Apr 11, 2025 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

Frequently is the question asked, “When is the right time to start a youngster into hunting, fishing, shooting, trapping?”

While I’m certain there is not a one-size-fits-all answer, the major component, in this author’s humble opinion, is more often than not a combination of attention span, responsibility and hand/eye coordination. Better question is: When is a boy or girl old enough to start taking walks with mom and dad in the woods? Answer: Whenever they seem to enjoy it. Even if they are not old enough to handle a firearm on their own, they may indeed be old enough to head out in the woods with some level of adult supervision. There’s really no rhyme nor reason except for when the individual is interested. There is always something to learn each time they venture out. The same could be said for those of us doing the mentoring.

Field guides can be a great asset, especially if the adult in charge is not already an outdoorsman or maybe comes to the game late and is learning right along with junior. There is always Google to fall back on, if necessary.

Woods walks are some of my favorite childhood memories with my Dad. Same for me and my little girl, Emma. We weren’t always necessarily hunting or fishing, per se, but we were out there “in it.” My father was constantly busy fixing, remodeling, repairing. He worked 8-10 hours per day at his job and then worked all evening after supper around home. It was a major contributing factor to his passing at 53. Dad didn’t hunt after I was born because of a heart condition but every once in a while, we would take off behind the house for a short jaunt and he would school me in the flora and fauna that were a mystery of our back forty. I can still vividly remember his introductions of plants like Crow’s Foot, Teaberry and how to climb a hickory sapling and ride it to the ground. We suffered a lot of resultant crooked hickory saplings.

I watched a dad with his little boy along the stream not long ago. It was evident that dad wanted to fish and little man was done with the whole affair after just a few minutes. Applause for dad’s efforts and interest in his little guy’s mentoring. However, it was everything I could do to keep from sticking my nose into their business. I didn’t. I got to thinking that maybe outdoor introductions are best made with quick exposures rather than marathon outings.

Keeping it fun would be my recommendation. It rather reminds me of working with puppies when bringing on a young protege. One can only keep a youngster occupied as long as their attention span will allow. Early on I work puppies in 15-minute intervals, several times per day. Same goes for our little ones. As long as they’re having fun, go for it. When their attention span begins to wane, wrap it up for the time being. Maybe downshift and change activities altogether. Making a game out of today’s subject matter seems to help. If a kid thinks they’re playing a game or competing, that can extend the activity. Snacks are always a good idea and can help to refocus. Water can be a real attention keeper. We called it creek stomping as we discovered all sorts of bugs and rocks and critters and plants on our jaunts. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boats are a great ace in the hole, turning a familiar haunt into a whole new world.

Building a fire keeps a kid busy while teaching that particular skill. Gathering firewood can be an ongoing task while warming up and fire has always been a captivator for me, as well. A fire also presents an opportunity to snuggle with my kid which I’m always up for. When we camped in the old cemetery on the hill behind our house, we would plan for reading time, camp set up, cookery, board games, woods walks, chore tending. We never really planned formally but would move in and out of activities as needed. A pre-built fire site is an old go-to. Cooking a couple of hotdogs on a stick goes a lot quicker (and easier) if everything is ready and waiting. Having a multitude of tasks they can assist with pays big dividends as well. We don’t always have time to prepare in advance and spontaneity can be great, but when time allows for advanced planning, take full advantage.

As much as it pains me to sound like an old school teacher, sometimes, a good lesson plan goes a long way to ensuring the goal. Think about what you’re wanting to accomplish and then plan accordingly. Break it down, step by step. Can you set up items in advance in order to save time on site? In what order do I introduce concepts? Can I have another activity or two on standby in case the first two or three flop? Carry a compass and expose the youngster to its purpose. Knife safety is always a topic to broach. First aid. Carry a rope and work on knot tying. Incorporating knot tying in camp chores concretes the whole scenario while making for practical application.

When it comes to facilitating a love and appreciation of the outdoors, we want to do everything in our power and control to make this a positive experience. A Kool Aid and candy bar-fueled four-year-old trapped inside a dog house deer blind might not be a recipe for success, but boy do I admire your courage.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com