. I think there are a lot of contributing factors that she has to overcome, but I will try to figure that out. She will absolutely be invited on my hunts, she is my sidekick for all things outdoors!

Sorry for your loss of your dad.

It's a big factor for me and as a grown woman, it sucks trying to sit on my foot or get into whatever position works, and not miss my shot and try to not make noise! I think we are going to work on figuring out a better option for next season since I'm the rifle hunter and the boys shoot compound or crossbow.

Thank you!

[bullets13]

Gotta be patient. Either it'll work out or it wont. both of my girls like the idea of hunting, but when we get to the lease they don't enjoy it much. I'm just being patient and letting them come along from time to time, hoping that it'll stick with at least one of them.

[Huntsman27]

There has been some really good ideas and thoughts already posted, I agree with not pushing her into it so to speak, she will shoot if and when she is ready. I remember thinking when my kids were young how they would handle killing a deer for the first time. I think they are all different.

[Dusty Britches]

Every year we volunteer for Operation Orphans and take girls out. Every year, we get girls who have never shot a gun before. The older girls (15-17) can't wait to lay down a deer and many times take a shot at first light. The younger girls (11-14) can either be like that or not sure of the whole deal.

For the younger girls, we let them dry fire and hope and pray for wild hogs. When they see those things, the young girls typically can't wait to lay them down. After they shoot a hog, they are ready for a deer. But a lot of times hogs do not show up but during lunch the other girls get them excited about shooting a deer and in the afternoon, they are ready.

I especially like the dry fire suggestion. Another suggestion is to set up a paper deer target and let her shoot that to build confidence. If you have another slightly older girl, a cousin, friend, sister, etc. have her go with you and let her shoot first. You would be surprised how much seeing another girl shoot will motivate them.

[C R Cox]

My girls were the same way at first.
Turns out it was the loud noise they were scared of the most.
Bought earmuffs that you can hear with and kills the sound and haven’t looked back.
Even took them a few shots to trust the suppressor.

If she is worried about the shot make sure she has a good rest where she’s confident.
If you don’t have one let me know and I can help you out.

[bowhntrmatt]

Take her dove hunting. Let her get used to pulling the trigger and killing when there is less at stake.

[basschump]

used to be my daughter to the T. She finally said she had no desire in shooting animals and just wanted to spend time with me outside. Now we both enjoy going and there is no pressure. the offer for her to shoot anytime is available. Just enjoy time with your kiddo as they grow to dang fast

Thanks for posting this! I have a really good friend that said she never cared about hunting- but loved to go hunting with her father. It was her time with her dad in the outdoors.

Enjoy every minute with your kids. Looks for ways to make it enjoyable. Doesn’t have to be about just killing deer.

[rut-ro]

As a kid I tagged along and wanted to go but never had a desire to actually shoot something. It wasn't till my 20's that my family started seriously deer hunting a lease. We had places over the year but it was different. I decided I wanted to start hunting too but even with opportunity, I had a hard time pulling the trigger the first time. I was always worried about shooting a doe that was leaving a yearling behind and making it an orphan (total woman thought I'm sure) and I still worry about making a clean shot. When she is ready, it will happen. Justin (Mayhem) pushed me and I finally pulled the trigger, but I wouldn't suggest that for her at all. For a long time I went with my dad and we both carried rifles (didn't bow hunt) and HE was hunting but I was always given the option to shoot a doe or spike if I wanted first dibs on those hunts. That was helpful. I like the dry fire idea too. Another question I would ask her is if she can get in position comfortably? I just had this discussion with Justin last night that I've never hunted a stand that is comfortable for me to get into position and fire without having to stand/squat or sit on my foot because of chairs and window height. It caused me to not shoot more than once last week when we were hunting.

This was my first season without my dad who I just lost in October, so I will say if she wants to go, TAKE HER! Hunting with my dad was always about more than the kill. I'm beyond thankful for every memory I have with him spent in the outdoors even if we went home empty handed.

Well said. Sometimes my daughter and I do not even take a gun to the stand.

[talltexasshoote]

My daughter did the very same thing the first three times she was on the crossbow. The thing that changed it was my lack of thinking like her. We had a large pig walk behind the feed pen and circle checking the wind. He was obviously not going to stop and settle. I picked up my bow and ran one through him as he came in front of the blind. She looked at me and yelled “bullseye!” Later she confided that she was afraid of what it would look like when one was shot. I should have taken her with me when I shot an animal earlier and I think we could have skipped this step. She is a stone cold huntress now. She understands management and just enjoying the experience way more than my son does. I definitely would not want to be her target. When it’s go time the blood trail is usually easy.

[glen]

I had a Dad/ daughter team sit on one of my stands about 6 times and she was same way. She went and sat with my wife and crushed the first doe that stepped out. Maybe see if you can find an excuse to have her sit with someone else. I know you want to be there but maybe she can sense pressure and it gets her shook up.

My wife said she had to slow the little girl down.

[Double C]

“Shoot” with a camera.