Introducing Youth to Big Game Hunting
LISTEN: (3 min, 57 sec)
THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING than watching a younger hunter bag their first big game animal. Whether it is a deer, hog or bear watching them take the shot and seeing the sheer excitement on their faces when they put their hands on the animal is truly something special.
But, there are many moving parts to get you from point A to point B. If you don’t have a plan in place, you very well may not get the smile of a satisfied hunter, but you can rather turn a youth completely against it. There are several moving parts that are different for a big game hunt over other youth hunts such as squirrel or rabbit.
The author’s twin sons have killed dozens of hogs with an AR 10 which has minimal recoil.
(Photo: Shane Smith)
So let’s go over a few tips to make sure they have a great day in the woods and make memories that will cement them in the outdoors for years to come.
Set them up for success
Have a blind or stand that provides you with plenty of game that is under the 100 yard mark. This usually means corn or some type of feeder to attract the big game and keep them occupied. If possible show them pictures from game cameras at the hunting location to get them excited about the hunt and the area.
Range Time
Set aside some time to let the youth shoot the weapon to become somewhat familiar with the gun. Don’t wait until the animal is in range to try and show them where the safety is and how to properly squeeze the trigger. It goes without saying to always stress safety and to treat every gun as though it is loaded and to keep pointed in a safe direction.
Don’t go small on caliber This is by far the biggest mistake I see people make in taking youth hunting bigger game like deer and hogs. They will reach for their trusty AR15 chambered in .556, or a single shot 223. Yes, all of these weapon systems can dispatch big game with one shot. But shot placement is paramount here. This is where I err on the side of a larger caliber rifle. My twin boys are 8 and have killed dozens of hogs with my AR10 chambered in 6.5 creedmoor. The felt recoil is very minimal and they are shooting a 129 grain bullet instead of a 44 grain. There are several other options out there that fall into this category: 6.5 grendel, 6mm ARC, 243, 6.8 SPC and the 7.62X39mm. These calibers all give the youth a bit more leeway as far as shot placement and still won’t have the sinful recoil of typical big game rifles.
Use a suppressor if possible
A suppressor will provide the youth shooter a bit more of recoil relief in addition to not hurting their ears. I also love the fact that you get the instant report of hearing the bullet impact the animal. I know a suppressor can be expensive, but much like any quality optic, you buy once and cry once.
Bring a tripod
…or have a steady shooting platform. If you hunt in a blind or treestand, make sure you have something in place to rest the gun on. Setting the gun up and having it somewhat where it needs to be will eliminate unnecessary movements that could spook the game. This also gives the youth the best chance for a clean one shot- one kill.
Keep them comfortable
I bring extra seat cushions to make sure my boys are comfortable and not squirming the whole time due to seats that don’t really fit them. Also, grab a few snacks that are quiet to open. Bring a thermocell if you have mosquitoes in your woods. Where we live the bugs can make or break your hunt if you don’t have some type of repellent!
Taking youth out hunting big game is very rewarding and very challenging. Set your youth up for success this fall and get them in the woods to enjoy the outdoors every chance you get and I promise you that you won’t regret it!
story by SHANE SMITH
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